Godolphin Horses Thrive Under Burke's Care at Keeneland

Veteran trainer Johnny Burke highlights the standout Godolphin runners in his Keeneland shedrow.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Veteran trainer Johnny Burke oversees Godolphin's pre-training and rehabilitation program at Keeneland, where a talented group of graded stakes winners and promising young prospects are currently in his care. Burke provides an in-depth look at some of the notable horses in his barn, including recent stakes winners Think Big and First Resort, as well as several unraced 3-year-olds he believes have bright futures.

Why it matters

As one of the most prominent private training operations in North America, Godolphin's success relies heavily on the work done by trainers like Johnny Burke at Keeneland and other regional training centers. Burke's expertise in developing young horses and rehabilitating veterans has played a key role in Godolphin's continued dominance on the racetrack.

The details

Burke, who has overseen Godolphin's pre-training program at Keeneland since 2006, currently has a diverse group of horses in his care. Some are unraced prospects needing additional time before joining their racing stables, while others are seasoned veterans returning from layoffs. Burke highlights several standouts, including recent graded stakes winners Think Big and First Resort, as well as several promising 3-year-olds he believes have the potential for big futures, such as Infinite Sky, Rose Room, and Cutting Edge.

  • Burke has headed up Godolphin's pre-training and rehabilitation program at Keeneland since 2006.
  • Think Big last raced in October 2024 and is expected to return to action this spring.
  • First Resort most recently won the 2024 GII Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes and is nearing a return to training.
  • Infinite Sky, a half-sister to Grade I winner Wet Paint, is returning from a knee chip surgery.
  • Rose Room broke her maiden at Delaware Park in August 2025 and is being pointed to stakes races at Colonial Downs.

The players

Johnny Burke

A veteran trainer who has overseen Godolphin's pre-training and rehabilitation program at Keeneland since 2006.

Think Big

A 5-year-old gelding who won the 2025 GII Shakertown Stakes, GII Turf Sprint Stakes, and GIII Kelso Stakes for trainer Mike Stidham.

First Resort

A 4-year-old colt who won the 2024 GII Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes in his most recent start for trainer Eoin Harty.

Infinite Sky

A 3-year-old filly who is a half-sister to Grade I winner Wet Paint and was runner-up in the 2025 GII Jessamine Stakes before undergoing knee surgery.

Rose Room

A 3-year-old filly who broke her maiden at Delaware Park in August 2025 and is being pointed to stakes races at Colonial Downs for trainer Mike Stidham.

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What they’re saying

“For most of the horses that come through here, it's just a matter of them needing more time. This helps them develop a bit and they're really never off the track unless they're in a paddock for a month. It all benefits the horse in the end.”

— Johnny Burke, Trainer (thoroughbreddailynews.com)

What’s next

First Resort is expected to return to action this spring, likely targeting races at Turfway Park and Saratoga. Infinite Sky will join trainer Brad Cox's stable during the Keeneland spring meet as she continues her comeback from knee surgery.

The takeaway

Under Burke's careful guidance, Godolphin's promising young horses and seasoned veterans alike are able to develop and recover at the renowned Keeneland training center, positioning the global racing powerhouse for continued success on the racetrack.