Tour

Best for guests who consider themselves history-buffs and who want to touch a horse while learning more about the Thoroughbred business.

WHAT YOU'LL SEE Mares & Foals, you may get hands-on too!

BEST FOR All Ages + Kid-Friendly, curious, casual, and committed fans welcome

ON THE TOUR You will be walking & standing throughout the tour

Visit historic Runnymede Farm, home of the Clay family and recognized as the oldest continuously owned Thoroughbred farm in Kentucky, in the heart of Paris and Bourbon County.

The tour of Runnymede Farm takes you through the early stages of the life of a Thoroughbred, beginning in the foaling barn where the young horses take their first steps. You will then head to other barns to see mares, older foals or weanlings, depending on the time of year. Throughout the tour, you'll learn about the many champions that were born and raised at the farm, including 2024 Belmont Stakes and Haskell Winner DORNOCH, 2023 Kentucky Derby winner MAGE and turf star LADY ELI, as well as the ins and outs of running a Thoroughbred nursery farm.

Along the tour, you will also see historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries that dot the land where three Kentucky Derby winners were raised, and learn about the history of Runnymede Farm and its connections to the early days of Kentucky’s statehood.

ABOUT RUNNYMEDE FARM

Learn more about Runnymede Farm by visiting their website, through their Trip Advisor Page, or their social media pages: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Ever since Runnymede was founded in 1867, the farm has been a vital part of the Thoroughbred industry. The farm was originally established on family property by Colonel Ezekiel Clay, whose father was a member of the United States Congress and a breeder of Thoroughbreds and champion cattle.

The nursery holds the distinct honor of being the oldest continuously operated Thoroughbred breeding farm in Kentucky, according to the Daughters of the American Revolution. Runnymede is now the domain of Catesby W. Clay, a grandson of Col. Clay and one of the most respected breeders in the business. Although the breeding, raising and selling of horses has changed markedly in the nearly 150 years since the farm was founded, Runnymede’s commitment to quality has never wavered. Even today, Catesby Clay and his son, Runnymede President Brutus J. Clay III, remain true to the beliefs and principles utilized by generations of their family in hopes of breeding and raising the best horses possible.

Home of SACRE COEUR, mother of LADY ELI, Grade I winner of the 2014 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. Since 2007, Runnymede has also bred and raised four other horses that have hit the board in Breeders’ Cup races. Other notable champions include bred and raised BEN BRUSH (Kentucky Derby) and HANOVER (Belmont Stakes by 15 lengths), two stallions found in the pedigree of nearly every Classic winner in the last 50 years. Runnymede continues to write new chapters worthy of its storied past.

Looking for a private tour? Click here to request a private tour.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please be sure to make your booking prior to arriving at the farm.

We do our best to let fans meet their favorites however there are no guarantees that can be made for any horse on any particular tour

Showings depend on the health and daily activities of our horses

No pets are allowed on property

Tours are conducted rain or shine; in the case of severe weather, a cancellation may occur with a rain check or refund.

No weapons will be permitted on property

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellations for refunds or rescheduling tours (pending availability) require 48 hours’ notice prior to tour

Service fees are always non-refundable

If this tour is canceled by Runnymede Farm, your ticket will be fully refunded or rescheduled (pending availability)

Please let us know of any request for accommodation or assistance. We are available at 859-963-1004 and [email protected]

We understand COVID-19 continues to be a factor in how our guests and members participate in experiences. We are committed to providing safe and fun experiences, and recommendations and best practices may change based on changing circumstances. If you have specific questions about any experience, please feel free to contact us at 859-963-1004 or [email protected]. If you are not feeling well or have any symptoms of illness, we kindly ask that you plan to not participate on a tour.