QUALITY. VALUE. INTEGRITY.
Taproot Bloodstock, LLC is a full-service bloodstock agency that stands on these words, and our results speak to it.
Why Taproot Bloodstock?
Quality
- More than one-third of client advised purchases have made it to the stakes level.
- Dozens of stakes horses purchased at auction prior to racing.
Value
- Multiple G1-horses purchased as yearlings for $75k, $72k, $70k, $65k, $24k, $11k, etc.
Integrity
Phil has expanded his bloodstock business mostly through word-of-mouth referrals. His growing list of clients include some of the most well respected trainers, racing stables, and farms in the game.
Testimonials
After Phil worked for us on the track, I let him pick out some yearlings at the sales. We have trusted his opinion ever since. He has a good eye for a horse, knows pedigrees, and his integrity is beyond reproach.
It would be hard to imagine working with someone more astute, sincere and pleasant than Phil. He has the most keen sense of value.
We have full confidence in Phil’s ability to pick good horses. We have watched him grow up in this business, and we know first-hand how hard he works to develop his eye and keep a clean reputation.
Phil Hager helped us enter the business almost a decade ago. He stood with us as we bought our first horses, all of which made their way to the starting gate and also the winner’s circle. He has acted as our guide, our counsel and agent. He stays connected to our stable, helping us navigate the path from the sales ring to racetrack. As we have learned and grown in the sport, Phil has provided the insight and experience that has elevated our aspirations and our success. Phil is incredibly hard working. He is an exceptional horseman, but he is an even better person. He cares, is honest, and has become a trusted partner and friend. We are very fortunate to work with him.
Hager is a well-rounded horseman with impeccable integrity. He helped us successfully launch and manage Get Stormy’s stud career. He has a great track record of shrewd yearling purchases for us turning into Graded Stakes Horses.
I have known Phil since he was in high school. He worked on the Saratoga Stable crew for several years, and also completed an internship with us while in college. He has characteristics essential for success in the Thoroughbred industry: 1) Integrity; 2) Horsemanship; and 3) an outstanding work ethic.
Phil joined Crestwood Farm having been raised in the industry by a good horse family, with a strong endorsement from his then current employer David Ingordo. Phil’s passion for the game enabled him to quickly contribute, helping us land and sell seasons for the likes of Grade 1 winners GET STORMY, TEXAS RED, and other Crestwood Stallions. All the while, Phil steadily sharpened his eye, helping Crestwood purchase multiple graded stakes winners for our racing clients. Phil’s ability and integrity have enabled him to steadily build his bloodstock business—routinely working with some of the biggest operations in our industry— while simultaneously keeping close the interests and confidence of his clients.
I have worked the Kentucky breeding stock sales with Phil Hager in search of broodmares for Ballylinch. Phil is very knowledgeable and helpful. He is a good judge of pedigrees and physicals. I would be happy to work with Phil again in the future.
Phil has done an outstanding job of assisting my entry into the thoroughbred business. He has an exceptional eye for horses coupled with a deep understanding of pedigrees that goes back multiple generations. In addition to understanding what it takes to find the right horse, Phil has a great grasp on the financial side of the business as well. But to me Phil’s greatest attribute is that he operates with the highest integrity with every decision and recommendation that he makes. Phil works very hard for his clients and is quick to respond to questions and concerns. I could not be more pleased with the assistance he has provided me.
As a small thoroughbred breeder, I have come to rely on the insights and advice from Phil in decisions from planned matings to commercial sales to racing prospects. His comprehensive attention to detail and disciplined approach with evaluations of bloodstock have made him an integral part of my farm operation as a trusted advisor

Phil Hager
Phil Hager is a third-generation horseman who participates in all aspects of the thoroughbred industry. From an early age he started working with horses at his family’s Idle Hour Farm in Paris, Kentucky. After breeding his first stakes horse at age 17, he has been responsible for breeding and buying many others since. He has worked hands on for some of the top industry professionals in the game, such as; Bill Mott, David Ingordo, Gainesway Farm, Crestwood Farm, Fasig-Tipton, Chris Cahill DVM CVA, Eaton Sales, and more. Phil’s well-rounded education and strong industry connections make him confident in helping clients achieve their racing, breeding, and/or sales objectives.
Services
- Appraisals
- Conformation and/or Pedigree Analysis
- Consulting
- International Public Auction Representation
- Mating Recommendations
- Pinhooking
- Portfolio Management
- Pre-Sale Inspections
- Private & Public Purchases
- Racing Partnerships
- Stallion Acquisitions & Management
- Stallion Seasons & Shares