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New Year, New Stallions

Posted on January 18, 2023 - 4:01 pm by Horse Country

With the new year comes new stallions, heading off to the breeding shed for their first season at stud. The new stallions joining the ranks this year in Horse Country accomplished impressive feats on the racetrack, and combined with their top quality pedigrees, make for an exciting crop of new studs.

Let’s take a look at some of the newest additions to Kentucky’s stallion ranks!

One of the most talked about new stallions for 2023 is arguably Flightline, winner of the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic and a frontrunner for the Horse of the Year title. Flightline retired undefeated after his victory in the G1 Breeder’s Cup Classic, with five other stirring victories on his resume. The son of Tapit will stand at Lane’s End Farm, with a stud fee of $200,000.

Life is Good, winner of the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile and four other G1 races, will become the second highest priced stallion in the WinStar Farm barn with a stud fee of $100,000. Also joining the WinStar Farm roster for 2023 is Nashville, who will stand for $15,000.

Visit WinStar Farm

Darley at Jonabell Farm has two new additions to their stallion roster, both homebred G1 winners for the racing and breeding operation. Mystic Guide, winner of the G1 Dubai World Cup, will stand for $15,000 and G1 Carter Handicap winner Speaker’s Corner will stand for $20,000.

Visit Jonabell Farm

Spendthrift Farm’s roster is growing by four stallions, with the addition of a handful of new horses to their roster. Five time G1 winner Jackie’s Warrior enters stud with a fee of $50,000 along with G1 Belmont Stakes winner Mo Donegal, standing for $20,000, and G2 Fountain of Youth Stakes winner Greatest Honour, standing for $7,500. Multiple G1 winner Cyberknife is set to race in the G1 Pegasus World Cup in the coming weeks before retiring to Spendthrift Farm with a fee of $30,000.

Visit Spendthrift Farm

Aloha West at Mill Ridge Farm. Photo courtesy of Mill Ridge Farm

Aloha West, winner of the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Sprint, joined fellow Breeders’ Cup winner Oscar Performance on the Mill Ridge Farm stallion roster, and will stand the 2023 season for a fee of $10,000.

Visit Mill Ridge Farm

Title Ready wins at Keeneland. Photo courtesy of Darby Dan Farm

Darby Dan Farm added one new stallion for 2023, graded stakes winner Title Ready, who will stand for a private fee.

Visit Darby Dan Farm

Coolmore at Ashford Stud is set to welcome five new stallions to their roster, including Breeders’ Cup winners, a Preakness Stakes winner and winners of other grade one races. Corniche, winner of the 2021 G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, will stand for a stud fee of $30,000, 2022 G1 Preakness Stakes winner Early Voting will stand for a fee of $25,000, G1 Travers Stakes winner and runner-up in the G1 Kentucky Derby and G1 Preakness Stakes Epicenter will stand for $45,000, two-time Breeders’ Cup winner (2020 G2 Juvenile Turf Sprint and 2021 G1 Turf Sprint) Golden Pal will stand for $30,000 and multiple G1 winner Jack Christopher will stand for $45,000.

Learn more about Coolmore at Ashford Stud

Taylor Made Farm welcomed one new stallion for the 2023, G1 winner Idol, who is a full brother to leading three year old filly in 2022, Nest, and will stand for $10,000.

Learn more about Taylor Made Farm

Olympiad prior to finishing second in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland

We last saw Olympiad finishing a gallant second to Flightline in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, and now the G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup winner is readying to stand stud at Gainesway Farm for a $35,000 fee in the 2023 season. G1 Woody Stephens Stakes winner Drain The Clock will join the Gainesway roster as well, with a 2023 fee of $10,000.

Learn more about Gainesway Farm

Happy Saver prior to running in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland

Airdrie Stud has three new additions to their roster in 2023, with two first year stallions and a seasoned sire who is moving from Florida to Kentucky. Happy Saver, winner of the G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup, starts his breeding career at $12,500 in 2023, and graded stakes winner Highly Motivated, who stands for $7,500, will both begin their breeding careers in 2023, while leading first crop sire Girvin will stand his first Kentucky season for a $25,000 fee.

Learn more about Airdrie Stud

Interested in learning more about the Thoroughbred breeding business? Horse Country offers a variety of tours that focus on stallions, where guests are able to learn more about and meet these champions.

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.

Winter Guide to Horse Country

Posted on December 7, 2022 - 12:46 pm by Horse Country

Winter is upon us here in Central Kentucky and there are so many things to do and see in the Bluegrass! From holiday themed treats to Christmas lights, to tours of horse farms and distilleries, we compiled some of our favorite winter activities below.

First things first – get out of the house and go on a Horse Country Tour!

While winter in Kentucky requires a warm jacket, there’s little else you need to enjoy the holiday season with Horse Country. Bundle up and enjoy the sights of a horse farm tour, including some of our nursery farms, aftercare facilities and stallion stations. If you’re looking to stay indoors, Hallway Feeds and Hagyard Equine Medical Institute are offering tours that give a behind-the- scenes peek into their respective world-class operations in equine care.

Whether you’re looking to get the kids out of the house this winter break or are looking to show off Kentucky to your visiting in-laws this holiday season, Horse Country has you covered. See below for some recommended itineraries:

Kid-Friendly

– Tour the Secretariat Center or Spy Coast Farm, and then visit the Kentucky Horse Park, ending with Southern Lights. Click here for the day trip itinerary.

– Tour Godolphin’s Gainsborough Farm and then visit Downtown Midway for shopping and a bite to eat. Click here for the day trip itinerary.

– Tour Mill Ridge Farm, and then head to the Summit for holiday shopping or gift card using! Click here for the day trip itinerary.

– Stay cozy indoors with a tour of Hallway Feeds, then head down the road to shop and eat at Greyline Station. Click here for the day trip itinerary.

– Learn about the life of a Thoroughbred before, during and after their racing career with a tour of Keeneland Racecourse, and then a tour of a nursery farm, either Mill Ridge Farm or Gainsborough Farm. Click here for the day trip itinerary.

– Learn about the life of a Thoroughbred, both on the track and off of the track, when you pair a tour of Keeneland with a visit to New Vocations or the Secretariat Center. Click here for the day trip itinerary.

Holidays with the In-Laws

Head over to Versailles and enjoy some bays and Bourbon with tours at Gainsborough Farm and a distillery. Click here for the day trip itinerary.
Enjoy a classically Kentucky day with tours at Keeneland Racecourse and Mill Ridge Farm, as well as lunch at Harry’s. Click here for the day trip itinerary.
Learn about top tier equine veterinary care with a tour of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, and then head downtown to experience some of the best food and drinks Lexington has to offer. Click here for the day trip itinerary.

While you’re in town, be sure to check out some of our other favorite things to do during the winter months in Central Kentucky.

Go Ice Skating in Downtown Lexington

Triangle Park in Downtown Lexington becomes a winter wonderland each year, with an ice skating ring and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Rent a pair of skates by the hour and enjoy ice skating in the heart of Lexington, then be sure to head to the distillery district for some Goodfella’s pizza and Crank and Boom ice cream for some grub after your time at the rink.

View hours and more information regarding the Rink at Triangle Park here.

Experience Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park

This time of year, the Kentucky Horse Park is not just home to equine attractions. Southern Lights is a three mile driving tour of spectacular lights, along with a Holiday Village where guests can venture through a petting zoo, ride a mini train, meet with Santa, shop at the Kentucky Horse Park gift shop and more. Be on the lookout for light displays celebrating Kentucky’s equine heritage!

Learn more and purchase tickets to Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park here.

Enjoy Delicious Holiday Treats

Lexington’s local food scene is great year-round, but during the holiday season our local restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops really step it up a notch. Some of our favorite bakeries and coffee shops include Futile Bakery (the cinnamon rolls are to die for!), Leestown Coffee House (holiday drinks include a gingerbread latte & more) and the Amsden Coffee Club in Versailles (holiday shopping + coffee, does it get much better?).

Warm up with a Bourbon Tour

After you spend some time outdoors on a horse farm tour, warm up inside on a distillery tour! Our friends at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail have tours available all winter at a variety of distilleries in Central Kentucky. Some of our nearby favorites include Four Roses Distillery (located just off of the Bluegrass Parkway in Lawrenceburg), Castle & Key Distillery (located just outside of Versailles in Frankfort), and Lexington Brewing Co., Barrel House Distilling Co., James E. Pepper Distillery and Bluegrass Distillers, all located in Lexington. Learn more and book a distillery tour through the Kentucky Bourbon Trail website.

About Horse Country, Inc.

Giving Tuesday

Posted on November 28, 2022 - 4:54 pm by Horse Country

#GivingTuesday is celebrated each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and, let’s be honest, after a weekend of indulgence. The day encourages us to donate to causes and organizations spreading good around the world, around the country, or even in your community. Since its inception in 2012, Giving Tuesday has become a worldwide movement that has raised critical funds for nonprofits across the globe.

Horse Country is proud to recognize our four nonprofit members who provide care, facilitate retraining, and find lifelong homes for the horses in their barns. We encourage you to learn more about each of these organizations below, and if you feel so inclined, to support these organizations on this #GivingTuesday.

Kentucky Equine Adoption Center

The Kentucky Equine Adoption Center is the largest all-breed equine rescue in Kentucky, serving horses from a variety of breeds, ages and backgrounds. The Center rehabilitates and rehomes horses, ranging from trail horses and companion animals to high level dressage competitors, with a goal of finding the perfect adopter for each horse. Learn more about the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center here.

Monetary donations to the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center can be made via the link below, and the Center is also seeking donations of winter blankets for their horses and the community.

Donate to the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center here.

New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program

New Vocations is the nation’s largest racehorse adoption program, and focuses on rehabilitating, retraining and rehoming retired Standardbred and Thoroughbred racehorses. New Vocations has nine facilities across the country to retrain and rehome horses, with their main base located here in Lexington, Kentucky. Learn more about New Vocations here.

In honor of New Vocations 30th anniversary, Breeders’ Cup-winning Thoroughbred owners D.J. Stable, LLC is generously matching all donations made to New Vocations, up to $30,000!

Donate to New Vocations here.

Secretariat Center

The Secretariat Center provides education for former racehorses as a stepping stone to new careers after racing. The Secretariat Center typically has 10-20 Thoroughbreds in its training program, which can go on to a variety of careers including hunter/jumpers, dressage, trail riding, therapeutic riding and more.

Donations to the Secretariat Center assist in the care and training of nearly 50 retired racehorses per year.

Donate to the Secretariat Center here.

Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation provides support for nearly 450 rescued and retired Thoroughbred racehorses in their care at TRF locations throughout the country, including the herd of 11 horses at TRF at Chestnut Hall in Prospect.

This Giving Tuesday, TRF is fundraising to support the TRF Farrier Fund, which covers the cost of about three months of blacksmith visits for the horses in the TRF herd. Proper hoof care is vital to the wellbeing of horses, and this fund is incredibly important to the work that TRF does.

Donate to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Farrier Fund here.

Horse Country Holiday Gift Guide

Posted on November 21, 2022 - 3:10 pm by Horse Country

Looking for Christmas gift inspiration for the horse lover in your life? Lucky for you, our members have just what you need right in their gift shops. We’ve split up the list of gift ideas by…

Die-hard horseracing enthusiasts
Horse Country connoisseurs
Potential equine adopters

Whatever category you identify with, we have just the thing for you and your shopping list. And don’t forget – a tour in Horse Country always makes for a lovely gift too!

Lane’s End Farm

Z Hat $22.95

For all the Zenyatta fans in the house – I mean who isn’t – Lane’s End has great gifts honoring the Hall of Fame mare, including hats and tees, like this eye catching option pictured here. Plus they have great Lane’s End branded gear too! Check out their online gift shop here.

Interested in a tour? While Lane’s End isn’t offering public tours this winter…brrrrr… they do have some private availability and will be back in Spring 2023! You can book here.

Breeders’ Cup 2022

Center Flightline Long Sleeve Tee $40

Breeders’ Cup’s online gift shop is a great spot for any fan of the World Championships. Their shop includes apparel, housewares and some high end gifts as well. Plus they have items from 2022 Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland on sale! Commemorate an incredible Breeders’ Cup Classic performance from Flightline with a purchase from the Breeders’ Cup shop here.

Spendthrift Farm

The Authentic Logo Windbreaker $65

Spendthrift has an incredible collection of Authentic gear including this snazzy pullover, a perfect outer layer for that biting winter wind. They also have a swoon worthy collection of apparel and housewares perfect for any horse lover’s holiday shopping list. Visit their online gift shop here.

If you join for a tour a Spendthrift you can shop in their Visitors Center – book here! Tour tickets are required to shop in Visitors Center.

Darley America

Nyquist Beanie $35

Sport your favorite Darley stallion cap this holiday season. In particular, this stylish number will keep you cozy and it’s a perfect fit for 2016 Kentucky Derby winner, Nyquist, named for NHL player, Gustav Nyquist. Take a look at their online gift shop here.

Godolphin will be hosting tours through the winter at their stallion station, Jonabell Farm, and their mare division, Gainsborough Farm. Get a hat with your favorite stallion’s name and then come visit him! Book here.

WinStar Farm

Women’s Quilted Jacket $75

WinStar Farm has a great selection of hats and apparel from their star studded stallion roster, but we just had to share this quilted jacket! It’s trendy and feels like part of a WinStar uniform – so if they’re your team, then kit up! Check out this jacket and more on their online gift shop here.

WinStar also has a few tours available through the first week in December, you can visit their gift shop after your tour. Book here, and if you can’t visit this winter, mark your calendars for Spring 2023!

Mill Ridge Farm

Carrot Socks $20

Quickly becoming known across Horse Country and beyond for their iconic carrot couture, Mill Ridge has recently stocked up on these bad boys. These are a personal favorite of the Horse Country team and they’d make a great gift for any horse lover! Aside from these, Mill Ridge has a great offering of carrot adorned apparel and hats. Find your pick on their online website here.

Or if you feel like feeding horses some real carrots before you buy your carrot themed apparel, visit Mill Ridge Farm this holiday season and make your purchase in person. Book here!

Keeneland

Win Place Show 8×10 Print Set $36

Keeneland’s gift shop is a thing of beauty – from apparel to home wares and everything in between! Honestly, it was hard to pick just one thing, but we do love this set of prints. Keeneland’s gift shop located on their grounds is open to the public and they also have Keeneland Mercantile located in downtown Lexington, or you can shop online here. Be sure to confirm their business hours before visiting!

And Keeneland is hosting tours through this holiday season, book your tour here and be sure to stop by the gift shop after your tour.

Visit Horse Country

Jute Market Tote $25

From trips to the farmer’s markets to your upcoming beach vacation this wintery season – Horse Country’s tote bag will fit right in. It’s a beautifully structured jute bag with durable handles and the Horse Country logo imprinted on the front. Or check out our superstar tees or co-branded member hats this holiday season, you can find it all here.

And if you’re think of gifting a tour this holiday season, you can find gift certificates here.

Kentucky for Kentucky

Horse Humping Socks $14

I know, I know… what’s with all the socks? Well, you know what they say, no hoof no horse and it all starts with a comfy pair of socks! Enter Kentucky for Kentucky’s attention grabbing pair, which well honor what helps make Central Kentucky the Horse Capital of the World, the Thoroughbred breeding industry. You can find these and some other fun Kentucky themed gifts on their online store here, or if you’re in town, be sure to check out their Fun Mall off Bryan Ave. Be ready for some fun, eclectic gifts and to be clear, we don’t recommend visiting their shop to the faint of heart!

Here at Horse Country, several of our team members grew up on the back of a horse. While some of us have the ability to continue riding today, for those of us who can’t, we “window shop” on the social media channels of our sport horse and Thoroughbred aftercare members.

In particular, Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, New Vocations, Secretariat Center, and on the fanciest end, Spy Coast Farm, all have horses available for purchase or adoption. If you’re in search of a new addition to your stable or just want to drool over their adoptable horses, we couldn’t recommend their social media channels enough!

Please note if you are serious about purchasing or adopting a horse of any breed, skill level etc, we recommend extensive research and training beforehand. You must go through the members’ program and prerequisites to successfully purchase or adopt a horse.

Also, our aftercare facilities, the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, New Vocations, Secretariat Center and Thoroughbred Retirement Center at Chestnut Hall are all 501(c)3 non-profit organizations. A donation to any of them in pursuit of quality care for horses here in Central Kentucky would be a great gift! PLUS they all have a gift shop too – plenty of ways to gift this holiday season!

www.kyeac.org

www.horseadoption.com

www.secretariatcenter.org

www.spycoastfarm.com

www.trfinc.org

TRF at Chestnut Hall is also hosting a Holiday Designer Showcase from December 2nd through December 10th, tickets can be purchased online!

Horse Country Guide to Thanksgiving Weekend

Posted on November 21, 2022 - 1:40 pm by Horse Country

With Thanksgiving in just a few days, we have compiled a list of our favorite things to do during Thanksgiving weekend here in Horse Country.

Visit a Horse Farm

Enjoy the Kentucky fall air on a tour of a local horse farm! Touring a horse farm is a great way to spend time with family and friends. Our tour experiences are a great way for fans of all interest and experience levels to get a behind the scenes look at why Kentucky is known as the Horse Capital of the World. Depending on your tour choice, you might pet and/or feed horses, learn about the training process, see Kentucky Derby winning stallions and more.

You can view all of our available tours by clicking here! To see what is available we recommend using the two filter buttons in the left hand corner to choose your preferred date and number of guests.

Participate in the Thoroughbred Classic 5k

Take time to participate in a well-loved local Thanksgiving tradition, the Thoroughbred Classic 5k at Keeneland! Enjoy the beautiful sights that Keeneland has to offer all while enjoying the cool fall air. To learn more about the Thoroughbred Classic, and get registered, click here.

Go racing at Churchill Downs

Stop by Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, to watch some of their Fall Meet racing which runs until November 27th. With races starting at 1:00 p.m. throughout the meet, with the exception of Thanksgiving when races start at 11:30 a.m., you will have the opportunity to see Kentucky’s equine athletes at work! You can learn more about Churchill Downs and their racing on their website.

Get some holiday shopping done early

Check out one of the many shops & markets in the area to get ahead on your shopping list, especially this Small Business Saturday! These markets & shops are home to locally-made goods, so you can support local artists while picking up some great products. If you’re interested in merchandise from Horse Country and our members, be sure to check out our Horse Country gift guide here.

Some of our favorite events or shops to check out: Beech Springs Christmas Market, Greyline Station and Downtown Versailles.

Go ice skating in Triangle Park

Take full advantage of the chilly weather by getting a cup of hot chocolate and taking a skate at Triangle Park! Ice skate through downtown Lexington and take in the sights, you may even see a few decorated horses on your skate. Learn more about ice skating in Triangle Park here!

Breeders’ Cup 2022 Recap

Posted on November 8, 2022 - 4:50 pm by Horse Country

After a whirlwind week of racing and festivities, the 2022 Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland Racecourse is in the books. 14 World Champions were crowned across the two day event, and a number of #HorseCountryConnections made it into the winner’s circle. Check out photos, recaps and race replays of each of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships races below.

Breeders’ Cup Classic – Flightline

The G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic was dominated by Flightline, a four year old colt by Tapit (standing at Gainesway Farm). Trained by John Sadler and ridden by Flavien Prat, Flightline rolled home with a 8 ¼ length victory to extend his unbeaten record. He retired to stud at Lane’s End Farm after the race.

Visit Lane’s End Farm in Versailles, Kentucky.

Watch Flightline win the G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland.

Breeders’ Cup Distaff – Malathaat

The G1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff came down to a tight photo finish between three horses with Malathaat, with jockey John Velazques aboard, in first, Blue Stripe (ARG) in second and Clairiere in third. Malathaat is owned by Shadwell Stables and trained by Todd Pletcher. Both Malathaat and Clairiere are Stonestreet Farm homebreds, though Malathaat was consigned as a yearling by Denali Stud at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale for $1.05 million.

Watch Malathaat win the G1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Keeneland.

Breeders’ Cup Turf – Rebel’s Romance (IRE)

The G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf was won by Rebel’s Romance (IRE), a four year old gelding owned and bred by Godolphin, LLC. The gelding is trained by Charlie Appleby and jockey James Doyle was aboard for his first Breeders’ Cup win.

You can visit Godolphin’s North American headquarters at Jonabell Farm in Lexington, Kentucky.

Watch Rebel’s Romance (IRE) win the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf at Keeneland.

Breeders’ Cup Mile – Modern Games (GB)

Modern Games (GB) picked up his second Breeders’ Cup victory with his win in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile for owner/breeder Godolphin. William Buick was aboard for his second victory of the weekend, after teaming up with trainer Charlie Appleby for another victory in the Juvenile Turf Sprint on Friday.

You can visit Godolphin’s North American headquarters at Jonabell Farm in Lexington, Kentucky.

Watch Modern Games (GB) win the G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile at Keeneland.

Breeders’ Cup Sprint – Elite Power

Trainer Bill Mott notched his second Breeders’ Cup victory of the day in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint with Elite Power, owned by Juddmonte Farm and ridden by Irad Ortiz. The colt was consigned by Lane’s End Farm at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale in 2019.
You can visit both Lane’s End Farm in Versailles, Kentucky and Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Kentucky.

Watch Elite Power win the G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile at Keeneland.

Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf – Tuesday (IRE)

Tuesday (IRE) gave the ownership group of Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Westerberg LTD their third victory of the weekend. The filly was ridden by Ryan Moore for trainer Aidan O’Brien and breeder Coolmore.
You can visit the North American headquarters of Coolmore, Ashford Stud, in Versailles, Kentucky.

Watch Tuesday (IRE) win the G1 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Keeneland.

Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile – Cody’s Wish

Arguably the most heartwarming story of Breeders’ Cup weekend was Cody’s Wish winning the G1 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, with his namesake Cody Dorman there to cheer him on. The heartwarming story of this colt and his friend Cody is one you can’t miss. Cody’s Wish is trained by Bill Mott for owner/breeder Godolphin, and the colt was born at Gainsborough Farm.
You can visit the birthplace of Cody’s Wish, Gainsborough Farm in Versailles, Kentucky.

Watch Cody’s Wish win the G1 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Keeneland.

Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint – Caravel

Caravel went wire to wire in winning the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Keeneland under jockey Tyler Gaffalione, for owners Qatar Racing, Marc Detampel and Madaket Stables, LLC and trainer Brad Cox.

Watch Caravel win the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Keeneland.

Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint – Goodnight Olive

Goodnight Olive kicked off Breeders’ Cup Championship Saturday action with a win in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint under jockey Irad Ortiz. The filly is trained by Chad Brown for owners First Row Partners and Team Hanley, and she was bred by Stonestreet Farm.

Watch Goodnight Olive win the G1 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint at Keeneland.

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf – Victoria Road (IRE)

The G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf was won by Victoria Road (IRE) and close behind him was Silver Knott, a two year old colt owned by Godolphin, LLC. Victoria Road (IRE) was the first of three wins on the weekend for the trio of jockey Ryan Moore, trainer Aidan O’Brien and owners Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Westerberg LTD.

Watch Victoria Road (IRE) win the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland.

Breeders Cup Juvenile – Forte

The G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile was won by Forte, a two year old colt owned by Repole Stables and trained by Todd Pletcher, with Irad Ortiz aboard. Forte won the G1 Breeders’ Futurity Stakes at Keeneland in October, the same venue where he was sold as both a yearling and a weanling.

You can visit Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky.

Watch Forte win the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland.

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf – Meditate (IRE)

The G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies was won by Meditate (IRE), a two year old filly ridden by Ryan Moore for trainer Aidan O’Brien and owners Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Westerberg LTD.

Watch Meditate (IRE) win the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Keeneland.

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies – Wonder Wheel

The G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies was won by Wonder Wheel, a two year old filly sired by Into Mischief, standing at stud at Spendthrift Farm, and bred by Three Chimneys Farm. She also won a Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series race at Keeneland in October. She is trained by Mark Casse and Tyler Gaffalione was aboard for the fillies first Breeders’ Cup win.

You can visit Spendthrift Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, Three Chimneys Farm in Versailles, Kentucky and Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Kentucky,

Watch Wonder Wheel win the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at Keeneland.

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint – Mischief Magic (IRE)

The G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint was won by Mischief Magic (IRE), a two year old colt owned and bred by Godolphin, LLC. The colt is trained by Charlie Appleby, and jockey William Buick was aboard.

You can visit Godolphin’s North American headquarters at Jonabell Farm in Lexington, Kentucky.

Watch Mischief Magic (IRE) win the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Keeneland.

Career Bows: Future Horse Country Stallions in the Breeders’ Cup

Posted on November 2, 2022 - 4:57 pm by Horse Country

The Breeders’ Cup is the career finale for a few stallions that will be joining us here in Horse Country soon. Seven stallions are set for their final race in their respective Breeders’ Cup divisions, before heading off to local farms to stand at stud.

Aloha West

2021 Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Aloha West was recently announced as an addition to Mill Ridge Farm’s stallion roster. The son of Hard Spun is entered in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint this Saturday, Nov. 5, and will retire to Mill Ridge Farm after he attempts to defend his Championship title.

Cyberknife

One of the leading horses from the first crop of top sire Gun Runner, Cyberknife will face off with G1 winner Cody’s Wish in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile on Saturday, Nov. 5. After that race, the G1 Haskell Stakes winner will retire to Spendthrift Farm and begin stud duty in the 2023 breeding season.

Golden Pal

Golden Pal has been a dominant force on the turf since early in his career, and he is hoping to become the first male horse to win three Breeders’ Cup races in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint this Saturday, Nov. 5. After the World Championships, he will retire to stud alongside his sire Uncle Mo at Coolmore at Ashford Stud.

Happy Saver

Undefeated in his first five starts, Happy Saver has been a top older horse on the dirt since his victory in the 2020 G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes. The son of Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver will make his final start in the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Saturday, Nov. 5, before retiring to stallion duties at Airdrie Stud.

Life is Good

Life is Good indeed for the connections of this colt, who has won four grade one races thus far. A Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner already, he will contest the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Saturday, Nov. 5 for owner/breeder WinStar Farm, who will also stand him as a stallion.

Jackie’s Warrior

Joining Cyberknife as the new stallions in the Spendthrift Farm stallion barn will be Jackie’s Warrior, a five time grade one winner. The colt will seek victory in his third Breeders’ Cup start in this Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Sprint.

Olympiad

A graduate of the Gainesway consignment at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, Olympiad’s career will come full circle when he retires to stud at Gainesway Farm after the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Saturday, Nov. 5. Olympiad most recently won the G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes at Saratoga.

Be sure to tune into the races and cheer for your favorites this weekend as the best of the best compete at Keeneland Racecourse!

Horse Country Connections: 2022 Breeders’ Cup

Posted on November 2, 2022 - 4:14 pm by Horse Country

The Breeders’ Cup World Championships returns to Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Kentucky on Nov. 4 & 5. We are thrilled to see the best Thoroughbreds in the world compete right here in the heart of Horse Country.

Whether you’re attending the races or watching online, we’ve put together a list of the Horse Country Connections competing in the Breeders’ Cup. We’ll be cheering these horses and their connections on this weekend!

Wondering when and where to watch the Breeders’ Cup?

Future Stars Friday coverage runs from 2 – 6 p.m. ET on November 4th. Watch live on USA Network, NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app. Coverage resumes on Saturday, November 5th at 1 p.m. ET on USA Network, NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app, before the coverage jumps to NBC and Peacock from 3:30-6 p.m. ET.

If you’re in Lexington, be sure to check out the Breeders’ Cup watch party at Tandy Park in Downtown Lexington on Friday and Saturday.

Who are the Horse Country Connections running in the Breeders’ Cup?

Nearly 90 horses running in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships have connections to Horse Country members – through their breeder, owner, sire or a variety of other connections. Featured below are lists of the connections, broken down by race.

Breeders’ Cup Week Guide

Posted on October 28, 2022 - 11:02 pm by Horse Country

Lexington, Kentucky is set for its time to shine once again as the host site of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. This year a variety of events are being held around Lexington to showcase the many things that Kentucky has to offer.

Check out some of our favorites – for travelers and locals alike!

Go on a Horse Country Tour

What better way to prepare for the races than to meet some of the past or future contenders? Here at Horse Country we offer tours of top stud farms, nurseries, veterinary clinics and more! These tours are great opportunities to learn more about Kentucky’s equine industry, and the many things that go into caring for and producing a quality horse.

For those looking to meet past champions, we recommend one of our stud farm tours, as well as Gainsborough Farm and Mill Ridge Farm. More of a hands on, boop some noses kind of person? Our nursery farms and aftercare facilities are the best place to get up close and personal with horses. For the person who has seen it all, check out one of our equine care facilities (training center, racetrack, veterinary clinic and feed mill) and get the inside scoop on the many things that contribute to a healthy horse.

Check out all of the available Breeders’ Cup week tours here, and be sure to utilize the filters to find the most up to date availability for your preferred date and time.

Visit Keeneland Racecourse

Keeneland Racecourse, home of the 2022 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, offers a couple of options for guests wanting to learn more about the event. Looking for an in-depth look at what it takes to host the World Championships of Thoroughbred horse racing? We recommend the Keeneland Breeders’ Cup Experience, a two hour tour that takes guests through the Clubhouse and Grandstand to watch morning workouts, visits the Rice Road barn area that is otherwise closed to the general public and closes with a visit to the Keeneland Library.

Keeneland will be open to the public for morning workouts from approximately 5:30 – 10 a.m. each morning through Thursday, Nov. 3. Keep an eye out for Breeders’ Cup contenders by looking for horses with numbered saddle towels during morning training, the Breeders’ Cup app has an inclusive list of these saddle towels.

The Keeneland Library is open Monday through Thursday of Breeders’ Cup week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., allowing guests to view the storied history and archives housed in the library. A special exhibit showcasing the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland, and Central Kentucky connections to the Breeder’s Cup, is available to view through December.

Celebrate with the Breeders’ Cup Festival

Celebrate the return of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships to its birthplace, Central Kentucky, with an array of events around Lexington. The Post Position Draw will be held on Oct. 31 at Rupp Arena, with doors opening at 2 p.m. University of Kentucky Basketball Coach John Calipari will be joined by the UK marching band, cheerleaders and dance team to ensure guests get an authentic Rupp Arena experience. Kentucky’s native spirit will be celebrated throughout the Kentucky Bourbon Showcase at Greyline Station on Nov. 2 – Nov. 4. Taste a variety of Kentucky Bourbons and local food while enjoying musical entertainment and more. The historic Kentucky Theatre will honor the history of the horse on the big screen through HORSE, an Equine Film Festival. Seven films will be featured throughout the week, including box office hits like Secretariat and Dreamer, and documentary films like Jockey and Born to Rein that showcase the human and equine personalities that make the Thoroughbred industry unique.

For a listing of all Breeders’ Cup Festival events, visit their website.

Explore the Foodie Scene

While Lexington has historically been known for its fast horses and quality Bourbon, the food scene has grown in recent years to one of the best in the region. Celebrate both the local and international flair of the Breeders’ Cup with the Feeders Cup, taking place across Lexington. Be sure to check out some of the newer restaurants on the Lexington food scene, including East End Tap and Table, Frank and Dino’s, and ItalX. More of a classics person – both in horse races and food? You can’t go wrong with Lockbox, Epping’s on Eastside, Keeneland Track Kitchen, Zim’s Cafe, and The Goose Lexington.

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Keeneland Fall Stars Stakes Recap

Posted on October 11, 2022 - 1:01 pm by Horse Country

Keeneland’s Fall Stars weekend was truly one for the books thanks to top class racing, perfect weather and scores of fans at the Lexington, Kentucky track. This year, the fall meet coincides with the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, set to be run at Keeneland on Nov. 4 – 5.

The domestic Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series wrapped up over the weekend as well, with nine ‘Win and You’re In’ races taking place at Keeneland. Challenge Series provide an all-expenses paid berth into particular Breeders’ Cup races, depending on the division. Horse Country members were represented as breeders, stallion owners, consignors and more throughout this past weekend of racing. Learn more about the winners below!

Wonder Wheel (sired by Into Mischief, Spendthrift Farm; co-bred by Three Chimneys Farm) wins the G1 Darley Alcibiades on Oct. 7 at Keeneland.
Photo by Grace Clark/Horse Country.

Grade One Stakes Races

The first G1 race of the Keeneland Fall Meet, the G1 Darley Alcibiades, went to the favored Wonder Wheel. The daughter of Spendthrift Farm stallion Into Mischief led from wire to wire, fending off the strong-closing Chop Chop to win by a nose and secure her entry in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies on Nov. 4. Wonder Wheel was co-bred by Three Chimneys Farm, and sold at Keeneland as a yearling.

Keeneland Graduate Forte proved his tenacity with a hard-fought win in the G1 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity over the favored Loggins. The colt earned his place in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile with this victory at Keeneland.

Three year old Annapolis sat just off of the pace before bounding home to win the G1 Coolmore Turf Mile by a length and a half. The colt secured his place in the Breeders’ Cup Mile on November 5 at Keeneland with the victory.

2021 Kentucky Oaks winner Malathaat notched her fifth grade one victory with a romp in the G1 Juddmonte Spinster on Sunday, Oct. 9. Favored in the field of five, she sat just off of the pace and exploded in the stretch to win by 5 ¼ lengths. The filly was bred by Stonestreet Farm (who owns and bred her dam, G1 winner Dreaming of Julia) and sold for $1.05 million at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale by Denali Stud. Her victory in the Spinster Stakes earned her a berth in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff next month, a race she finished third in last year.

Manny Wah (sired by Will Take Charge, Three Chimneys Farm) wins the G2 Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix Stakes on Oct. 7 at Keeneland.
Photo by Grace Clark/Horse Country.

Grade Two Stakes Races

The G2 Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix Stakes, run at six furlongs on the dirt, is a ‘Win and You’re In’ Challenge Series race for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Run on Friday, Oct. 7 as the first stakes race of Fall Stars weekend, the Phoenix came down to a nail biting finish between two of the longest shots in the field. Manny Wah, a son of Three Chimneys Farm stallion Will Take Charge, prevailed by a neck over Long Range Toddy, a son of WinStar Farm stallion Take Charge Indy. Will Take Charge and Take Charge Indy are actually half brothers, who have the same dam in Take Charge Lady.

The globe-trotting turf sprinter Golden Pal won his berth into the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint on Saturday, Oct. 8 with a strong victory in the G2 Woodford Stakes. This was his second victory in the stakes, and his fourth victory at Keeneland. Golden Pal is a son of Coolmore America stallion Uncle Mo, and his damsire Midshipman stands at Darley’s Jonabell Farm. He will seek to win his third Breeders’ Cup championship race next month in the Turf Sprint, and could become the first male horse to ever win three Breeders’ Cup races.

New Mexico-bred Slammed broke sharply and never looked back in the G2 Thoroughbred Club of America on Saturday, Oct. 7, drawing away to win by 6 ½ lengths. Her victory earned her a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint on November 5 at Keeneland.

Andthewinneris was the first winner for Mill Ridge Farm stallion Oscar Performance at the Keeneland Spring Meet, and the colt became the first stakes winner for his sire on Sunday, Oct. 9 with a victory in the G2 Bourbon Stakes. Sitting near the back of the pack, he came flying home to win by 2 ¾ lengths over Deer District, another son of Oscar Performance. The victory for Andthewinneris secured him a spot in the gate for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf on Nov. 4.

Coolmore America stallion Mendelssohn was represented by his first stakes victory when Delight went wire to wire in the G2 JPMorgan Chase Jessamine. The filly cruised to a 5 length victory with her ears pricked as they crossed the wire. Delight’s victory earned her a berth to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, to be held over the Keeneland turf course on Nov. 4.

Listed Stakes

Private Creed, a son of Spendthrift Farm stallion Jimmy Creed, picked up his second consecutive stakes victory in the Indian Summer. The Keeneland September graduate posted a strong closing victory to win by ¾ of a length, and gain a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint.

The Keeneland Fall Meet continues through Nov. 5, when the track hosts the Breeders’ Cup World Championships as the culmination of their meet. Check out our Keeneland Meet Preview here, and our Guide to Fall in Horse Country for things to do when you’re in town for the races!