That’s how you land running: a debut consignment at better than one-in-10 of the catalogue. Campion & Campion: so good they named it twice. But anyone who visits their barn at Saratoga this weekend, wondering just who these upstart newcomers might be, will quickly find themselves doing a double take. For a brand that has risen without trace, presenting 34 of 310 hips at Monday’s Fasig-Tipton Fall Mixed Sale, will turn out to be as tried-and-trusted as they come. This bold entry into the sales arena marks a significant new chapter for Lesley Campion, a well-established figure in the Thoroughbred industry, and her son, Paddy. Their venture, Campion & Campion, is not a sudden emergence but rather the culmination of years of dedicated experience and a deep-seated family passion for the sport.
A Legacy Forged in Experience
Lesley Campion’s nearly two decades with Paramount Sales have cemented her reputation as a familiar and respected presence on the sales circuit. Her journey began with a profound sense of gratitude towards her mentors and friends, Pat Costello and Spider Duignan, and the broader Paramount team, whom she considers family. It is this deep appreciation for the foundation she received that underpins her current endeavor. The only commitment that could possibly outweigh her professional bonds is her family, and with her eldest son, Paddy, having already honed his skills within the Paramount structure, the timing felt serendipitous for them to forge a new path together.
The establishment of Campion & Campion has been met with the "cordial blessing" of those who guided Lesley and Paddy. "They’re absolutely endorsing us, delighted that we’re doing it," Lesley Campion stated, her voice reflecting genuine appreciation. "Pat’s remark was, ‘You should have done this 10 years ago, Les.’ And going forward, I know I can count on their support. They have been lifelong friends, it couldn’t be more amicable, and they’re giving me an absolute clap on the back." This endorsement from industry stalwarts like Costello and Duignan, who have played instrumental roles in shaping prominent sales operations, speaks volumes about the respect and confidence Campion & Campion commands even before its official debut.
The Family Partnership: A Natural Evolution
The inherent excitement and trepidation that accompany any new business venture are amplified for Lesley Campion by the prospect of partnering with her own son. "Of course it makes it special," she confided. "We knew that ultimately, at some point, we would be going out on our own. And the timing just feels right. Paramount’s numbers are getting very, very big with all of us on board. So I think this will kind of streamline the service we’ll be able to give, when we condense down to our own consignment, our own clients. And I’m looking forward to that."
This strategic move towards a more focused, family-driven operation is seen as a way to enhance the personalized service offered to their clientele. The sentiment is echoed by the market’s reception. "It feels like we’ve got a fair bit of traction. Everybody that I have reached out to, just to let them know that this was happening, they’ve all encouraged me. So that’s very comforting. It’s not a standing start. There’s momentum behind us, and we’re very grateful for that." This proactive outreach and the overwhelmingly positive response from industry professionals underscore the solid reputation Lesley Campion has cultivated over her career.
Pedigree and Passion: The Campion Lineage
Paddy Campion is undeniably bred for success in the Thoroughbred world. His mother, Lesley, is married to Ted Campion, a prominent figure associated with Dundrum Farm. Ted’s expertise lies in pinhooking weanlings, often in collaboration with industry leaders like Costello and Duignan. While there was never any pressure on Paddy or his siblings, Rodger and Sive, to follow their parents’ vocational path, Paddy’s trajectory has been a testament to his inherent affinity for horses. He initially pursued a business degree from the University of Kentucky, embarking on a career in corporate logistics with the automotive services firm Valvoline.
"And he liked that job," Lesley Campion recalled. "But he always wanted to stick with the horses. He’s worked the sales with us since he was a child, always enjoyed the trips to Saratoga and Timonium, and that’s really where his heart was. So when he came on board for Paramount full-time, he flourished. He’s really proven himself in that environment." This transition from a corporate career to the demanding world of bloodstock sales highlights Paddy’s deep-seated passion and his ability to thrive in a field steeped in tradition and expertise.
Nature vs. Nurture: A Subliminal Education
The question of how much an individual’s success in a specialized field is attributable to innate talent versus environmental influence is a perennial one. In the Campion household, the lines between nature and nurture are beautifully blurred. "So much of it is subliminal learning," Campion acknowledged. "But this is all we do. It’s all we talk about, really, our only interest. I couldn’t tell you one thing about soccer or tennis or anything. That’s what we do in our house, that’s what the kids have grown up around, and I’m thankful they enjoy it as much as we do. Certainly Paddy’s absolutely immersed in it, so it works for us anyway."
This immersion in the Thoroughbred world from a young age, coupled with a shared family passion, has provided an unparalleled education for Paddy. It’s a testament to the power of a family deeply involved in a shared pursuit, where knowledge and understanding are passed down not through formal instruction but through constant engagement and a collective dedication to the craft.
The Catalyst for Launch: A Growing Opportunity
While the aspiration to establish their own consignment business had been a long-term goal, the impetus for launching Campion & Campion at this specific juncture was driven by a confluence of factors. The burgeoning number of horses requiring representation at sales created an opportunity that felt both timely and necessary. "They’re all client horses," Campion confirmed. "Last year myself and my best pal, Emma Quinn, went up there together and I had some client horses selling under Emma’s [Garrencasey] banner. And people I met up there were saying, ‘Wow, I didn’t know you were coming up. Give me a call for next year.’ So I did, and then it just kind of grew exponentially on us. At one point we were going to have something like 55 head under Emma’s banner and she thought, ‘This is way too much.’ And I agreed, it was too much of an undertaking for one day. So that was when Paddy and I thought, ‘If we’re going to do it this sale, why don’t we just do the rest?’ So that’s how it came about, really: we had a long-term goal, but this spurred us into action."
This organic growth, stemming from client demand and a desire to manage the workload effectively, underscores the practical considerations behind the strategic decision. It was a response to an evolving market and a recognition of their collective capacity to meet that demand with a dedicated service.
The Art of the Sale: Expertise Forged Over Two Decades
Lesley Campion’s journey at Paramount provided her with an invaluable education, a "trickledown of the same counsel and expertise" that ultimately blended into her son’s own understanding. "There’s no substitute for experience," Campion reflected. "Twenty years of doing anything should give you a fair depth of knowledge and judgment about what you’re doing. I’ve experienced so much, in that time, I know what does and does not work. I know what appeals to various purchasers. They can come to the barn and say, ‘What have you got for me, Les?’ Because I know the type of horses they like."
This deep understanding of buyer psychology and market trends is a cornerstone of her expertise. It extends beyond simply knowing horses; it involves understanding the nuances of the market, the financial capabilities of potential buyers, and the strategic placement of reserves. "Even when you’re out on farms you can point and say, ‘That’s a horse that’s going to appeal to X.’ Then by the time you get to the morning of the sale, and need to come to some kind of reserve with your client, I’ll know what sort of spending level these people have, their comfort zone, and that helps us target a reserve accordingly. After 20 years, I feel qualified to do this. Without sounding arrogant, this is something I’ve become expert at." This self-assurance, born from extensive experience and a proven track record, is a significant asset for Campion & Campion.
A Seamless Transition, A New Beginning
While the establishment of Campion & Campion signifies a new venture, many established practices and relationships will continue seamlessly. Lesley Campion’s ongoing investment in mares with Nathan McCauley and her husband’s established weanling partnerships are testaments to the enduring nature of her professional network. However, the reality of embarking on a new chapter is undeniable.
The strategic choice of the Fasig-Tipton Fall Mixed Sale for their debut consignment, described as a "relatively low-key sale," speaks to a seasoned judgment. The intention is to establish functionality, observe the November sales in Lexington, and then strategically expand. Campion & Campion is already accepting entries for the Keeneland January sale and plans to consign at all major breeding stock, yearling, and digital sales moving forward. This phased approach suggests a well-thought-out strategy for growth and market penetration.
"We plan to dance all the dances," Campion stated with enthusiasm. "Hopefully this should be a pretty soft opening, insofar as we have two days showing, one day selling: very straightforward. And the guys coming up to work with us are the same as have been showing with Paramount the last several years. Paramount aren’t doing this sale, so the boys are happy to come and support us. They’re such good guys, we really value them, and it makes it feel like a real family. It’s heartwarming that they want to come up there and support Paddy and me in our first endeavor."
The loyalty and support from former colleagues at Paramount underscore the strong relationships Lesley Campion has cultivated. This collaborative spirit, extending even to those who previously worked under the Paramount banner, is a powerful indicator of the positive industry sentiment surrounding Campion & Campion. It reinforces the idea that this venture is not just a new business but an extension of a respected community.
The emotional resonance of this new beginning is palpable. "Look, anybody starting their own business feels a bit of trepidation," Campion admitted. "And I’ve been thinking about the moment we sit in the car, Paddy and me, with my daughter who’s coming up to help with cards, and we’ll be towing that big old gooseneck with our signs and all our supplies in the back. And yeah, it will be launching a big old adventure. Am I trepidatious? Of course. But I’m very much looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to proving to ourselves that we can make this a success." This candid reflection captures the blend of apprehension and excitement that defines the launch of a new enterprise, especially one built on family legacy and professional dedication. The journey ahead for Campion & Campion promises to be one of continued growth, driven by the deep-rooted expertise and unwavering passion of the Campion family.
