About Chesapeake Farms
Our History
Established in 1986, Chesapeake Farm has become a household name amongst the top horsemen in the thoroughbred industry.
During its decades of operation, Chesapeake Farm clients have become accustomed to the very best care for their mares, sales horses and racing prospects. Horsemen have responded in kind, which has helped Chesapeake expand from a modest 120-acre facility with 30 stalls to a 400-acre facility that currently houses 100 stalls in six barns and six run-in sheds.
Chesapeake has realized success in virtually all disciplines of the industry, but has found a niche in boarding and sales preparation since Owner/Operator Collier Mathes took the reins in 2016. With his background in yearling care at major farms across the country, clients can be sure their horses have realized their potential before entering the sales ring.
Success on the racetrack has not eluded Chesapeake Farm. In 2007, Chesapeake foaled-and-raised Street Sense captured the G1 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs and became the first G1 Breeders Cup Juvenile winner to also win the Kentucky Derby. Wins in the $500,000 Jim Dandy S.-G2 and the $1,000,000 Travers S.-G1 would further cement his place in racing history.
G1 success returned in 2016 when Klimt won the G1 Del Mar Futurity as a 2-year-old. Klimt was born and raised at Chesapeake Farm. 2017 continued the farm’s success when foaled and raised Battle of Midway took the G1 Breeders Cup Dirt Mile. He has since gone on to stand stud at the prestigious Winstar Farm.
Though its operation has grown physically over the years, Chesapeake still prides itself on providing exhaustive personal attention for every horse in its care. It is that mindset which allows the farm to maximize the performance of their clients’ equine portfolios. Though trivialized by some, it is those extra steps that help fully develop our horses’ potential, regardless of the track or sales ring in which it will perform. And it is that mindset which sets Chesapeake Farm apart in the Thoroughbred industry.
Our team
Owner/Operator Collier Mathes began his quest for a career in farm management at age 15 when he began working with esteemed horseman, Jim Herbener. He would eventually go on to be assistant farm manager of Heatherland Farm in Lexington, Kentucky and a brief stint as Assistant Stallion Manager of Adena Springs would lead him to Chesapeake Farm to manage under previous owner. After several years with the farm, Mathes was offered a position with the late Jess Jackson at Stonestreet Farm as yearling manager where he would help shape the careers of many successful youngsters in his three years there. Following his time at Stonestreet, Mathes also managed Southern Equine in Midway, Kentucky and Elm Tree Farm before returning to Chesapeake Farm in 2015. On January 1, 2017 Collier purchased the business. Collier’s experience in preparing horses for sale is second to none and has proven success in the sales ring as well as the racetrack.
Dr. Kara Mathes
Veterinarian