Whisper Hill Farm, LLC and Gainesway Stable (Antony Beck)

Florida-based Mandy Pope breeds and races horses under the name Whisper Hill Farm. The breeder of horses such as Tizway has been in the thoroughbred business for 30 years but has been a lifelong horsewoman. Her family owns Variety Wholesalers, where she has spent time on the board of directors for the company. In 2012, Pope made history when she bought 2011 Horse of the Year Havre De Grace for a record $10 million at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale, the next day she paid $4.2 million for 2011 Kentucky Oaks winner Plum Pretty.

Whisper Hill Farm teamed up with GoldMark Farm, LLC to campaign winner Mylute, third in the 2013 Preakness Stakes and runner-up in the 2013 Louisiana Derby. Whisper Hill Farm also purchased champion female sprinter Groupie Doll for $3.1 million in late 2013 and campaigned her for one more start to close out her racing career before sending her to the breeding shed. 

In 2019, Pope's Whisper Hill Farm purchased an American Pharoah filly for $8.2 million at the Keeneland September yearling sale. The filly is a half-sister to champion racemare Beholder. 

Gainesway in Lexington combines a rich history with contemporary success like few other stud farms in the renowned central Kentucky breeding region. The farm’s name harkens back to the late John Gaines, one of the most influential figures in the Thoroughbred industry during the 20^th century, who established Gainesway in 1974 and subsequently became a prominent commercial breeder and a thought leader in the industry who originated the concept for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, bringing the hugely popular annual event into existence in 1984.

Today, Gainesway is operated by Antony Beck, the son of the late Graham Beck, who purchased the farm from Gaines in 1989.