Kenny Troutt

Kenny A. Troutt (born 1948) is an American businessman. He founded Excel Communications, a Texas-based telecommunications company that offered long distance phone service. Troutt became a billionaire in 1998 when Excel was sold to Teleglobe for US$3.5 billion. As of March 2025, Forbes estimated his net worth at US$1.7 billion.^[2]

Troutt is the sole owner of WinStar Farm,^[3] an elite 2,600 acre thoroughbred horse farm in Versailles, Kentucky.^[1] He is also the chairman of Mt. Vernon Investments in Dallas, Texas.^[4] Troutt won the 13th Triple Crown ^[5]with Justify,^[6] Kentucky Derby twice, Preakness Stakes once, and the Belmont Stakes three times. Some notable stallions from Winstar Farm include Super Saver, winner of the 2010 Kentucky Derby; Drosselmeyer, winner of the 2010 Belmont Stakes; Creator, winner of the 2016 Belmont Stakes; and Justify, winner of the 13th Triple Crown.^[7][8]

Troutt is a major Republican donor and has contributed to American Crossroads, Rick Perry, Rick Santorum,^[9] and "Kentuckians for Strong Leadership", a super PAC backing Mitch McConnell.^[10] Together with his spouse, Troutt contributed $1.7 million to Donald Trump's 2020 presidential campaign.^[11] As of April 19, 2022, Troutt has donated $1,409,651,^[12] to Texas Republican candidates Greg Abbott, Ken Paxton, and Dan Patrick. Troutt's son, Preston, has also donated to Republican Party candidates.^[9]

Troutt graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1971, where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.^[13]

In 2005, Troutt started the first of three youth basketball teams, known as the Titans, for his sons and the son of a business partner. The teams have an annual budget of $3 million.^[14]