Horse Country Connections to the 2026 Belmont Stakes June 6, 2026 The G1 Belmont Stakes is always held on the first Saturday in June as the final leg in horse racing’s Triple Crown. The race will be held at Saratoga Racecourse in Saratoga Springs, New York, while its regular home of Belmont Park is under construction. The race is only open to three year old horses (therefore horses only have one shot at running in the race) which is similar to the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. The Belmont Stakes is run at a distance of 1 1/4 miles while at Saratoga Racecourse, though its normal distance is 1 1/2 miles. Many of these horses were bred, raised, sold and raced right here in the Bluegrass. Congratulations to these horses, their connections, and our members who played a part in their success. Be sure to tune in to Fox and FS1 on Saturday, June 6th to watch the third jewel of the Triple Crown. Vitruvian Man He broke his maiden at Keeneland in Fall 2025 and he is sired by Spendthrift Farm’s stallion Vino Rosso. He was sold at the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling sale for $47,000. Powershift Powershift is sired by WinStar Farm’s stallion Constitution. He was sold at the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling sale for $500,000 and was consigned by Gainesway Farm. Chief Wallabee He ran fourth in the G1 Kentucky Derby. Chief Wallabee is also a son of Constitution, who stands at WinStar Farm. Renegade Renegade ran second in the Gr.1 Kentucky Derby. He was born and raised at Taylor Made Farm, and his dam, Spice is Nice, now resides at Diamond A Farm where his dam still resides. He is a son of Spendthrift Farm’s Into Mischief. He was sold at the Keeneland September yearling sale for $975,000 and was consigned by Taylor Made Farm. Ottinho Ottinho born and raised at Three Chimney’s Farm. He is also a son of Lane’s End Farm Quality Road and is half brother to Three Chimney’s Gun Runner. He placed second in the G1 Toyota Bluegrass Stakes at Keeneland. Growth Equity Growth Equity is by Godolphin at Jonabell Farm stallion Nyquist. He was sold at the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling sale for $425,000. Commandment He is a son of Spendthrift Farm’s stallion Into Mischief. Commandment born and raised at Taylor Made Farm where his dam, Sippican Harbor, still resides. He was sold at the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling sale for $500,000 and consigned by Taylor Made Farm. He ran his very first race at Keeneland. Emerging Market Emerging Market is a son of Candy Ride, who stands at stud at Lane’s End Farm. He was sold at the 2024 Keeneland Yearling September Sale for $185,000. Golden Tempo Golden Tempo was the winner of the Gr. 1 Kentucky Derby making his trainer Cherie DeVaux the first female trainer to win the Derby. Golden Tempo has spent time training at Keeneland Racecourse this spring, and it was recently announced that he will stand as a stallion at Lane’s End Farm. upon his eventual retirement from racing. Good Luck to all connections!
Belmont Stakes Winners in Horse Country June 1, 2026 The G1 Belmont Stakes is the final jewel of the Triple Crown, and takes place five weeks after the Kentucky Derby, and three weeks after the Preakness Stakes. The 158th Belmont Stakes will take place on June 6th at Saratoga Racecourse, where the race has been run since 2024 due to construction at Belmont Park. The race returns to its original home in 2027. The Belmont Stakes was first held in 1867, making it the oldest Triple Crown race, and the fourth oldest race in North America. The winning horse dons a blanket of white carnations, consisting of 700 flowers! The winning connections receive a silver bowl made by Tiffany’s. The original trophy was crafted for the Belmont family in 1926, and is passed down by each winning owner of the Belmont Stakes. Let’s take a look back at some of the recent winners of this historic race. Each of these horses resides at a farm of a Horse Country touring partner, which means you could meet each of these champions! 2024 – Dornoch Dornoch won the 156th Belmont Stakes in 2024, under jockey Luis Saez and trained by Danny Gargan. He was a long shot with odds of 17-1 and started at the front to remain the winner at the finish line with a thrilling upset against Mindframe. Dornoch is now standing as a stallion at Spendthrift Farm in Lexington, Kentucky. He was born and raised at Runneymade Farm in Paris, Kentucky. He is a full bother to Kentucky Derby winner Mage, who now stands at Airdrie Stud. 2023 – Arcangelo Arcangelo won the 155th Belmont Stakes for trainer Jena Antonucci, who became the first female trainer to win a Triple Crown race. He ran a stalker style off the pace setters before moving up along the rail to win by a length and a half under jockey Javier Castellano. Arcangelo now resides at Lane’s End Farm in Versailles, Kentucky, where he is a breeding stallion. His prominent grandsire Tapit resides at Gainesway Farm. 2022 – Mo Donegal Mo Donegal was sent off as the favorite in the 2022 Belmont Stakes, winning by a dominant three lengths over stablemate (and filly!) Nest. He is one of two classic winners sired by the late Uncle Mo, and was trained by Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher. Mo Donegal started his stud career at Spendthrift Farm in 2023. This is a pivotal time for him as a stallion, since his first progeny are juveniles on the track this year. 2021 – Essential Quality Essential Quality is a homebred for Godolphin and was born and raised at Jonabell Farm in Lexington, Kentucky. He won the mile and a half ‘Test of a Champion’ as the heavy favorite for trainer Brad Cox and jockey Luis Saez. Essential Quality is a son of Gainesway Farm stallion Tapit, who has sired four Belmont Stakes winners in his breeding career. Essential Quality now stands stud the same place he was born at Godolphin’s Jonabell Farm in Lexington, Kentucky. His first runners are now three years old! 2020 – Tiz the Law Tiz the Law became the first New York-bred horse to win the Belmont Stakes since 1882 with his 3 3/4 lengths victory in 2020. The colt was trained by Barclay Tagg and ridden by jockey Manny Franco. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Belmont Stakes was very unique, as no spectators were allowed, and it was the first Triple Crown race of the year, rather than the final race. Tiz the Law stands stud at Coolmore America in Versailles, Kentucky. He is already off to a great start at stud as the sire of Kentucky Derby runner Tiztastic and many stakes winners. His sire Constitution and grandsire Tiznow are both at WinStar Farm in Versailles. 2018 – Justify Justify became the 13th Triple Crown winner after a thrilling victory in the Belmont Stakes, just a few years after fellow Bob Baffert-trainee American Pharoah. Justify led the field wire to wire to win by almost two lengths. Justify retired to stud at Coolmore America in Versailles, Kentucky after his astonishing racing career. He has had a successful stud career already, siring many versatile horses who win on multiple surfaces. 2014 – Tonalist Tonalist spoiled the Triple Crown attempt by favored California Chrome in the 2014 Belmont Stakes. After his victory in the Belmont Stakes, Tonalist went on to defeat older horses in the G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes, among other graded stakes victories. He was trained by Chrisophe Clement and ridden by jockey Joel Rosario. Tonalist stands at stud at Lane’s End Farm in Versailles, Kentucky, and is a son of Gainesway Farm stallion Tapit. 2012 – Union Rags Union Rags became the second Triple Crown race winner for trainer Michael Matz, who rose to fame as an Olympic medallist in show jumping before shifting to a career training racehorses. Union Rags sat off the pace for most of the race, before driving up the rail to win by a neck under Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez. Union Rags has been standing at Lane’s End Farm since his retirement in 2012, and is known for his success as a broodmare sire. Experience the history of the Belmont Stakes, right here in Horse Country, by meeting some of the past winners of the ‘Test of a Champion’. Tours are offered of these top horse farms, and more, on a regular basis.
Horse Country Connections to the 2026 Preakness Stakes May 15, 2026 The 151nd running of the G1 Preakness Stakes is always held on the third Saturday in May. The Preakness Stakes is the second race in the infamous Triple Crown. The race will be held at Laurel Park, for the first and last time, in Baltimore, Maryland. Pimlico racecourse is where the Preakness is traditionally held but due to reconstruction of the facility it will be held in Maryland. The race is only open to three year old horses (therefore horses only have one shot at running in the race) which is similar to the Kentucky Derby. Fourteen horses are entered to run at a mile and a 3/16 (a shorter distance than the Kentucky Derby). Many of these horses were bred, raised, sold and raced right here in the Bluegrass. Congratulations to these horses, their connections, and our members who played a part in their success. Be sure to tune in on NBC on Saturday, May 16 to watch the second crown jewel of the triple crown. Taj Mahal He has won all three of his start and is sired by Nyquist who stands at Jonabell Farm (Godolphin). He was sold for $525,000 at the Keeneland September Yearling sale. Ocelli Ocelli was consigned by Taylor Made Farm at the Fasig Tipton Yearling sale in 2024. He is sired by Lanes End Farm stallion Connect. Crupper Crupper is a son of Candy Ride who stands at Lanes End Farm. Robusta Robusta’s dam is by Spendthrift Farm’s leading stallion Into Mischief. Talkin- He was third in Keeneland’s Bluegrass Stakes(Gr. 1) gaining him enough points for the Kentucky Derby but the decision was made to enter the Preakness instead. Talkin’s grandsire is TizNow who has retired from breeding at WinStar farm. Chip Honcho He ran his very first race at Keeneland in a Maiden Special Weight. He went on to win the Gun Runner stakes at the Fair Grounds. The Hell We did He ran second in the Stonestreet Lexington Stakes (Gr. 3) at Keeneland. He is by 2020 Kentucky Derby winner Authentic (Spendthrift Farm). Bull By the Horns Bull by the Horns is by Jonabell Farms stallion Essential Quality (Godolphin). He was sold for $75,000 at Keeneland September Yearling sale in 2024. Iron Honor Iron Honor is a son of Nyquist (Jonabell Farm Godolphin). He was consigned by Gainsway and sold for $475,000 at Keeneland September Yearling sale in 2024. Napoleon Solo Napoleon Solo is the son of Liams Map who stands at Lane’s End Farm. He sold at the Keeneland September Yearling sale in 2024 for $40,000. Coronoa De Oro- He ran second in the Stonestreet Lexington Stakes (Gr. 3) at Keeneland. He was eligable as an alternate for the 2026 Kentucky Derby but he never made it in the race. Incredibolt Incredibolt finished 6th in the Kentucky Derby (Gr.1) and is owned by Pin Oak Stud. Great White Great White was born and raised at Three Chimneys Farm. After a last minute scratch from the Kentucky Derby he is now focusing on the Preakness. Pretty Boy Miah Pretty Boy Miah has won two of his four starts and was sired by Connect (Lanes End Farm)
Horse Country Connections to the 2026 Kentucky Oaks May 1, 2026 The G1 Kentucky Oaks brings together the top three-year-old fillies from around the country and world to compete for their spot in the history books. Several factors make the Kentucky Oaks a unique race – the race is only open to three-year-old fillies (therefore, horses only have one shot at running in the race, similar to the Kentucky Derby). It’s always held the day before the Kentucky Derby, and it’s also run at the Historic Churchill Downs. Fans embrace the “pink out” tradition by wearing pink to celebrate breast cancer awareness. Many of these horses were bred, raised, sold, and raced right here in the Bluegrass. Congratulations to these horses, their connections, and our members who played a part in their success. Be sure to tune in on NBC on Friday, May 1, to watch the fillies run for the lilies. Explora Explora has the highest earnings of $1,053,000 more than any other filly in the field. She sold for $22,000 at the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling sale. Zany Zany is sired by the 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharaoh (Coolmore). Taylor Made Farm consigned her as a yearling, and she went on to race at Keeneland in the Gr. 1 Central Bank Ashland Stakes. Search Party Search Party is sired by Gun Runner of Three Chimneys Farm, with leading sire Into Mischief (Spendthrift Farm) on her Dam’s side. Counting Stars Counting Stars is sired by Honor A.P, who ran in the 2020 Kentucky Derby, and now stands at Lane’s End Farm. She was sold at the 2024 Keeneland September sale and consigned by Mill Ridge Farm. Meaning Meaning shares a similar pedigree with Search Party, being sired by Gun Runner (Three Chimneys Farm) and having Into Mischief (Spendthrift Farm) as her grandsire. She sold at the 2024 Keeneland September sale for $440,000. My Miss Mo- Scratched My Miss Mo grandsire, Quality Road, stands at Lane’s End Farm. Dazzling Dame Dazzling Dame is by Grivin at Airdrie Stud. She was sold at the 2023 Keeneland November sale for $50,000 and was consigned by Taylor Made Farm. Battle of Rouge- Scratched Always a Runner Always a Runner was born and raised at Three Chimneys Farm. She was sold at the 2024 Keeneland September yearling sale for $1,050,000, consigned by Taylor Made Farm. Three Chimneys Farm still has a stake in their homebred. Prom Queen Prom Queen is a daughter of Lanes End Farm stallion Quality Road. Her well-known grandsire Tapit is at Gainesway Farm. Percy’s Bar Percy’s Bar is the daughter of Airdrie Stud’s stallion Upstart. Additionally, she was also consigned by Airdrie Stud in the 2024 Keeneland September yearling sale for $52,000. She is named in honor of long-time Keeneland bartender Percy Poole. Bella Ballerina Bella Ballerina, born and raised by Godolphin, has big shoes to fill as her sire, Street Sense, won the Kentucky Derby in 2007. Her half-sister, Pretty Mischievous, won the 2023 Kentucky Oaks. Another Godolphin homebred won last year’s Kentucky Derby. Will she follow in her family’s success. Pashmina Pashmina is by WinStar Farm’s stallion Constitution. Brooklyn Blonde Brooklyn Blonde is sired by Three Chimney Farm’s stallion Gun Runner. She was sold at the 2024 Keeneland September yearling for $510,000. Lovely Grey Lovely Grey is sired by Spendthrift Farms stallion Vekoma. She was sold at the 2024 Keeneland September for $75,000 along with most of the field. Nycon Nycon is sired by Nyquist (Godolphin’s Jonabell Farm), who won the 2016 Kentucky Derby. She was sold at the 2024 Keeneland September yearling sale for $375,000. Resist Resist was sold at the 2024 Keeneland September yearling sale for $375,000 and was consigned by Denali Stud. Click here to book an experience on our website to see these contender’s Horse Country connections.
The Sport of Kings: Stallion Farms in Kentucky July 3, 2025 In Kentucky, stallion farms are home to legendary sires whose bloodlines continue to shape the future of Thoroughbred racing and breeding. According to the Jockey Club, the state of Kentucky ranked first among North American states with 203 stallions breeding 16,764 mares in 2021. This helps to create over 24,000 jobs and $832 million in direct state revenue from the breeding and racing industry. Stallion farms play a vital role in the Thoroughbred industry and are home to the most influential sires in North America, whose bloodlines continue to shape the future of “The Sport of Kings”. Stallion farm tours offer a unique behind-the-scenes experience in the breeding and business side of the industry, while also having the opportunity to meet the champion sires that call the Bluegrass home. If you’re looking for additional guidance in planning your visit, our Concierge team is here to provide insight on stallion farms offering tours around Central Kentucky. We can be reached at [email protected] or (859) 963-1004. Airdrie Stud Midway, Kentucky Airdrie Stud consists of more than 2,500 acres primarily on Old Frankfort Pike, near Midway, Kentucky. Much of that land is part of famed Woodburn Stud, home of the immortal Lexington as well as four 19th century Kentucky Derby winners, and it is in fact considered the birthplace of Kentucky’s Thoroughbred industry. Airdrie is home to 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage, along with proven sires Cairo Prince and Collected. Guests will see an overall view of the farm’s operation from their stallion complex as well as mares and foals while reminiscing on the influential history of the property. Book a Tour Coolmore at Ashford Stud Versailles, Kentucky Learn more about one of the biggest global players in the Thoroughbred breeding and racing industry with Coolmore by visiting their American division at Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky. Usually referred to as the Home of Champions, Ashford is home to some of the best stallions in the country with the roster being led by Triple Crown winners Justify and American Pharoah, as well as young sires Epicenter and Tiz The Law. Book a Tour Darby Dan Farm Lexington, Kentucky Darby Dan Farm in Lexington, Kentucky is one of just two horse breeding farms in the world to both breed and own the Derby winners on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Located in Lexington, Kentucky their private experiences can offer guests a chance to see their thriving stallion operation which includes 2019 Kentucky Derby winner Country House, as well as proven sires Dialed In and Flameaway. Book a Tour Gainesway Farm Lexington, Kentucky Gainesway Farm, located in Lexington, Kentucky is home to mares, foals, yearlings, and stallions and is one of the industry’s leading sales consignments. Gainesway’s seasonal tours offer the chance to learn more about the Thoroughbred breeding business by allowing guests to visit their unique stallion facility. Meet an elite stallion roster including leading industry sire Tapit, dual surface producer Karakontie, and rising young sire McKinzie. Book a Tour Jonabell Farm Lexington, Kentucky Visit the Darley stallions at Jonabell Farm, which is a division of Godolphin. Godolphin is known as the international Thoroughbred breeding and racing operation founded by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates. Guests on a tour will visit the stallions while walking around the property, learning more about the industry from one of the largest Thoroughbred operations in the world. Their roster includes Kentucky Derby winners Street Sense and Nyquist, Horse of the Year and 2x Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner Cody’s Wish, and Belmont Stakes winner Essential Quality. Book a Tour Lane’s End Farm Versailles, Kentucky Lane’s End is one of the world’s premier Thoroughbred farms, encompassing more than 2,300 pristine acres in Versailles, Kentucky. In addition to breeding and boarding, Lane’s End also has an extraordinary sales record being named Leading Consignor on 30 occasions. Visitors to Lane’s End will get an overview of their stallion complex and get a chance to see current leading sires such as Candy Ride, Twirling Candy, and Quality Road. The farm also is home to the highest rated dirt horse in the world and Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Flightline, Saudi Cup winner Senor Buscador, as well as Belmont Stakes and Travers winner Arcangelo. Book a Tour Mill Ridge Farm Lexington, Kentucky Experience a farm renowned for raising and selling first class Thoroughbreds in the industry. Since 2000, Mill Ridge has raised and/or sold 39 Grade 1 winners including a Kentucky Derby winner, 9 Breeders’ Cup winners, 2 Horse of the Year Titleholders, and 2024 Preakness winner Seize the Grey. A tour at Mill Ridge will offer guests a chance up close to a variety of horses as well as feeding them when permitted, and the tour will include a stop by their 3 stallions, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner and rising turf sire Oscar Performance, Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Aloha West, and 4x G1 winner Casa Creed. Book a Tour Spendthrift Farm Lexington, Kentucky Visitors will immerse themselves in the historical culture of thoroughbred breeding at Spendthrift Farm by starting at the B. Wayne Hughes Visitor Center before going to the stallion complex. Sitting on over 1, 200 acres in Lexington, Kentucky, Spendthrift is the home to champions such as 2020 Kentucky Derby winner Authentic, leading industry sire Into Mischief, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Forte, Belmont Stakes and Haskell winner Dornoch, and more. Book a Tour Taylor Made Farm Nicholasville, Kentucky Family owned and operated since 1976, Taylor Made Farm has grown from a small boarding farm into the worldwide leader in Thoroughbred industry with boarding and marketing. Located in Nicholasville, Kentucky, they are also a leader in sales by raising and selling more than 135 Grade 1 winners, including 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. Taylor Made is home to Horse of the Year and Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Knicks Go, leading industry sire Not This Time, and more. Book a Tour Three Chimneys Farm Versailles, Kentucky The Borges-Torrealba family acquired the property back in 2013 with a clear vision: to breed, raise, and race world-class Thoroughbreds capable of competing and winning on the sport’s biggest stages. On a seasonal tour at Three Chimneys, guests will learn the history of the farm as well as meet an elite stallion roster including Horse of the Year, Breeders’ Cup Classic winner and current leading industry sire Gun Runner, as well as some newer stallions such as G1 winners Newgate and Gun Pilot. Please Note: Three Chimneys offers stallion tours only October and April. Book a Tour WinStar Farm Versailles, Kentucky Founded in 2000, WinStar was a dream established by friends and business partners, Kenny Troutt and Bill Casner. WinStar Farm now regularly ranks among the Top 10 North American breeders and has been in the Top Five by earnings each year since 2014. Visitors will learn more about the operation while meeting high-class stallions that influence the sport, including leading industry sire Constitution, Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile and Pegasus World Cup winner Life is Good, and newly added Cogburn, who won the G1 Jaipur in a world record time. Book a Tour
Lilies for the Fillies: Kentucky Oaks Winners In Horse Country April 29, 2025 The Longines Kentucky Oaks, now celebrating its 151st running, is America’s premier race for 3-year-old fillies. Held at Churchill Downs each year the day before the Kentucky Derby, the Oaks offers a $1.5 million purse and awards the winner the iconic ‘Lilies for the Fillies’ garland. As one of the longest-running sporting events in U.S. history alongside the Derby, the Oaks is steeped in tradition and meaning. Oaks day is also a celebration of breast cancer and ovarian cancer awareness, with fans embracing the ‘Pink Out’ tradition by wearing shades of pink to honor this meaningful cause. Let’s take a look back at all the Kentucky Oaks winners who now currently reside here in Horse Country, and don’t forget to watch this year’s prestigious race on Friday, May 2! 2024 – Thorpedo Anna Starting off with our most recent winner, Thorpedo Anna led the whole way in her Oaks triumph over a sloppy track in lasts year’s edition of the Oaks. She drew well clear of the field during the stretch run with jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. aboard, giving him and trainer Kenny McPeek their first Oaks victory. McPeek would go on to win the Kentucky Derby the very next day, becoming the first trainer to sweep the Oaks/Derby double since Ben Jones in 1952. After her Oaks triumph, Thorpedo Anna went on to win four G1 races, including the Breeders’ Cup Distaff before being crowned Champion Horse of The Year with the Eclipse Awards at the end of 2024. She spent some time off at Kenny McPeek’s Magdalena Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, before starting her 4-year-old campaign in 2025. Fun Fact: Thorpedo Anna makes her return to Churchill Downs on Friday, May 2, when she headlines a field of seven fillies and mares for the 40th running of the $1 million Fasig-Tipton La Troienne on the undercard of the Kentucky Oaks! 2023 – Pretty Mischievous In a thrilling stretch run, Pretty Mischievous held on to win by a neck over Gambling Girl to hand trainer Brendan Walsh, owner/breeder Godolphin, and jockey Tyler Gaffalione their first win in the Kentucky Oaks. Pretty Mischievous went on to become Eclipse Champion 3-Year-Old Filly by the end of 2023 after picking two more G1 wins and eventually retired to Godolphin’s Gainsborough Farm to become a broodmare for the international racing and breeding operation. 2022 – Secret Oath Secret Oath surged ahead to win the Kentucky Oaks, becoming the first Kentucky Oaks winner for owner/breeder Briland Farm and jockey Luis Saez. As for her Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, he collected his fifth Oaks win at the age of 86. Secret Oath finished her on-track career before being sold for $3 million at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton November Sale. Now residing at Spendthrift Farm, Secret Oath had her first foal, a filly by Into Mischief earlier this year. While she is not available to visit on tours, she is enjoying her second career as a broodmare. Fun Fact: Spendthrift Farm has also confirmed that Secret Oath has been bred back to Into Mischief for a full sibling to this beautiful filly! Secret Oath and her first foal, a filly by Into Mischief 2019 – Serengeti Empress Sent off at odds of 13-1, Serengeti Empress soared to victory, marketing the first Kentucky Oaks win for her trainer Tom Amoss and jockey Jose Ortiz. It was also owner Joel Politi’s first Oaks win after he purchased Serengeti Empress for $70,000 at the 2017 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Serengeti Empress eventually retired at the end of her 4-year-old campaign, which included a win in the GI Ballerina Stakes at Saratoga Race Track in New York. She also finished third in the 2019 Breeders’ Cup Distaff, and second in the 2020 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint. Now boarded at Taylor Made Farm, Serengeti Empress has adjusted well into her broodmare career and is a highlight on tours from time to time. Fun Fact: Serengeti Empress’ first foal, Invictus, won his first race in his second start at Keeneland earlier this spring after being sold for $1.2 million as a yearling at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale! Serengeti Empress residing at Taylor Made Farm 2018 – Monomoy Girl After working out a stellar trip under the heady handling of jockey Florent Geroux, Monomoy Girl unleashed a combination of brilliance and guts when she dug down deep to fight off Wonder Gadot in the stretch and survived a subsequent objection to capture the Kentucky Oaks for her connections. Owned by Michael Dubb, Sol Kumin’s Monomoy Stables, The Elkstone Group and Bethlehem Stables, the chestnut filly was purchased for $100,000 at the 2016 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Monomoy Girl gave trainer Brad Cox the first G1 win of his career in the G1 Ashland Stakes at Keeneland a month prior to the Oaks, and doubled up on the first Friday in May to give him his first Oaks victory. Monomoy Girl went on to become a two-time Eclipse Award winner and seven-time G1 winner before officially retiring from racing in 2021. She is now well into her broodmare career at Spendthrift Farm alongside their other Kentucky Oaks winner Secret Oath. Fun Fact: Monomoy Girl’s first foal, a 2-year-old colt by Into Mischief named Provenance will be raced under Spendthrift Farm and she also has a gorgeous yearling filly by Into Mischief! 2017 – Abel Tasman Abel Tasman was ridden under Mike Smith and kicked into another gear in the stretch in the Kentucky Oaks to score her second G1 victory. Along with her impressive win, her Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert received his third Oaks victory while Mike Smith received his second Oaks victory. Owned by the China Horse Club and Clearsky Farms, Abel Tasman went on to win four additional G1 races and was named Eclipse Champion 3-Year-Old Filly by the end of 2017. She eventually retired and was purchased for $5 million at the Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale by M.V. Magnier. Abel Tasman now resides at Coolmore America as a broodmare, however she is not accessible on tours. 2016 – Cathryn Sophia Cathryn Sophia came from off the pace to win the Kentucky Oaks in impressive style, ridden by Javier Castellano for trainer John Servis. Her win in the Oaks was the first for her owner, Chuck Zackney’s Cash Is King LLC, as well as for both Castellano and Servis. The star-studded filly went on to be named Maryland-bred Horse of the Year, Champion 3-Year-Old Filly and Champion Sprinter in the annual poll conducted by the Maryland Horse Breeders Association at the end of 2016. She became one of only three Maryland-breds in history to become a millionaire at age 3. Catheryn Sophia eventually retired at the end of 2016 and was purchased by SF Bloodstock for $1.4 million at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale. She now resides at Coolmore America as a broodmare, however she is not accessible on tours. 2012 – Believe You Can Jockey Rosie Napravnik became the first woman rider to win the Kentucky Oaks when she rode Believe You Can to a historic victory over Broadway’s Alibi. Owner Brereton C. Jones and trainer Larry Jones visited the Oaks winner’s circle for a second time after the pair won with Proud Spell in the 2008 Kentucky Oaks. Believe You Can then retired to Bereton C. Jones’ Airdrie Stud to start her broodmare career. She is currently not available to see on tours. 2009 – Rachel Alexandra In spectacular fashion, Rachel Alexandra dominated in the Kentucky Oaks, drawing off down the lane to win by a staggering 20 1/4 lengths. The impressive filly was ridden by Calvin Borel and her win gave trainer Hal Wiggins his first G1 win in 40 years of training racehorses. Rachel Alexandra was soon purchased privately by Jess Jackson and Harold T. McCormick from her previous owners Dolphus Morrison and Mike Lauffer when her success on the track attracted attention. Trainer Steve Asmussen took over from Wiggins later in 2009. By the end of her racing campaign, Rachel Alexandra would be crowned Champion Horse of The Year with the Eclipse Awards along with Champion 3-Year-Old Filly. Her most notable achievements on track included defeating the males in the G1 Preakness, G1 Haskell Invitational, and G1 Woodward Stakes. Rachel Alexandra retired near the end of 2010 to become a broodmare at Jess Jackson’s Stonestreet Farm. She is now available to visit from time to time on tours. Fun Fact: Rachel Alexandra produced two foals in her broodmare career, Jess’s Dream and Rachel’s Valentina, before officially retiring from breeding! Rachel Alexandra at Stonestreet Farm 2007 – Rags to Riches With a late surge to the front, Rags to Riches came out on top to win the Kentucky Oaks with jockey Garrett Gomez aboard. The chestnut filly was purchased by owners Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith for $1.9 million at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale back in 2005. Her win gave Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher his second Oaks win at the time. Rags to Riches’ 3-year-old campaign continued with a historic win when she became only the third filly to win the Belmont Stakes, and the first to do so in 102 years, fighting hard down to the wire to defeat Curlin by the narrowest of margins. The chestnut filly’s Belmont Stakes victory also gave Pletcher his first Triple Crown race win. After earning Eclipse Champion 3-Year-Old Filly, Rags to Riches went on to retire in 2008 to Coolmore America, which is where she resides as a broodmare. She is currently not included on tours. Rags to Riches at Coolmore America 2004 – Ashado As the favorite in the betting pool, Ashado was unfazed by a muddy track as she pressed the early pace then edged clear to win over Island Sand in the Kentucky Oaks. The filly’s win was the first Oaks win for her Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher at the time. After continuing her impressive campaign as a 3-year-old in 2004, Ashado then provided Pletcher with the first of his 14 Breeders’ Cup wins when she captured the 2004 Distaff and, in the process, became the first filly to win the Kentucky Oaks and the Distaff in the same year. Ashado was originally purchased by Jack Wolf’s Starlight Stable in partnership with Paul Saylor and Johns Martin at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale for $170,000. Ashado eventually ended her racing career with 12 wins out of 21 starts, and was named both Eclipse Champion 3-Year-Old Filly and Champion Older Female. The next stage of her career came in November of 2005 at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale, where she was purchased for $9 million by Godolphin. She was officially pensioned from broodmare duties in 2022 after producing a total of 13 foals. Currently, Ashado resides at Gainsborough Farm alongside their other Kentucky Oaks winner Pretty Mischievous and is a very frequent visitor on tours. Ashado at Gainsborough Farm
Horse Farm Tours Near the Kentucky Horse Park April 19, 2025 Whether you’re visiting the Kentucky Horse Park for one of their marquee events like the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event, BreyerFest, or National Horse Show, or simply exploring the park with your family and friends, we recommend pairing a visit to the Horse Park with a tour of a nearby equine attraction (or two!). The Kentucky Horse Park is located on the north end of Lexington and Fayette County, and is home to equine exhibits, museums and shows that provide great experiences for those looking to learn more about the horse. While visiting the Kentucky Horse Park, why not explore even more of Kentucky’s equine culture? Within just a few miles of the park are premier farms and facilities focusing on a variety of equine-centric activities, from sport horses at Spy Coast Farm to stallions at Spendthrift Farm and the veterinary clinic of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. Plus, the Secretariat Center retrains retired racehorses right on the grounds of the Horse Park! We’ve compiled a list of the horse farm tours located within about a fifteen minute drive of the Kentucky Horse Park, learn more about these tours and book your visit below. Secretariat Center Located on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park, near the Alltech Arena. The Secretariat Center is the gold standard in Thoroughbred reschooling, providing a structured program to horses of all ability levels so that they can succeed in careers off of the racetrack. While visiting the Secretariat Center, you’ll see the athleticism and versatility of the Thoroughbred firsthand during a training demonstration. Plus, you’re likely to meet the adorable miniature ponies that serve as ambassadors for the program. The Secretariat Center offers public tours on Wednesdays and Fridays at 1 pm, which can be booked by clicking here. Hagyard Equine Medical Institute Located across the street from the Kentucky Horse Park. Hagyard Equine Medical Institute has provided high quality care to horses of all breeds and disciplines for nearly 150 years. Whether these equine athletes need cutting edge surgery or the most precise medical attention, Hagyard’s dedicated team is there to provide the best care available to their patients. On a visit to Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, you’ll get an insider’s look at this fully functioning equine hospital, including the Davidson Surgery Center and McGee Medicine Center. Hagyard Equine Medical Institute offers public tours on Wednesdays and Fridays at 1:30pm, which can be booked by clicking here. Spy Coast Farm 1.6 miles // 5 minutes from the Kentucky Horse Park Spy Coast Farm is the nation’s leading sport horse breeding operation, thanks to their dedication to excellence in all facets of the sport. Their facility is home to a variety of divisions including the Rehabilitation and Fitness Center, Young Horse Development Center, show barn, stallion station and nursery division. You’ll see a little bit of everything on this shuttle tour, and learn all about the fascinating world of Olympic Equestrian sports. Spy Coast Farm offers public tours at 10:30am daily (excluding Tuesdays and Thursdays), which can be booked by clicking here. Spendthrift Farm 6.3 miles // 11 minutes from the Kentucky Horse Park Immerse yourself in the historic culture of Thoroughbred breeding and racing at Spendthrift Farm. There are two ways to visit Spendthrift Farm, both providing a unique insight into the Thoroughbred business. The Spendthrift Stallion Complex Tour which tours their famed stallion barn, visiting with champions like Kentucky Derby winner Authentic and leading sire Into Mischief. The Spendthrift Shuttle Experience is a very interactive tour that highlights the mares and foals that call the farm home Spendthrift Farm offers public tours weekly, Thursday through Saturday. Click here to view their offerings. Magdalena Farm 6.4 miles // 11 minutes from the Kentucky Horse Park Meet the next generation of champion racehorses at McPeek Racing’s Magdalena Farm, the birthplace of 2024 Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan. Tours of Magdalena visit with racehorses in training, as well as mares and their foals. You’ll learn more about the breeding and racing operation of leading racehorse trainer Kenny McPeek. McPeek Racing at Magdalena Farm offers public tours weekly, Thursday through Saturday, at 1pm. Click here to view their offerings. New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program 7 miles // 14 minutes from the Kentucky Horse Park Visit the nation’s oldest, and largest, Thoroughbred racehorse rehoming program. Since its inception in 1992, the New Vocations has placed over 8,000 retired racehorses into new homes and careers as riding horses. Tours of New Vocations provide unique insight into how horses are transitioned from the racetrack to second careers as hunter/jumpers, eventers, ranch horses and more. New Vocations offers public tours at 1pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, along with private availability most days of the week. Click here to view their offerings. Hallway Feeds 8 miles // 14 minutes from the Kentucky Horse Park Visit one of the most important facets of Kentucky’s equine industry – a feed mill focusing on providing the most nutritious grain to horses of all breeds and ages. Hallway Feeds has fueled innumerable Thoroughbred champions including Triple Crown winners and 14 Kentucky Derby winners. Tours of the facility give an inside look at this vital business, from the manufacturing operations to the freshly made feeds and tales of champions fed by Hallway. Hallway Feeds offers tours on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays at 1:30pm, which can be booked by clicking here.
