George Isaacs grew up with livestock on his grandparents’ Kentucky farms and started as a groom at Stanley Petter’s Hurricane Hall. In 1981, Isaacs worked for the late Joe Taylor at John Gaines’ Gainesway Farm as a stallion groom, assistant stallion manager and yearling manager.
“I have always loved being outside and when I first started working with horses, I immediately knew it was my calling,” Isaacs said. “Stanley Petter and Joe Taylor were both key mentors in my development as a skilled horsemen and believed enough in me to give me the opportunity.”
In 1989, Isaacs became stallion manager at Arthur Appleton’s Bridlewood Farm in Ocala. In 1992, he was general manager for Allen Paulson’s Brookside South Farm. In 1996, Isaacs returned to Bridlewood as general manager, overseeing the farm’s operation ever since.
“I moved to Ocala to Bridlewood because the late Richard Hancock of the FTBOA called me and told me about the opportunity,” Isaacs said. “I decided to give it a shot and the rest of the story has been one chapter after another of working for the Appleton’s, Allen Paulson and now the Malone’s, with so many champion horses, wonderful people and experiences.”
During that time, more than 100 Florida-bred stakes winners and 12 Grade 1 winners have been bred by the farm, including Florida champions Jolie’s Halo, Wild Event, Forbidden Apple, Southern Image, David Junior and Eden’s Moon.
Isaacs helped manage the career of Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness (G1)-winner Smarty Jones for the Chapmans. Leading Florida stallions Skip Trial, Stormy Atlantic, Halo’s Image and Put It Back have all stood at Bridlewood.
Isaacs plans to continue to produce Florida-bred winners with new farm ownership.
“The Malone’s purchased Bridlewood in the fall of 2013 and it truly feels like it was yesterday,” Isaacs said. “Our goal for Bridlewood was simple. Have fun, try to raise good horses, be good to our people and take good care of the land. From my perspective, with that philosophy for stewardship, it is easy to see why the Malone’s are the number one private land owners in the United States.
Starting in 2013 with zero horses, we have tried to develop a winning program for ourselves and our clients. Our training program, under the guidance of farm trainer Meda Murphy, has broke and trained Grade 1 winners and champions, Catholic Boy, Cody’s Wish, Gun Runner, Matareya, Maxfield, Moonshine Memories, Newspaperofrecord (Ire), Pretty Mischievous, Proxy, Tapwrit and others.
“The industry has been very good to me. I would like to give back to Florida by having a small part in ensuring the next generation’s future legacy,” Isaacs said. “I enjoy getting up everyday and trying to make the farm a little better for it. In 2023, I was elected by my peers to be the president of the FTBOA. This experience has been challenging but very rewarding in so many ways. Led by CEO Lonny Powell, Lobbyist Matt Bryan and Jon Rees, a very talented dedicated staff and dynamic board, we collectively are helping shape the vibrancy of the Florida breeding and racing industry through legislative efforts and good leadership decisions. This will go a long way in insuring a healthy industry for the future.”
