John and Leslie Malone – Bridlewood Farm

The Malones purchased the 800-acre historic facility in Ocala, Florida in August 2013, and are spearheading its revitalization. In the short span since they purchased Bridlewood, the Malones have procured some of the most sought-after bloodstock in the sales arena, and secured three new graded stakes winners for their stallion barn. John Malone, Chairman of Liberty Media Corp. (whose holdings include Sirius XM and the Atlanta Braves) is the largest land owner in the United States. Leslie, a horse lover since childhood, is a well-known equestrian and major supporter of the U.S. Olympic Dressage Team.

While the Malones credit their Irish heritage for their quest to acquire land, the purchase of Bridlewood hit a little closer to home. “We’re approaching retirement age, and we were originally thinking of a retirement place,” John told The Blood-Horse. And the thrill and excitement of the Thoroughbred industry, coupled with the opportunity to preserve such a famed operation, was an opportunity too good to pass up.

“It’s a beautiful property,” John said. “To find a hill in Florida is a rarity. The place has a lot of natural beauty, and visiting the farm kind of brings out the farmer in me.”