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Celebrating National Adopt a Horse Month

Posted on May 30, 2023 - 3:24 pm by

Here in Horse Country, we are proud to partner with non-profit organizations that retrain, rehabilitate and rehome horses who are in need of a new career, whether that career is competitive, as a trail horse or simply a pasture pet. In honor of Adopt a Horse Month, we are featuring these organizations, as well as some of the adoptable horses currently at each location. 

If you are passionate about the mission of any of our non-profit members but are not in the position to adopt a horse, there are other ways to support them! Donations and volunteers are always welcome, and we recommend getting in touch with each location directly to find out how to get involved. 

Kentucky Equine Adoption Center

The Kentucky Equine Adoption Center is the only all-breed equine rescue in the state of Kentucky. The Adoption Center opened in 2008 to meet a growing need in Central Kentucky to take in equines who were no longer able to be cared for by their owners, regardless of the breed or type. The operation takes in horses, miniature horses, donkeys and mules and provides them with training and rehabilitation that assists in the rehoming process. 

Since its inception 14 years ago, over 1,000 horses have been rescued and rehomed by the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center. Along with its main operations, the Adoption Center has a number of programs that educate community members and potential adopters about equine care. The Adoption Center takes in all breeds of equines, and currently has over 35 horses in their care. 

Featured Adoptable Horses

Dixieland Daisy (Yonaguska – Hurricane Jazz) – 16 year old Thoroughbred mare 

Emmy Lu Slew (Evansville Slew – Ravine) – 13 year old Thoroughbred mare

Why Me (American Freedom – My Wish List) – 4 year old Thoroughbred mare

Visit the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center

New Vocations Racehorse Adoption

New Vocations began in 1992 and has grown to be the largest retraining program in the United States, with locations in Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and Florida. The organization provides horses coming off of the track with rehabilitation and training before pairing them up with well-matched adopters around the country. 

While New Vocations retrains both Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds, their Lexington base at Mereworth Farm (which offers tours through Horse Country!) is a Thoroughbred-centric location. Since 1992, they have rehomed over 8,000 retired Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses. 

Featured Adoptable Horses 

Hard Choice (Hard Spun – Bode’s Choice) – 4 year old Thoroughbred mare

Send the Word (Payner – Duchess of Greeley) – 5 year old Thoroughbred gelding

Thatsnothername (Bob and John – J.B.’s Annie) – 8 year old Thoroughbred mare

Visit New Vocations

Secretariat Center

Located within the famed Kentucky Horse Park, the Secretariat Center retrains retired Thoroughbred racehorses to provide them with the best skills for a second career as a riding horse. Since 2004, the Secretariat Center has worked to place horses into situations where they can exceed, whether they are with upper level riders, as lesson or therapy horses, serving as mounted police horses, or one of many other careers. 

Featured Adoptable Horses 

Bane (Tourist – Canary Diamond) – 5 year old Thoroughbred gelding

First Class Dad (Dialed In – Belle Chaussee) – 5 year old Thoroughbred gelding

Good Dreams (Quality Road – Darci’s Dream (NZ)) – 4 year old Thoroughbred mare

Visit the Secretariat Center

Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) is a nationwide organization that provides the promise of a lifetime of sanctuary to each horse in their care. The TRF began in 1983 and has grown to be the largest sanctuary of its kind in the world, with 15 locations in 8 states. A majority of horses owned by the organization are not sound enough to go on to second careers, but still enjoy a well-deserved, dignified retirement at one of the many TRF facilities. 

The Sanctuary Farm at Chestnut Hall provides a caring retirement to 11 Thoroughbreds, situated at a historic farm home.

Along with providing a quality life for horses at their sanctuary farms, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation has adoption opportunities for those who would like to provide a forever home for a horse (or horses!) who are unable to be ridden. If you are interested in providing a lifelong home for one of the horses in the TRF herd, we recommend reaching out by submitting an adoption inquiry here. 

Visit TRF at Chestnut Hall

Horse Country Connections: 2023 Preakness Stakes

Posted on May 20, 2023 - 9:31 am by

The middle jewel of the Triple Crown is set to be contested in Baltimore, Maryland today, Saturday, May 20. The Preakness Stakes, set two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, is run at Pimlico Racecourse over a distance of 1 3/16ths miles. 

Seven horses will head to post this Saturday for their chance at the blanket of black-eyed susans and the history books. Kentucky Derby winner Mage is the sole contender from the Run for the Roses to contest the race, and faces six newcomers to the 2023 Triple Crown.

The field for the G1 Preakness Stakes has connections to several of our Horse Country members, and we will be rooting them on this weekend! Post time for the Preakness Stakes is approximately 7:01 p.m. ET, and the race and all pre-race coverage will be streamed live on NBC, NBCsports.com and the Peacock app. 

The G1 Preakness Stakes field, presented in post position order:

To learn more about the Preakness Stakes, check them out online here or on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Looking Back: Preakness Stakes Winners in Horse Country

Posted on May 18, 2023 - 10:57 am by

The G1 Preakness Stakes, held each year at Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore, Maryland, is the famed middle jewel of the Triple Crown. The race takes place two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, on the third Saturday in May.

The Preakness Stakes is the second oldest of the Triple Crown races, and was first held in 1873. The race is named for the colt who won the first Dinner Party Stakes at Pimlico, the day the racecourse opened in 1870. The flower blanket for the winning horse pays homage to the Black Eyed Susan, the state flower of Maryland, but due to the fact that the race takes place two months before the flowers come into bloom, viking poms that bear a resemblance to Black Eyed Susans, are used instead. 

The winning connections receive a replica of the Woodlawn Vase, which is the most expensive trophy in all of sports, worth approximately $4 million. Made of solid sterling silver, the trophy has a rich history that includes being buried for safekeeping so it was not melted to be used for bullets during the Civil War. The original Vase is used for the winner’s circle presentation before returning to its home at the Baltimore Museum of Art. 

Today, the Preakness Stakes is run at 1 3/16 miles for a purse of $1.5 million, and 8 of the top three year old colts are set to contest the 2023 edition. Before we dive in to this year’s field, let’s look back at the victories of the Preakness Stakes winners who now call Horse Country home. 

2022 Preakness Stakes – Early Voting 

While the Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike was absent from the field, the 2022 Preakness Stakes was still an intriguing field with the Derby runner-up Epicenter and Kentucky Oaks winner Secret Oath. At the wire it was Early Voting, the son of Gun Runner, to win by 1 ¼ lengths over Epicenter. Both colts now stand at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky.

2018 Preakness Stakes – Justify 

Just a few years off of the Triple Crown triumph of American Pharoah, the undefeated Justify followed in the hoofprints of his future stablemate in becoming the 13th Triple Crown winner. Owned by Horse Country member WinStar Farm in partnership with China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners LLC and Starlight Racing, Justify strode to a half-length victory under jockey Mike Smith. 

Justify now stands stud at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky. Learn more and book a tour of Coolmore at Ashford Stud here.

2017 Preakness Stakes – Cloud Computing 

The 2017 edition of the Preakness Stakes did not result in a Triple Crown hope, but instead a thrilling stretch duel in the final furlong of the race. After sitting on the lead alongside Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming for a majority of the race, Classic Empire drew away in the stretch, only to be run down by Cloud Computing, who took the victory by a head in the final strides.

Cloud Computing now stands stud at Spendthrift Farm in Lexington, Kentucky. Learn more and book a tour at Spendthrift Farm here.

2015 Preakness Stakes – American Pharoah

American Pharoah entered the Preakness Stakes off of an impressive victory in the Kentucky Derby two weeks earlier, and just like all Kentucky Derby winners who contest the Preakness, he carried the hopes of a Triple Crown victory. A seven length victory in the Preakness Stakes set up American Pharoah for a much-awaited run in the Belmont Stakes three weeks later, in which he became the 12th Triple Crown winner and the first in 37 years.

American Pharoah now stands stud at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky. Learn more and book a tour of Coolmore at Ashford Stud here.

2010 Preakness Stakes – Lookin at Lucky

Two-time Eclipse Award Champion Lookin at Lucky finished sixth in the Kentucky Derby as the favorite, but stamped himself as the top three year old colt of 2010 with a strong dueling victory in the Preakness Stakes. The Preakness was one of five G1 victories for Lookin at Lucky, who also finished second in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

Lookin at Lucky now stands stud at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky. Learn more and book a tour of Coolmore at Ashford Stud here.

2009 Preakness Stakes – Rachel Alexandra

14 years ago, Kentucky Oaks winner Rachel Alexandra took on the colts and went wire to wire to win the second leg of the Triple Crown. She would go on to become one of the most famous racemares of all time – winning multiple grade one races including the G1 Woodward against older males as a three year old filly during her storied career.

While Rachel Alexandra is not featured on their regular tours, you can visit her place of residence, Stonestreet Farm and meet possible future champions like Rachel! Learn more and book a tour at Stonestreet Farm here.

Stonestreet also hosts Rachel Alexandra Meet & Greet’s throughout the year, which allow guests to meet the famed mare.

2005 Preakness Stakes – Afleet Alex

It is not often a horse can accomplish a victory in the way that Afleet Alex won the 2005 Preakness Stakes. Even though he placed third in the Kentucky Derby, Afleet Alex entered the Preakness as the favorite. While making a run from the back of the pack, Afleet Alex ran into traffic and fell to his knees at the top of the stretch. He and jockey Jeremy Rose recovered almost instantly, and ran away with the race to win by nearly five lengths. Rose and Afleet Alex would go on to win the Belmont Stakes three weeks later.

Afleet Alex now resides at Gainesway Farm in Lexington, Kentucky where he has been pensioned, or retired, from stud duty. Learn more and book a tour at Gainesway Farm here.

Horse Country welcomes new Board Members & Executive Committee

Posted on May 8, 2023 - 10:34 am by

LEXINGTON, Ky – The Horse Country board of directors has undergone several updates through spring of this year, including newly elected board members at the annual member meeting on January 19th. The Board of Directors has also elected a new executive committee with some minor restructuring, and at the March board meeting, a new board member was appointed to see out the term of a board member who chose to resign due to a position change within their organization.

Newly Elected Directors

At the annual meeting on January 19th, 2023, Horse Country members voted to approve new board members, Ande Day of Lane’s End Farm, and Leslie Miller, the newly appointed Vice President of Marketing for Visit Lex. Ande fills an open board seat, while Leslie replaces Gathan Borden, whose three year term ended with the calendar year.

Leslie Miller

Borden served as the Board President since August of 2021, seeing the organization through several changes including the hiring of a new executive director and a change in the touring member structure before the end of his term. The culmination of Borden’s term on the Horse Country board coincided with a new job for him as the Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications for Destinations International. While his new position moves Borden slightly away from the Lexington tourism landscape, as he will now work from home in Louisville, Ky, he has agreed to remain on as the immediate past president where will serve in an advisory capacity.

Ande Day

Horse Country will maintain strong ties with Visit Lex as Leslie Miller replaces Borden within the organization as VP of Marketing as well as joining the Horse Country Board this year. Leslie brings extensive knowledge of the tourism marketing landscape, having worked at Cornett as VP Director of Brand Strategy, where she was a member of the executive leadership team and served as brand strategist for Cornett’s key accounts, including Keeneland, Lanes End, and VisitLEX.

Ande Farish Day joins the Horse Country board as the Farm Tour and Hospitality Manager for her family’s Lane’s End Farm. Ande has overseen Lane’s End growing involvement in Horse Country over the last several years. As well as maintaining the relationship with Horse Country, Ande hosts the tours at Lane’s End and has developed their merchandise platform which features the ever popular, Zenyatta.

Mandy Ryan

Ahead of the first quarter board meeting on March 29th, 2023, director Adam Johnson formally submitted his resignation from Horse Country’s board of directors. Johnson, first elected in 2018, brought an array of experiences from the bourbon industry and directly from his role with the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. In 2022, Adam was appointed as the Vice President of State Relations for the Kentucky Distillers’ Association. As he transitioned away from the day-to-day of the Bourbon Trail, Adam thought it best to step away from his Horse Country role and recommended another bourbon connoisseur in his wife and colleague, Mandy Ryan.

As part of several staff changes for the Kentucky Distillers’ Association in 2022, Mandy was promoted as the Director of Kentucky Bourbon Trail Experiences. She brings her marketing prowess from the KDA to Horse Country as well as wealth of knowledge and experience in the bourbon industry and specifically with the Bourbon Trail. Mandy will be an asset to Horse Country as the initiative continues to follow in the footsteps of the Bourbon Trail. The board appointed her to serve the remainder of Adam’s term, which ends with the 2023 calendar year.

New Executive Committee

With Gathan Borden’s term as a Board of Director ending, his position as the Board President came to it’s ultimate conclusion. On his way off the board, Gathan oversaw new structuring to the executive committee of the Horse Country Board. From his recommendation, the Horse Country executive committee will now see one year terms for the Board President, Vice-President and the non-voting Past President. The Vice-President will also serve as the President-Elect, qualifying a three year engagement for said elected director.

With this new structure agreed upon by the board of directors at their first annual meeting on January 31st, 2023, Dr. Luke Fallon of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute was elected by the board as the new Board President and Kara Heissenbuttel of Keeneland was elected as the Vice-President. Gathan will remain in the non-voting, advisory position of Past President.

Nick Nicholson will continue to serve as the Secretary on the executive committee. While he is not a voting director, he will continue to have an active advisory role and participate in board of director meetings as Secretary.

A Big THANK YOU and a Warm Welcome

Since the beginning of Horse Country, only a handful of people have been as involved with the organization as Rusty Thompson. He served as the Treasurer as well as an elected director and has been a pillar of this initiative. The finances and accounting of this membership organization have required a dedicated eye over the last several years. With Rusty’s leadership, as well as with help from other vital volunteers, Horse Country is proudly in a strong financial position. After seven years of his service, the time is right for a new treasurer to take the abacus from Rusty’s capable hands.

Lizy Robertson

After an extensive search and a recommendation from a Horse Country member, Elizabeth “Lizy” Robertson agreed to take on the role. Lizy is a Financial Advisor and Branch Manager for the Lexington, Kentucky branch of Raymond James located in downtown Lexington. A Bourbon County native, Lizy brings extensive experience from the financial world as well as tenure as a treasurer on another non-profit board. Graciously, Rusty has also agreed to help with the change over through the next two months as we work to finalize our budget and formally transition to our new touring revenue structure in the next fiscal year.

As well as the updates to the executive committee, the Horse Country board is working to reestablish several of the working committees in 2023 in order to provide continued opportunity for engagement across membership, necessary support to the Horse Country staff, and to serve as a conduit to the Horse Country board of directors. The committees which will be revitalized include Marketing, Membership and Operations. Two directors will participate on each of the committees, with one director serving as the chair. Leslie Miller will act as chair of the Marketing committee, Duncan Taylor will act as chair of the Membership committee and Brianne Sharp will act as chair of the Operations committee.

The last few years have seen significant changes for Horse Country. From an international pandemic, to staffing and leadership changes, to updating the revenue structure, the organization has weathered a tumultuous time. None of it would be possible, let alone successful, without the continued support and involvement of the members and volunteer board. This collaborative initiative continues to make a positive impact on the Thoroughbred industry because it is supported by the Thoroughbred industry.

Horse Country Connections: 2023 Kentucky Derby

Posted on May 5, 2023 - 5:09 pm by

The first weekend of May brings the eyes of the world upon Kentucky. The G1 Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve is the most iconic race in North American Thoroughbred racing, and one of the most recognizable races in the entire world.

While the Kentucky Derby is often symbolized by Mint Juleps, big hats and high fashion, at the heart of it all is the horse. For 149 years, the Derby has represented the hopes and dreams of countless horsemen and women whose goal is to one day be victorious in the run for the roses.

A number of factors make the Derby a unique race – the race is only open to three year old horses (therefore horses only have one shot at running in the race), up to 20 horses can enter the starting gate (the biggest field of race in North America) and the race is run at a mile and a quarter (a longer distance than the entrants have run previously). Along with the huge crowd and fanfare that go along with America’s most popular horse race, it takes a special horse to win this race.

This year, 19 Thoroughbred colts will enter the starting gates on Saturday, May 6 for their shot at the history books. We’re thrilled to be cheering on a number of horses in the field with connections to our #VisitHorseCountry members. Congratulations to these horses, their connections, and our members who played a part in their success.

The G1 Kentucky Derby field, presented in post position order:

  • #1 Hit Show
  • #2 Verifying
  • #3 Two Phil’s
  • #4 Confidence Game
  • #5 Tapit Trice
    • Sired by Tapit, standing at Gainesway Farm
    • Born at and bred by Gainesway Farm, and consigned by the farm at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale
    • Currently co-owned by Gainesway Stable with Whisper Hill Farm, LLC
  • #6 Kingsbarns
  • #7 Reincarnate
  • #8 Mage
  • #9 Skinner – SCR
  • #10 Practical Move – SCR
  • #11 Disarm
  • #12 Jace’s Road
  • #13 Sun Thunder
  • #14 Angel of Empire
  • #15 Forte
    • Graduate of the Keeneland November and September Sales
    • Won the G1 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity and G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland in 2022, which led to Forte being named Champion Two Year Old Male
  • #16 Raise Cain
    • Sold at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale
    • His last prep race was a fifth place finish in the G1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland
    • Fueled by Hallway Feeds
  • #17 Derma Sotogake
    • Bred and raced in Japan, Derma Sotogake comes to the Kentucky Derby by way of the UAE Derby in Dubai
    • His sire, Mind Your Biscuits, was a popular G1-winning sprinter in the United States 
  • #18 Rocket Can
  • #19 Lord Miles SCR
  • #20 Continuar SCR
  • #21 Cyclone Mischief
    • Sired by Into Mischief, standing at Spendthrift Farm
    • Sold at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale
    • Draws into the Kentucky Derby after three defections
  • #22 Mandarin Hero
    • Bred, raised and raced in Japan, Mandarin Hero placed a close second in the G1 Santa Anita Derby in his most recent start. 
    • Draws into the Kentucky Derby after three defections.
  • #23 King Russell
    • Sired by Creative Cause, standing at Airdrie Stud
    • Bred by Brereton Jones’ Airdrie Stud, which now co-owns the colt with Naber Racing, LLC 
    • Draws into the Kentucky Derby after three defections.

Tune in to the Kentucky Derby on NBC and Peacock beginning at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 6. Post time for the Kentucky Derby is set for approximately 6:57 p.m. ET.

Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event Recap

Posted on May 2, 2023 - 3:17 pm by

Each year, the last weekend in April is dedicated to sport horses here in Lexington, Kentucky. The Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event presented by Mars Equestrian takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park and brings together some of the world’s most talented horse and rider pairs to tackle three phases – dressage, cross country and stadium jumping – over the course of three days. The combination with the lowest number of penalties after all three disciplines is crowned the winner. This year, the event was particularly special for many competitors and fans 

The event has grown into a celebration of equestrianism at the top level, with four competitions hosted during the weekend. The Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event CCI5*-L is one of just seven 5* events in the entire world. The 5* level is the ultimate stage for eventing competitors, with many of these combinations either Olympic and World Championship veterans or hopefuls. Along with the headlining event, the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S Three Day Event and  Kentucky Invitational CSI3* Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute drew top horse and rider pairs.  

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The Land Rover Kentucky CCI5* kicked off on Thursday, April 27 with the dressage phase, which is split over two days due to the volume of riders. Dressage is a test of harmony during which horse and rider complete a prescribed set of movements that emphasize grace and connection. Yasmin Ingham and Banzai Du Loir, World Champions representing Great Britain, were in the lead over fellow British rider Tom McEwen and JL Dublin after the dressage phase with a 22.1 and 22.6, respectively. Mai Baum and Tamie Smith of the United States rounded out the top three with a 24.2. 

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Cross country is arguably the most thrilling phase of eventing, and the day drew over 30,000 fans to the Kentucky Horse Park to watch horse and rider combinations tackle a four mile course of obstacles including jumps, ditches and water features as close to the optimum time as possible. A handful of jumping and time penalties led to a shift in the standings, with Tamie Smith and Mai Baum jumping to the top of the leaderboard after a double clear round. Great Britain’s Tom McEwen and JL Dublin picked up a few time penalties to hold second place, and Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C of the United States entered the top three with their double clear round on the cross country course. 

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The top three riders were separated by just 4.3 points headed into the final round, stadium jumping. The stadium jumping test calls upon both the harmony demonstrated in dressage and the scope shown during cross country to jump a course of obstacles that will easily fall, compared to solid cross country fences. Tamie Smith and Mai Baum delivered with a double clear round to become the first American competitor to win the first Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event since Phillip Dutton in 2008, and the first woman to win since Mary King in 2011. 

Smith and Mai Baum finished on their dressage score, 24.2, with McEwen and JL Dublin finishing on a 27.8 for second place and Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C ending the weekend on a 28.5 for third place. As the highest placed American rider, Smith also took home the USEF CCI5*-L National Eventing Championship. Prize money of $400,000 was distributed among the top placings, along with awards recognizing the leading young rider, winning owner, winning breeder, grooms of the top placing horses and more. 

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The third annual Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S took place throughout the weekend as well, following the same format as the Land Rover Kentucky CCI5*-L. Canadian rider Karl Slezak was the only rider in the entire competition to go double clear in both the cross country and stadium jumping divisions, finishing on his dressage score of 29.3 to win aboard the mare Hot Bobo. Tamie Smith piloted Solaguayre California to finish second with a score of 30, and Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire finished third with a score of 34.9. 

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In its third year, the Kentucky CSI3* Invitational presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute drew some familiar faces for fans of equestrian sport, including Olympians Margie Engle, McLain Ward, Rodrigo Pessoa, Shane Sweetnam and more. We had some great rooting interests in two Spy Coast Farm-bred horses, La Belle SCF and Orwell SCF (owned by Lane’s End Show Jumping) competing in the event. Both horses are sired by Spy Coast Farm stallion Diktator van de Boslandhoeve. 

After the first round, ten riders were tied with zero faults to head into a jump off. A thrilling conclusion to the event saw Daniel Bluman of Israel and his mare Gemma W win by a mere .87 seconds over Lacey Gilbertson of the United States and Karlin Van’t Vennehof. Spy Coast Farm’s resident show jumping trainer and competitor Shane Sweetman rounded out to podium in third place aboard his gelding James Kann Cruz. 

Along with elite competitions, Land Rover Kentucky is known for shopping, educational demonstrations and more. The Secretariat Center hosted a demonstration about what to look for when purchasing an OTTB with champion jockey Rosie Napravnik, and New Vocations and Hagyard Equine Medical Institute welcomed guests to their booths to learn more about their respective organizations. 


Mark your calendars for the 2024 Best Weekend All Year, April 26-29 and learn more on the Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event website!

Keeneland Spring Meet Preview

Posted on April 6, 2023 - 3:46 pm by

The unofficial start of spring in the Bluegrass is upon us – the Keeneland Spring Meet kicks off on April 7! The spring meet runs from April 7 to April 28, with races taking place on Wednesdays – Sundays, excluding Easter Sunday, April 9. Tickets must be purchased prior to arriving at the track, and they can be found here. 

Keeneland’s spring meet is the perfect combination of great racing and great Kentucky culture, from the food to drinks, outfits and more!

Visit Keeneland

We’re proud to offer tours throughout the Keeneland meet (and the rest of the year!), which can be found by clicking here. One of our top recommendations is to stop by in the early hours of the day to watch morning training, which takes place from 5:30-10am each morning (we’ve got a tour for that, too!). You’ll get the chance to see horses exercising on the track, and trust us when we say that there is nothing like a morning spent on the rail. Once training is done, head over to the Keeneland Track Kitchen for a hearty breakfast before a day at the races.


Be sure to tune into the races – or even better, join in the fun at the track! While you’re in town for the races, be sure to check out some of our horse farm tours, which can be viewed by clicking here (P.S. – be sure to check out the filters to choose your preferred dates and number of guests for the most accurate listing of available tours for your party).

Top-Class Thoroughbred Racing

Wonder Wheel wins the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at Keeneland in November 2022

The race meet kicks off with top races for three year olds in the G1 Ashland Stakes and the G1 Blue Grass Stakes. Both races provide points to the top finishers in route to the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, respectively.

The G1 Ashland Stakes is race nine on Friday, April 7 with a post time of 5:16 p.m. ET, and has 170 Kentucky Oaks points on offer to the top five finishers. We hate to pick favorites, and in this case, we don’t have to! Each of the seven contenders has a connection to Horse Country (how cool is that?!).

The G1 Blue Grass Stakes is race nine on Saturday, April 9 with a post time of 5:15 p.m. ET, and has 170 Kentucky Derby points on offer to the top five finishers. Half of the field has a connection back to Horse Country, so we’ve got a few rooting interests in one of the final prep races for the Kentucky Derby.

  • Tapit Trice – sired by Tapit, standing at Gainesway Farm and bred by Gainesway (co-owners with Whisper Hill Farm, LLC).
  • Verifying – sired by Justify, standing at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud.
  • Hayes Strike – sired by Connect, standing at Lane’s End Farm.
  • Scoobie Quando – sired by Uncle Mo, standing at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud.
  • Blazing Sevens – sired by Into Mischief, standing at Spendthrift Farm.
  • Mendelssohns March – sired by Mendelssohn, standing at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud.

Plus, be on the lookout for the return of three Breeders’ Cup World Champions to the site of their victories last fall – Caravel in the G2 Shakertown Stakes (Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner) Goodnight Olive in the G1 Madison Stakes (Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint winner) and Wonder Wheel in the G1 Ashland Stakes (Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner).

Sally’s Picks – Tips from a Keeneland Ambassador

One of our team members, Sally Englander, is a Keeneland College Ambassador as well as a Horse Country intern. When she’s not helping to curate the perfect experience for your time in Horse Country, she is at the races and chatting about all things Keeneland! She put together her list of must do, see and eat items for the Keeneland spring meet below.

Food & Drinks

Keeneland’s Famous Bread Pudding

A great blend of sweetness and bourbon in one delicious dessert, best served warm with bourbon glaze on top and best enjoyed while outside trackside watching the races! If you’ve ever wished you could make this Keeneland classic at home, you are in luck! Marc Therrien, Executive Chef for Keeneland Hospitality gave the Kentucky Distillers Association a step-by-step recipe, click here.

Keeneland Breeze

For those of the age of 21, my best drink recommendation for those who want to taste Kentucky in a drink would be the Keeneland Breeze. This bourbon based drink is a classic to sip while placing your bets on your favorite horses!

Places to Visit at Keeneland

Saddling Paddock

Before I ever place bets, I have to go to the Saddling Paddock to pick the horse that catches my eye. You get a glimpse of the horses’ energy before the race and get an up close look at them before they go to the track. 

Sales Pavilion

I absolutely love the Sales Pavilion. It has a timeless look with Keeneland green filling the interior. This is where some of the world’s top Thoroughbred sales happen in January, April, September, and November.

…and of course the finish line is a fun place to visit and maybe you’ll get the chance to capture a photo finish!

Top Horse Country tour picks

Spy Coast Farm Grand Tour | 10:30am-12:30pm

Take a break from the Thoroughbreds and head over to the sport horse capital of Lexington. This tour is one of my favorites because of the diversity You get to see the rehabilitation center, stallions, young horse development center, and mares and foals division! It is also a very interactive tour, you can pet and feed the horses on the property!

Spendthrift Farm Stallion Complex Tour | 12:30pm-1:30pm

Located right down the street from Spy Coast, Spendthrift Farm is a top international thoroughbred breeder! They are home to greats such as Into Mischief, Authentic, and Jackie’s Warrior. They also have the newly built B. Wayne Hughes Visitor’s Center, where you can buy all the Spendthrift and Horse Country merchandise.

The Road to the Kentucky Derby

Posted on March 31, 2023 - 12:53 pm by

The Kentucky Derby is the race that puts Kentucky on the map each year on the First Saturday in May. Twenty Thoroughbred race horses will line up in the early evening at Churchill Downs in Louisville on May 6, 2023 for a shot at being in the history books.

This is the race that nearly every participant in the Thoroughbred industry has on their bucket list, and only a select few each year get to experience the thrill of being connected to the victorious horse. Horse Country members have been involved in a number of Kentucky Derby contenders – and winners! – as breeders, owners, caretakers and the providers of veterinary care and feed for these superstars.

No matter what your involvement in the equine industry is, the Kentucky Derby is an experience unlike any other. As the 149th edition of the race nears, let’s take a look at the current leaderboard and upcoming prep races.

The Road to the Derby

The field for the Kentucky Derby is selected based on a points system, and the top 20 horses will be able to enter the race. The Road to the Kentucky Derby is a selection of the top races for two and three year old horses that culminates in the Derby itself, with each race providing a certain number of points to the top finishers. As the races get closer to the Derby, the point values increase and so do the stakes. Towards the end of March and early April, the final major prep races take place and the field starts to shape up.

The nearest upcoming Road to the Derby prep races.

G1 Curlin Florida Derby

Racetrack: Gulfstream Park

Distance: 1 ⅛ miles on the dirt

Post Time: 6:40 p.m. ET

Click here to view the field.

G1 Arkansas Derby

Racetrack: Oaklawn Park

Distance: 1 ⅛ miles on the dirt

Post Time: TBD

Points Awarded: 100 – 40 – 30 – 20 – 10

Click here to view the field

Where to Watch

The Florida Derby will be broadcast live on CNBC and Peacock, and has a scheduled post time of 6:40 p.m. ET. The Arkansas Derby will be broadcast on FS2 as a part of the America’s Day at the Races broadcast.

The Contenders

The Road to the Derby brings together the best three year old Thoroughbred racehorses in the world, with the top 20 running in the Kentucky Derby on the First Saturday in May.

About Horse Country, Inc.

Based in Lexington, Ky, Horse Country is a not-for-profit membership organization that offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at the equine industry through tours of member farms, veterinary clinics and other equine attractions in Kentucky. Check out Horse Country on social media: Instagram @visithorsecountry Facebook @visithorsecountry and Twitter @kyhorsecountry. For more information: www.visithorsecountry.com.

Valentine’s Weekend Itinerary

Posted on February 9, 2023 - 1:22 pm by

Valentine’s Weekend Itinerary

No matter who you are spending this season of love with, we’ve put together a few itineraries to enjoy time with your favorites here! From romantic dinners to equine kissing booths, to an afternoon tea and horse farm tours, there’s a variety of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day here in Horse Country.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2023

Coolmore at Ashford Stud

Hallway Feeds Tour | 10:30am-11:30am

Start your morning with a tour of the place that fuels all the top horse athletes. Even pick up some treats to give to your horse or dog at home for Valentine’s Day  that they supply in their shop!

Spark Community Café | Brunch

On your way to Coolmore, stop by Spark Community Café for Brunch. Right in the heart of downtown Versailles, they are a perfect place to enjoy a good bite made with lots of love!

Coolmore at Ashford Stud Tour | 2:30pm-3:30pm

Top stallions that produce champions, gorgeous barns, and the home of two Triple Crown winners. A once in a lifetime experience!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2023

Kentucky Equine Adoption Center

Before a full day of tours and love, we suggest stopping by A Cup of Commonwealth for a delicious cup of coffee and a pastry!

Jonabell Stallion Walking Tour | 10:00am-11:30am

Come see the most handsome studs leading up to Valentine’s Day! This gorgeous farm is home to some of Kentucky’s top stallions such as Essential Quality, Medaglia D’Oro, and Frosted.  Along with the horses, you’ll learn about the history and accomplishments of racing and breeding giant Godolphin, and visit their incredible trophy room.

Mill Ridge Farm Tour | 12:00pm-1:30pm

The mares and foals need some love leading up to Valentine’s Day as well! Come feed and pet the residents of Mill Ridge Farm. On this tour, you will get to drive around the stunning acreage and meet the mothers and foals, yearlings, and stallions. 

Gallop-tine’s Day Fundraiser at the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center | 1:00pm-3:00pm

Spend an afternoon with some horses looking for love! The Kentucky Equine Adoption Center is hosting a loveable afternoon filled with horse kisses, hot chocolate, and cupid’s arrows.

Chenault Vineyards Presents Valentine’s Day Dinner | 6:30pm-9:30pm

Finish the night with love in the air at a scenic vineyard. Chenault Vineyards is hosting a romantic evening accompanied by a four course dinner and live music by Carrie & Taylor. The dinner includes delectable treats such as baked brie, a traditional French dish Coq au Vin served with artisan bread and whipped garlic potatoes, and chocolate fondue.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2023 : Galentine’s Day

Spy Coast Farm

Windy Corner Market for breakfast? … we think that is a great idea! It is right down the street from Spy Coast in Bryan Station. They only serve breakfast on Sundays, so you’re in for a treat

Spy Coast Grand Tour | 10:30am-12:30pm

A stunning facility filled with love for the animal and sport. Take a tour of a sport horse breeding farm based out of America, which believe it or not is rare. The racehorses are amazing, but wait until you see these top showjumpers!

Galentine’s Day at the Amsden | 12:00pm-4:00pm

After a morning full of tours, it is time to celebrate the ladies for Galentine’s Day at the Amsden! Get some coffee, hang out with your girlfriends, and join in some of the fun activities. In years past, they have had makeup stations, photobooths, mini spa treatments, and delicious, themed drinks.

Gallop-tine’s Tea at Chestnut Hall | 2:00pm-4:00pm

Bring your Galentine or Valentine to Chestnut Hall. Upon arrival, guests will toast the TRF herd before enjoying herbal teas and delicious treats that include scones, tiny sandwiches, savories, and pretty treats! Tours of the historic house and farm are available after the tea.

Dine at Castle Farm in the Kentucky Castle | 7:00pm-9:00pm

Talk about feeling like royalty before Valentine’s Day, take in the historic and gorgeous views of the Kentucky Castle for dinner. If you want to spend the night there, they have amazing rooms and cabins available. Even luxury glamping with chocolate covered strawberries, champagne, and rose petals. Talk about romance!

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2023

WinStar Farm

Doodle’s | Breakfast

My mouth is watering just looking at pictures of the food from Doodles. Believe it or not, the food is even better than the pictures. Sit down and enjoy breakfast options like beignets, omelets, and oatmeal brulee. 

WinStar Stallion Complex Tour | 11:30 am – 12:30pm

Tiz Now is the time to visit WinStar and see the award winning stallions at a state of the art facility. As you are gearing up for Valentine’s Day, let these studs amaze you with their unique personalities and incredible track winnings.

Wallace Station | 12:45pm – 1:45pm

This diner gained recognition from being on Diners, Drive-in, and Dives, but we believe their fame came from all of the horse farm tour guides saying this is their favorite place to eat when asked for recommendations! Enjoy a burger, some fries and a crisp Ale8 in the heart of Horse Country after your tour at WinStar Farm.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2023 : Valentine’s Day

Keeneland Racecourse

Keeneland Morning Works Tour | 8:30am – 9:30am

Want to watch the sunrise with your partner and then come to Keeneland to witness racehorses in training. A perfect way to start the day with your loved one!

Callie’s Homestyle Restaurant | Brunch

Whether you are feeling like having breakfast or lunch, Callie’s is the place to go! In downtown Versailles, enjoy homestyle meals before heading to your next tour.

Lane’s End Stallion Complex Tour | 12:30pm – 1:30pm

Flightline captured a lot of hearts in the past year, so be sure to come see him and the rest of the amazing stallion roster and learn about Lane’s End and their incredible accomplishments.

Pasta Garage Valentine’s Day Dinner | Reservations at 5:30pm, 7:00pm, 8:30pm

Who wants pasta on Valentine’s Day? Because I sure do! And if not, Pasta Garage does offer other delicious entrees! You and your loved one will leave feeling happy and stuffed! Their menu items are making me fall in love: heart shaped ravioli, whipped ricotta served on a warm baguette, limoncello tart, just to name a few.

Valentine’s Day Paint and Sip at Greyline Station | 7:00pm-10:00pm

Looking for a soothing night with painting, music, and hors d’oeuvres? Greyline station is the perfect place to spend a romantic evening in Downtown Lexington.

Horse Country Connections: Pegasus World Cup

Posted on January 26, 2023 - 12:33 pm by

The Pegasus World Cup is the first major race day on the North American racing calendar in 2023. Hosted at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida, the Pegasus World Cup is a thrilling day at the races, headlined by the G1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational and G1 Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational. 

Here in Kentucky, we’ll be watching the races and cheering on the #HorseCountryConnections (and dreaming of warm weather!). Let’s check out some of the contenders in this year’s G1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational.

The Races

G1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational 

Purse: $3,000,000

Distance: 1 ⅛ miles on the dirt

Post Time: 5:40 p.m. ET

Post Positions: 

1 – Proxy | bred and owned by Godolphin | sired by Tapit, standing at Gainesway Farm

2 – Simplification | sired by Not This Time, standing at Taylor Made Farm

3 – Ridin With Biden | sired by Constitution, standing at WinStar Farm | Keeneland Sales graduate

4 – White Abarrio | bred by Spendthrift Farm

5 – Defunded | sired by Dialed In, standing at Darby Dan Farm | Keeneland Sales graduate

6 – Art Collector 

7 – Skippylongstocking | Keeneland Sales graduate

8 – Get Her Number | sired by Dialed In, standing at Darby Dan Farm

9 – Last Samurai | bred by Stonestreet Farm 

10 – Cyberknife | sired by Gun Runner, standing at Three Chimneys Farm | Future Spendthrift Farm stallion

11 – Stiletto Boy 

12 – O’Connor (CHI)

Also Eligibles

14 – Endorsed | bred by Godolphin | sired by Medaglia d’Oro, standing at Jonabell Farm

Along with the dirt feature, the G1 Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational drew a strong field of competitive turf horses. 

G1 Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational 

Purse: $1,000,000

Distance: 1 ⅛  miles on the turf

Post Time: 4:40 p.m. ET

Post Positions 

1 – Wit | sired by Practical Joke, standing at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud | Keeneland Sales graduate

2 – Good Governance (GB) | Keeneland Sales Graduate 

3 – Atone | bred by Godolphin | sired by Into Mischief, standing at Spendthrift Farm 

4 – Hurricane Dream (FR) 

5 – One More Bid

6 – Lady Speightspeare | sired by Speightstown, standing at WinStar Farm

7 – Speaking Scout | Keeneland Sales Graduate

8 – Who’s the Star | sired by Tonalist, standing at Lane’s End Farm | Keeneland Sales Graduate

9 – Decorated Invader | Keeneland Sales Graduate

10 – Ivar (BRZ) | G1 winner at Keeneland

11 – Master Piece (CHI) 

12 – City Man

Also Eligibles 

13 – King Cause | bred by Airdrie Stud | sired by Creative Cause, standing at Airdrie Stud | Keeneland Sales Graduate

14 – Steady On | Keeneland Sales Graduate

Where to Watch

If you’re like us, and you won’t be in Florida for the races this weekend, you can tune in on NBC at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 28 to catch all of the action. Live streams will also be available online and via the NBC sports app.

Horse Country Connections: Past Winners

Life is Good, winner of the 2022 Pegasus World Cup, is now retired and stands stud at WinStar Farm in Versailles, Kentucky. You can visit WinStar and learn more about this champion on one of their tours! In the meantime, click here to relive his thrilling win in last year’s edition.

Knicks Go, now standing at Taylor Made Farm, won the 2021 edition of the Pegasus World Cup. Click here to book a tour of Taylor Made Farm, and be sure to check out his victory here.

City of Light won the 2019 Pegasus World Cup before joining his sire Quality Road in the stallion barn at Lane’s End Farm. Visit Lane’s End and learn more about City of Light (and Quality Road!) on one of their tours. You can watch his Pegasus World Cup conquest here.

Now a leading stallion, Gun Runner won the second running of the Pegasus World Cup back in 2018. Watch his stirring triumph here, and be sure to book a tour of Three Chimneys Farm to see Gun Runner in his new career.

About Horse Country, Inc.

Based in Lexington, Ky, Horse Country is a not-for-profit membership organization that offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at the equine industry through tours of member farms, veterinary clinics and other equine attractions in Kentucky. Check out Horse Country on social media: Instagram @visithorsecountry Facebook @visithorsecountry and Twitter @kyhorsecountry. For more information: www.visithorsecountry.com.

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