Elliott has been involved
with RTCA for several years. He has previously served as the RTCA President and
Council President for the New York Race Track Chaplaincy. Elliott uses his
platform as a well-respected figure in the Thoroughbred racing industry to
expand awareness and promote the ministry of RTCA and our respective Chaplains.
Elliott is a third generation horseman
from a noted Kentucky family entrenched in thoroughbred breeding and racing. He
is the son of the late Ben Walden, Sr. formerly of Dearborn Farm. His brother
Ben Walden, Jr is also a noted horseman in Kentucky who has established several
successful breeding operations, most notably Vinery.
Before taking out his first
training license in 1985, Elliott worked under trainers such as Leroy Jolley,
Dennis Ebert, and John Gosden. In 1995, he had his first Grade 1 Winner with
Hawk Attack winning the Secretariat Stakes at Arlington. Walden rose to the
pinnacle of the sport in 1998 when he trained Belmont Stakes (G1) winner
Victory Gallop who returned at 4 to win both the Whitney Handicap (G1) and the
Stephen Foster Handicap (G2) and was named Eclipse Champion Older Horse in
1999. Elliott finished 1999 ranked #3 in the nation with his career-best season
earnings of $7.2 million.
Elliott was a three-time leading
trainer at Churchill Downs during the prestigious spring
meet, as well as two-time leading
trainer at Keeneland. In July 2005, Elliott changed roles within the
organization, going from private trainer to Racing Manager. In December of
2005, Walden was elevated to the role of Vice President of WinStar Farm where
he is responsible for management oversight, both on and off the farm.
Notwithstanding his expanded role at the farm, he remains deeply involved in
the management of WinStar's racing operations.
In November of 2010, Elliott was promoted to President and CEO of
WinStar Farm.