Airdrie Stud, started by Brereton C. and Libby Jones, began in 1972 with a leased parcel of land and has grown to consist of more than 2,500 acres primarily on Old Frankfort Pike. The canopied road bordered by original rock walls takes you back in time and is where much of the original Woodburn Stud was located. Woodburn Stud was home of the immortal Lexington during his 16-year tenure as America’s leading sire in the last century. Woodburn, also the home of four 19th century Kentucky Derby winners, it is in fact considered the birthplace of Kentucky’s Thoroughbred industry. A renewed interest in this piece of property and the historical significance of it has been brought to light by Pulitzer prize winning author Geraldine Brooks and her bestselling, Horse: A Novel as well as the nonfiction book by author Kim Wickens, Lexington: The Extraordinary Life and Turbulent Times of America’s Legendary Racehorse.
Airdrie stands eleven stallions and owns approximately 150 mares. It is a commercial breeding operation that supports the stallion operation with it’s broodmare band, many of whom are from families developed over several generations. This gently rolling, mineral-rich land in the heart of North America’s richest limestone/bluegrass region, provides a perfect natural base on which to raise young runners of exceptional quality. Airdrie Stud has a reputation of breeding durable and high class racehorses; currently standing at #3 on the Top Breeders List by Race Earnings in North America and #1 by number of Stakes Winners bred.
Airdrie has the distinction of owning and racing three Kentucky Oaks winners over a span of seven years; Proud Spell in 2008, Believe You Can in 2012, and Lovely Maria in 2015. All three were sired by stallions standing at the farm and Proud Spell and Believe You Can were both bred by the farm. Another notable mare bred by the farm is Littleprincessemma (daughter of an Airdrie stallion), who became the dam of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah.
Airdrie Stud, now presided over by Mr. and Mrs. Jones’ son Bret, eyes the future, bolstered by the immense opportunity of standing a Kentucky Derby winner as well as a number of young stallions who have started off strong. We look forward to a future where the orange and green silks continue to dominate the thoroughbred industry.
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