Speaker Series: Chris Knehr, Lanes End
Photo credit: Lane's End
The RTIP Speaker Series welcomed Chris Knehr, Stallion Seasons and Shares Manager, at Lane’s End Farm. Lane's End is of the most respected operations in the Thoroughbred world.
Chris’s path into racing wasn’t linear. He grew up in New Jersey with no horse background, studied biology at Virginia Tech, and first worked with horses to build experience for vet school. His hands-on work led to an internship at Overbrook Farm (home to legend Storm Cat), at sales consignment companies, before he moved into stallion seasons and shares.
Chris explained what a consignor does at major auctions like Keeneland September Sale — from evaluating conformation and pedigree, managing vetting and paperwork, tracking showings and repository activity, helping to set reserves, and trying to place each yearling in the right “book” to stand out. Even if a horse doesn’t meet its reserve (RNA) in the sales ring, deals can still happen back at the barn.
In his current role, Chris helps build stallion books, sell seasons and shares, and coordinate marketing. He had the opportunity to highlight sires including Flightline, Candy Ride, and Twirling Candy. He touched on how stallions are syndicated (often 40 shares), how season revenue is pooled for shareholders, and how farms set stud fees each year by weighing sale averages, racetrack results, demand, and fertility. He also discussed the recent shift in market trends.
Big picture advice for students - there are a variety of paths into the racing industry. Say yes to opportunities, learn from every job (good or bad), and bring enthusiasm and authenticity to your work.