Born and raised in Galatia, Illinois, Duane began breaking and training thoroughbreds at the tender age of 14 on the family farm under the guidance of his father, former Jockey turned trainer, John W. Wells. He obtained his trainers license in 2001 and has been breaking and training horses continuously ever since. Duane has been a longtime member of the HBPA, and this is his first term elected to The Board of Directors.