Founder & CEO

With over 32 years in the material handling industry, Michael Kares built his business from his college dorm room to a 30-million-dollar business employing over 250 individuals nationwide.

The business is built on many components: loyalty, integrity, trust, and most importantly strong team building. Characteristics of a successful business and keys to a strong personal and professional partnership.

His passion for horse racing started at an early age. His grandfather fueled that interest by bringing Michael to the races. His natural ability and penchant for analytics made him a natural handicapper with a keen eye for evaluating a horse and it’s potential. After honing these skills over the years, Michael wants to bring the same joy, excitement, and appreciation of racing that he has to others.

Racing Manager

Beginning his career with horses at age 14, Mohamed’s passion for horses and racing led to a prominent career in the development and racing of thoroughbred horses throughout the world.

As a third-generation horseman, he has over 40 years of experience working both individually and collectively. Mohammed has managed and trained over 60 Group Winners in the United States and Great Britain alone. He has worked with some of the best talent in the thoroughbred community spanning the U.S., Middle East, and Europe. His dedication, high level of productivity, and success has led to him and his team winning some of the most prestigious races and participating in some of the largest horse auctions in the world. Mohamed now brings this expertise, experience, and professionalism to the development and direction of the Sport of Kings Racing stable.

General Operations

Like many, Bob’s love for thoroughbred racing grew from family outings at various tracks up and down the East Coast. In later years one of these outings resulted in meeting Sport of Kings Racing Founder and President Michael Kares. That meeting would later result in forging a personal and professional relationship for the past twenty-five years. First with Michael’s Hammer Time Stables and now with Sport of Kings Racing.

Bob’s love of racing is only seconded by his knowledge of operations and marketing as he served thirty years as an Advertising and Marketing Director for print and digital publications. That experience helps Bob navigate the ever changing and complex aspects of overseeing the general operations involved in running a partnership.

Vice President of Finance

A graduate of Boston College, Bernadette earned her CPA license while working in public accounting at KPMG. Throughout her 35-year career, Bernadette’s experience with Fortune 100 companies at Prudential, Goldman Sachs, and News Corporation prepared her to expand beyond accounting into business operations and management.

Born and raised among the horse farms in central New Jersey, Bernadette enjoyed both visiting the farms and attending races at Monmouth Park, NJ. Today she lives amongst the numerous horse farms in the state and it has allowed her children to experience the same love of horses she has. For Bernadette visiting the stables and attending races is a dream come true.

As a financial and management advisor to small businesses, Bernadette joined Sport of Kings Racing Partners and quickly became an integral part of the management team. She’s learned the intricate business of horse racing and participates in key decisions to move the business forward. Bernadette’s professionalism and knowledge of financial operations ensures Sport of Kings Racing Partners continues its operational goals as well as serving our partner’s needs.

DIrector, Partnerships & Business Development

Katherine Wheeler, a native of Lexington, Kentucky, has always been passionate about horses. After graduating from the University of Kentucky, she embarked on a successful career in the thoroughbred industry.

Katherine's experience spans multiple facets of the industry, including breeding, sales, and racing. She served as assistant manager at Royal Pegasus, an International breeding & racing operation, and worked for renowned trainer Kenny McPeek. Additionally, she held the position of West Coast Sales Manager for the National Thoroughbred Racing Association.

In 2016, Katherine developed a successful healthy equine shampoo business after receiving a proprietary formula. She has also honed her expertise in thoroughbred sales, having worked extensively with breeders, yearlings, and two-year-olds in training.

Under the guidance of Mike Mulligan, Katherine has gained valuable experience clocking and evaluating two-year-olds in training at sales in Ocala, Florida. Her comprehensive understanding of the industry, from breeding to aftercare, makes her a valuable asset.

Katherine is a dedicated advocate for equine welfare, with a particular focus on aftercare and therapy for horses. She is passionate about introducing newcomers to the world of thoroughbred racing, showcasing the industry in a positive light.

We are delighted to have Katherine on board, and her expertise and enthusiasm are invaluable assets to our team.

Assistant Racing Manager/Partner Relations

A.J.’s passion for horses was fueled at an early age. He first learned to ride at four years of age, trading training wheels for stirrups.

This passion turned into a profession as A.J. began his career as an assistant to a World Champion Reigning Horse rider and trainer. A chance meeting with Founder & Partner, Michael Kares, who recognized his skills at conformation, led A.J. to becoming a bloodstock agent with Michael’s Hammer Time Stables.

Presently A.J. assists Racing Manager, Mohamed Moubarak, and the Vice President of Sales & Operations, Maria Lynn, with evaluating and procuring thoroughbreds for both Sport of Racing Partners’ Pinhook and Stable partnerships.

A.J.’s engaging and gregarious personality makes him the perfect person to be our Partner Relations manager. He assists all our partners, families, and friends with any horse or stable-related questions and will make your experience with us an enjoyable one. He looks forward to meeting you, whether at a sale, the paddock, or lifting a glass with you in the Winners Circle!