History of Buckland Sales Agency
In 2015, Buckland Sales Agency began as a partnership between entrepreneur and Thoroughbred owner Ro Parra and lifelong horseman Zach Madden. Parra’s Millennium Farms, which served as Buckland’s original headquarters, was situated on the hallowed ground. Over the past 150 years, the land had been home to 1981 Kentucky Derby winner Pleasant Colony, had been part of the “Pride of the Bluegrass,” as James Ben Ali Haggin’s 12,000-acre Elmendorf Farm was known, and was also home to Thomas Mellon Evan’s Buckland Farm, from which the sales agency garnered its moniker.
Since presenting its inaugural consignment under the Buckland banner at the November Breeding Stock Sale, Buckland Sales Agency has consigned at all major North American yearling and breeding stock sales with a focus on unparalleled horsemanship and customer service. Buckland Sales graduates include Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Taiba, graded stakes performers Chocolate Martini (G2), Biddy Duke (G3), and Caracaro (G1 placed), among others.
At the close of 2021, Ro Parra made the decision to consolidate his Thoroughbred interests and handed the reins to Zach Madden as its sole proprietor.
“I am a big believer in Zach’s skills and capabilities,” said Parra in a statement about his decision to step away from Buckland as a partner. “Zach has spent six years building the foundation of Buckland Sales, and it was my honor to support him in that. This transition is something we have planned for a long time, and I will continue to consign my own horses under the Buckland banner.”
 Zach Madden, Owner
Born and raised in the Bluegrass, Zach Madden fell in love with Thoroughbreds from an early age on his grandparents’, Tom and Norma Collins’, On The Rocks Farm in Lexington, Kentucky. Enamored with the racing and breeding industry, Zach pursued a Bachelor of Business Management degree with a minor in Economics from the University of Kentucky and, throughout his academic career, he paired his classroom studies with hands-on work at the famed Three Chimneys Farm.
Building his resume from the ground up, Madden worked with mares and foals, as well as with yearlings being pointed to the sales. Madden’s work ethic and easy demeanor made those around him take note and, upon graduation, he was brought on full-time to work in the bloodstock and sales office. In that environment, Madden thrived. Liked and respected by clients and competitors alike, Madden was eventually promoted to Director of Client Development.
After 10 years at Three Chimneys Farm, Madden left to join Ro Parra and his team at Millennium Farms. Originally hired to focus on client relations and the re-invigoration of the Millennium consignment efforts, Madden found his niche quickly, working with both established and new clients to help them manage their bloodstock portfolios and maximize their investments in the Thoroughbred business.
Then, in 2015 Madden and Parra launched Buckland Sales Agency, a joint venture focused on consigning yearlings, breeding stock and horses of racing age for both Millennium Farms and outside clients. Buckland quickly found success, selling Grade 2 winner Chocolate Martini in its inaugural year, quickly followed by several other graded stakes performers, including Biddy Duke (G3) and Caracaro (G1-placed, now standing at stud). In 2022, Buckland Sales was represented by Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Taiba in the Kentucky Derby.
Madden, his wife (Lacey) and their son (Reese) live in Lexington, Kentucky.
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Lauren Morgan, Director of Bloodstock
Lauren Morgan joined the Buckland team in December, 2021 as the Director of Bloodstock. In that role, she handles everything from client relations and horse evaluations to a myriad of bloodstock-related services for the agency.
A native of Troy, Michigan, Morgan has worked hard to develop a deep foundation of horsemanship and business acumen in the Thoroughbred industry. Previously, she was a sales and bloodstock consultant for Vinery Sales, and prior to that she handled client relations and bloodstock services for Darby Dan Farm.
Morgan is a graduate of Michigan State University. During that time as an intern for Shadwell Farm is when her passion for the Thoroughbred industry was first sparked. Upon graduating, she moved to Lexington full time and gained experience working as a veterinary assistant during the breeding season for Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, then with yearlings during sales prep season at WinStar Farm.
Outside of work, Morgan has a talent for interior design and enjoys consulting on home décor projects. She also enjoys riding her off-track Thoroughbred, “Theo” (by Uncle Mo).
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Morgan Kei, Bloodstock Assistant & Accounting
While Morgan Kei officially came on board full time with Buckland upon graduation from the University of Kentucky, where she majored in Equine Science and Management, she’s been part of the team for far longer.
Originally from Prince George County, Virginia, Kei grew up riding Saddlebreds and hunter/jumpers and knew from an early age that she wanted to pursue a career with horses as its focus. She made the move to Kentucky in 2017 to attend the University of Kentucky and was an active member of the school’s professional agricultural sorority, Sigma Alpha.
While in school, Kei interned with both Buckland Sales and Millennium Farms, gaining professional experience in everything from hands-on equine care, sales prep and herd management to sales accounting and administration, billing and other office tasks.
Today Kei manages the administrative side of Buckland Sales, including sales proceed disbursement, accounting, client communications, sale coordination, billing and more.
When away from the office, Kei enjoys spending time with her blue heeler-pointer mix, Bojangles and tries to get back to Virginia to visit family whenever she can.
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