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| Staff Writer |
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Team Valor International is galloping into a new era with the appointment of Frederick Heyman as its president. The 62-year-old Baltimore-based lawyer, bringing a wealth of experience to the Florida-based Limited Liability Company, has been hand-picked by Chief Executive Officer Barry Irwin to steer the stable's domestic operations.
Heyman's racing pedigree is as impeccable as a Triple Crown winner's. Having managed the racing and Marathon Farm's operations of the late Baltimore Orioles' owner Peter Angelos, and served on the board of Fair Hill training centre, he's no stranger to the intricacies of the sport. His track record includes forming racing partnerships and managing stakes-winning runners in the Mid-Atlantic, as well as consulting for owners and breeders in acquiring racing and breeding stock.
The appointment comes as Irwin sets his sights on expanding Team Valor's international presence. "I plan to spend more time each summer and fall abroad, where we source most of our stock. I want to focus on the stable in Ireland, England and Europe. Being able to eyeball what we buy is an advantage," Irwin explained, highlighting the challenges of running a stable both domestically and internationally.
Team Valor International has long been a force to be reckoned with on the global stage. The stable has claimed victory in prestigious races such as the Gr.1 Dubai World Cup with Animal Kingdom in 2013, who also triumphed in the Gr.1 Kentucky Derby in 2011. Their international success extends to Europe, with Pluck winning the Gr.2 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf in 2010.
Irwin's decision to bring Heyman on board is not just about the present, but also about ensuring a smooth transition for the future. "Having Fred on board will free me up to do what I do best," Irwin said. "Fred initially will learn the administrative ropes of TVI, gradually take over operating the domestic branch of our international stable and eventually move into a role as my successor."
Heyman's background is as diverse as Team Valor's global interests. A high school All American wide receiver, he graduated cum laude with a degree in political science from the University of Maryland. His legal acumen was honed at Temple University School of Law, where he was awarded the William R. Spofford Scholarship for outstanding legal scholarship.
The new president's role will extend beyond the racetrack. Heyman is set to contribute to Team Valor's well-received in-house publication, the Insiders' Bulletin, relieving Irwin of the sole responsibility of generating the bi-weekly 20 to 25 pages of original content.
While the changing of the guard signals a new chapter for Team Valor, Irwin is quick to dispel any notions of an imminent departure. "Look: there are things I can do abroad that will help our operation. But I need help on the domestic front and Fred can provide it," he said. "It is a bonus that when I do decide to step back, I know that I have selected a fellow capable of continuing our operation."
As Team Valor International enters this new phase, the racing world will be watching closely. With Heyman at the helm of domestic operations and Irwin focusing on international prospects, the stable seems poised to build on its impressive legacy and gallop towards even greater global success.