Longtime Ocala horseman Will Johnson has been tabbed as the new stallion manager at John Sykes' CloverLeaf Farms II and has already begun duties at the Reddick-based stud farm.

An Ocala resident since 1975, Johnson most notably worked for 20 years at Franks Farms stallion operation in Ocala.

“I cannot tell you how excited I am to have the opportunity to work with breeders again for such a top-class stallion operation like CloverLeaf,” said Johnson. “Mr. Sykes has always had a reputation for quality and integrity. The quality shows in the top stallions he's brought to Ocala, and both Repent and Crown of Thorns certainly uphold that tradition. They're both awesome individuals that sell themselves when you see them in person and evaluate their credentials. The integrity is something I am expected to carry out with breeders, and I can't wait to get to work with my fellow Florida horsemen during the upcoming breeding season with these two exciting stallions.”

Johnson will oversee established leading Florida sire Repent, along with his top son Crown of Thorns, who will stand his first season at stud in 2012.

“We're thrilled to have such a respected and experienced horseman like Will heading up the CloverLeaf stallion division,” said Sykes. “His reputation for honesty and hard work, along with his rapport with breeders, will serve him well. We welcome him to the CloverLeaf team.”

Repent is coming off a stellar year in 2011. He was the only sire with five 2-year-old stakes winners – leading all sires in North America – and also led all sires in Florida with 10 stakes winners overall in 2011.

Crown of Thorns recently retired to Florida as a multiple Grade 2 winner of $821,693. His biggest win came during his undefeated 3-year-old campaign when he dominated the Robert Lewis S. (G2) in stakes-record time of 1:40.76 to become the early favorite for the Kentucky Derby (G1).

Johnson and CloverLeaf Farms II will host a stallion show featuring both stallions on Saturday, January 14 from 2-4 pm at the farm. Johnson announced that free stallion seasons will be drawn for breeders in attendance, and the event will be catered.

For further inquiries, call Will Johnson at the farm at 352-591-5871, or on his mobile at 352-427-1268.