Horses were the family business.
The Casse family's legacy in Thoroughbred racing spans more than six decades and three generations, with deep roots in Ocala, Florida. Justin Casse grew up immersed in the industry, where his father, Norman, was a pioneering figure and co-founder of Ocala Breeders' Sales, his mother, Linda, handicapped races on television, and his brother, Mark, became a Hall of Fame trainer in two countries.
Following in the family tradition, Justin began his career as a groom and assistant trainer before moving to Lexington to learn the bloodstock sales business. At just 24, he founded Casse Sales LLC, establishing his own place in the industry.
More than two decades later, Justin has expanded the family's influence internationally, buying and selling Thoroughbreds throughout North America, Europe, and beyond. His career includes involvement with numerous Grade 1 winners, most notably Preakness Stakes winner War of Will, two-time Breeders' Cup champion Mizdirection, and 14 other Grade 1 winners. Drawing on his background in international affairs and a lifetime surrounded by horses, Justin continues to carry forward the Casse family's traditions of horsemanship, entrepreneurship, and dedication to the sport.
In print
Both sides of the ring
As an individual and through Casse Sales, Justin keeps the roster small and matches each horse to the owner's budget, ambition, and tolerance for risk.
Buying
Private and auction purchases for owners, from weanlings and yearlings to two-year-olds and broodmares, in North America, Europe, and beyond.
Selling
Selling horses privately and at auction on behalf of owners, placed and timed for the strongest result.
Pinhooking
Buying young Thoroughbreds, typically as weanlings or yearlings, with the aim of reselling them at a later auction for a profit.
Horses that proved the call
War of Will
Found by Justin at a breeze-up sale in France for Gary Barber. The colt came back to America and won the Preakness, the second leg of the Triple Crown.
Mizdirection
Came through the Casse Sales consignment as an unraced two-year-old.
Classic Empire
Justin brokered the sale of the colt's stallion rights to Coolmore.
Buying, selling, or still deciding.
Justin keeps his roster small. The best place to start is a short conversation about what you're after.