Breeding Horses: A Lifelong Passion for Ghent’s Morts

Karen Mort, along with her husband Mallory, plays a crucial role at Gallagher’s Stud, a renowned breeding and racing operation in New York. Established in 1978 by Jerome and Marlene Brody, the farm has a rich history of producing top-tier Thoroughbreds, including notable graded stakes winners like Allez Milord, Rahy’s Appeal, and Straight Story. Karen’s journey into the world of horses began during her childhood, where she developed a deep passion for these majestic animals through books and collectibles.

Karen’s connection to horses deepened when she met Mallory during their time at Penn State University. While Mallory studied animal sciences, Karen pursued biology and environmental resource management. Mallory gifted Karen her first horse, a foal named Winona, which they brought with them when they moved to New York to work at Gallagher’s Stud. This marked the beginning of their long-standing involvement in the horse industry.

At Gallagher’s Stud, Karen has worn many hats, from working in the office and barns to assisting with breeding and grooming. She has also been actively involved in raising their three sons and pursuing a career as a nutrition educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension. Her dedication to promoting healthy eating habits and cooking techniques has been a significant part of her life for over 30 years.

The Morts recently participated in the Fasig-Tipton sale of preferred New York-breds, showcasing their breeding prowess with the sale of two horses. One of their yearlings, a filly by Maclean’s Music, fetched an impressive $230,000, demonstrating the quality of their breeding program. Another colt by Beau Liam was sold for $70,000, further highlighting the Morts‘ success in the industry.

In 2022, a yearling bred by the Morts named Rhetorical made a remarkable debut at Saratoga, winning by five lengths. This success followed the impressive victory of Sterling Silver, another horse bred by the Morts, in the Johnstone Mile. Karen expressed her joy in seeing their horses excel on the track and eagerly anticipates Sterling Silver’s return to Gallagher’s Stud as a broodmare.

Living at Gallagher’s Stud for 45 years, the Morts have witnessed the growth of their children alongside generations of Thoroughbreds. Karen finds solace in watching the mares and foals from her kitchen window and cherishes the moments spent at the foaling barn during the birth of new foals. Despite the challenges of the horse business, Karen remains dedicated to providing the best care for their horses and navigating the complexities of the industry with patience, connections, and a touch of luck.

Karen Mort’s journey from a horse-crazy young girl to an integral part of Gallagher’s Stud exemplifies the passion and dedication required to thrive in the world of Thoroughbred breeding and racing. Her unwavering commitment to the well-being of their horses and the success of their breeding program is a testament to the enduring legacy of Gallagher’s Stud in the racing industry.