Joseph F. Fowler, Jr., MD

Co-Owner

Born and raised in Louisville, Joe Fowler first became interested in Thoroughbred racing while attending St. Xavier High. In 1983, he bought his first racehorse, joining a partnership that owned several claimers. One of these, Big Bettor, set the American record for 1 7/8 miles on turf. From then on his involvement grew and he began putting together partnerships and syndicates using Dogwood Stables as a model. His group, Hickory Bark Thoroughbreds, founded with Bob Haynes and Dr. Randy Scheen of Louisville, was one of the first local racing partnership groups. They brought over 50 new owners to the business in the early 1990’s. He was leading owner at Churchill Downs in 1991. Racing primarily in the Kentucky area, he has been successful at all the Kentucky tracks and also at tracks in Chicago, Indiana, and Ohio. Dr. Fowler is a member of River Hill Breeders, founded by Drs. Hiram Polk and J. David Richardson, who campaigned the grade I winner Northern Emerald. Currently, in addition to his involvement with Margaux Farm, he operates Shadowfax Stables. At Margaux, Joe coordinates racing and breeding partnerships and syndications. He is involved in the yearling sales and acts as racing manager, along with Dr. Ira Mersack.