McPeek to become bloodstock agent

Trainer Kenny McPeek will put away the condition book and become a full-time

bloodstock agent, beginning July 1.

"I have given great thought to this decision," McPeek said in a statement

issued by the Churchill Downs press office. "I am very proud of what I have been

able to accomplish as a trainer. I have trained 82 stakes winners and, at the

age of 42, I am still very young. More than 100 horses are currently under my

management and many of those horses will be transferred to my current assistants

and other trainers. I will continue to be actively involved in the decision

making process for many of those horses and I will continue to advise many of my

current owners in the area of purchasing.

"I greatly enjoy the challenge of finding a top class racehorse," he

added. "I

plan on attending all of the major auctions, with a particular focus on the

yearling and South American markets."

A trainer for nearly 20 years, McPeek said he would not

rule out a return to the profession if the right opportunity came

along.