Father’s Day is just around the corner – this Sunday, June 19th! If you’re still looking for some ways to spend the day, check out our list of available horse farm tours and suggestions for other ways to celebrate Pops!
Horse Farm Tours
We have a few different opportunities to visit a horse farm on Father’s Day, including tours at stud farms to see some of the famous fathers of the Thoroughbred Racing & Sport Horse industry!
10 a.m. – TRF at Chestnut Hall | Prospect | Meet retired thoroughbred at this sanctuary farm
10 a.m. – Gainsborough Farm | Versailles | Shuttle tour featuring mares and foals
10 a.m. – Jonabell Farm | Lexington | Home of the Darley Stallions
Grade One-winning Liam’s Map, one of the stallions at Lane’s End Farm in Versailles, Kentucky.
Bourbon Tours
Check out our friends at the Kentucky Distillers Association for a comprehensive list of the different bourbon-themed tours in Kentucky. Whether you are a bourbon enthusiast or not, these tours are a great way to learn more about one of Kentucky’s signature industries!
Nearby distilleries to Horse Country locations include: Barrel House Distilling Company (Lexington), Bluegrass Distillers (Lexington), Castle & Key (Frankfort), Four Roses Distillery (Lawrenceburg), Hartfield & Co. (Paris), James E. Pepper Distillery (Lexington), Town Branch Distillery (Lexington), Wild Turkey Distillery (Lawrenceburg) and Woodford Reserve (Versailles).
Town Branch Distillery is located in Lexington, Kentucky, just outside of downtown.
Take a Hike
Central Kentucky is the perfect place for folks who like to spend time outdoors! From easy trails to challenging hikes, there’s something for everyone. A few of our favorites include the Red River Gorge – in particular Natural Bridge (Slade), Shaker Village (Harrodsburg), Raven Run (Lexington), The Pinnacles (Berea) and the Kentucky River Palisades.
Check out VisitLex for a great directory of all things outdoors to check out in the Lexington area.
The view from atop the famed Natural Bridge in Red River Gorge, just an hour from Lexington in Slade, Kentucky.
Gift Ideas
Haven’t found the perfect gift yet? We’ve got some last minute equine and Kentucky-themed gift ideas for you!
Horse Country Member Hats: Perfect for a day at the lake, running to the store or just enjoying time outside.
Keeneland Mercantile: located in Downtown Lexington, this shop is a great place for all sorts of Kentucky-themed products including leather goods, apparel and more.
Be sure to check out our Summer Bucket List & Giveaway for more things to do and ways to stay involved with Horse Country.
The Champion Sire hoodie, found on the Shop Horse Country online store.
Warm days, sunny skies and frolicking foals are abundant here in the Bluegrass this time of year – and so are Horse Country tours!
We are currently offering an average of 70+ unique public tours each week, ranging from stud and nursery farms to vet clinics, a sport horse farm and more. There’s truly something for everyone!
If you are unsure of what you’d like to book, the Horse Country team is here to help you out! We also offer private tours and large group experiences by request.
Email us at info@visithorsecountry.com or visit the Book Your Tour tab if you have any questions about booking your tour.
After your visit, be sure to tag us on social media using @VisitHorseCountry(Instagram), @VisitHorseCountry (Facebook) and@KYHorseCountry(Twitter), and use the hashtag #VisitHorseCountry for a chance to be featured on our social media channels or website.
We would absolutely love to see what made your time here in Horse Country special.
Cheers to the Bluegrass, y’all. We can’t wait to see you!
New & Returning Tours
Hagyard Equine Medical Institute is officially back on the tour schedule! We are so excited to welcome guests back to one of the oldest and largest private equine veterinary clinics in the world.
Guests will experience this 110 acre state-of-the-art veterinary facility through an hour and a half long walking tour, and learn about the many facets of a fully functioning equine hospital.
Tours are available each Wednesday at 11 am and Friday at 1 pm. Click here to book.
Mill Ridge Farm has welcomed a new addition to their tour offerings – the Sunset Wagon Ride! This tour offers a unique experience aboard this open-air, tractor drawn wagon.
Guests will see the stunning views of Mill Ridge Farm, stopping along the way to interact with mares, foals and yearlings.
The Sunset Wagon Ride is available each Friday at 5 pm for a limited number of guests. Be sure to book your spot soon by clicking here!
The Spendthrift Farm Shuttle Experience is available once again!
Meet the mares and foals of historic Spendthrift Farm on this shuttle tour of their nursery division. Guests will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the mommas and babies – and maybe even feed some peppermints!
Tours are available each Friday and Saturday at 2:30 pm. Book your tourby clicking here.
Summer Bucket List Giveaway
Summer is the perfect season to enjoy so much of what the Bluegrass state has to offer! While visiting a horse farm or facility is our favorite thing to do, there’s lots of great things to make your trip to Horse Country even more special!
Guests who complete at least 5 of the 10 items on our Summer Bucket List and post a photo/video of themselves completing the activity on social media (be sure to tag Horse Country!) will receive a free Horse Country t-shirt.
See below for the Summer Bucket List, and click here for a full list of terms and conditions.
Check out our summer bucket list for some of our can’t miss activities, and be sure to tag us on social media (@VisitHorseCountry on Instagram and @KYHorseCountry on Twitter) when you check off any items.
Belmont Stakes Connections
The Belmont Stakes, also known as the Test of the Champion, will be run this Saturday! While there is no Triple Crown on the line, Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike is set to return and faces a field of seven other horses.
Many of these horses have connections to Horse Country, and we are even home to some retired Belmont Stakes winners! Check out our Bit by Bit blog here to learn more.
Constitution, the sire of Belmont Stakes runner We The People, at WinStar Farm. Photo by Linzay Marks.
Featured Member
Runnymede Farm in Paris, Kentucky.
Calling all history buffs + foal fanatics!
Runnymede Farm is oldest continuously operated Thoroughbred farm in the state of Kentucky, and is well known for their history and success in raising horses. Founded in 1867 by Colonel Ezekiel Clay, whose father was a member of the United States Congress and a breeder of Thoroughbreds and champion cattle, Runnymede has grown in its 150 years of operation but still holds true its commitment to quality. Learn more about Runnymede Farm here.
Visit the foals of Runnymede Farm in Paris, Kentucky on their nursery tour by clicking here!
Spring is a time for big dreams here in the Bluegrass. Foaling season is in full swing, and with every new foal born comes the hope that they are the next superstar on and off the racetrack. Each foal has the potential to become the next great equine athlete, and that hope drives the breeding and racing industry.
The Triple Crown brings to light these hopes and dreams unlike anything else in Thoroughbred horse racing, a chance to become one of the few horses to win the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes and have their name etched in the history books. The final leg of the Triple Crown, the G1 Belmont Stakes, is set to be contested this Saturday, June 11 at Belmont Park just outside of New York City.
Horse Country is home to some of the top racehorses before, during and after their racing careers, including nine of the past twelve winners of the G1 Belmont Stakes. Learn more about these winners who now call Horse Country member locations home!
2021 – Essential Quality
After landing just out of the money at the 2021 Kentucky Derby, Essential Quality went on to beat Hot Rod Charlie by one length in the 2021 Belmont Stakes. Essential Quality is owned by Horse Country member Godolphin. Members who visited Jonabell Farm (now the Godolphin mares and foals live at Gainsborough Farm) in 2018 more than likely saw Essential Quality as a foal!
Essential Quality now stands at Jonabell Farm, and you can learn more and book a tour here.
2020 – Tiz the Law
In 2020, the order of the Triple Crown races was changed because of the COVID-19 pandemic – the Triple Crown started with the Belmont Stakes followed by the Kentucky Derby and finished with the Preakness Stakes. The order change caused the Belmont Stakes to be shortened to 1 ⅛ miles instead of the regular 1 ½ miles. Tiz the Law rolled home in the 2020 Belmont Stakes by over one length.
Tiz the Law now stands stud at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky. Learn more and book a tour of Coolmore at Ashford Stud here.
2018 – 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 single 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 – Tapwrit
Tapwrit entered the 2017 Belmont Stakes with 5-1 odds, second favorite behind Irish War Cry. Tapwrit stayed in the middle for a majority of the race, gradually closing in on Irish War Cry, going on to win the race by two lengths.
Tapwrit currently is standing at stud at Gainesway. To learn more and book your tour click here.
2015 – American Pharoah
American Pharoah entered the Belmont Stakes off of impressive victories in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. His victory in the Belmont Stakes crowned him the 12th Triple Crown winner and the first one 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.
2014 – Tonalist
Tonalist made waves with his Belmont Stakes win after surpassing the favored California Chrome, who was attempting to win the Triple Crown. Prior to running in the Belmont, Tonalist won the Peter Pan Stakes in May of 2014, making him the first horse since A.P. Indy in 1992 to win the Peter Pan and Belmont Stakes double.
Tonalist is currently standing at Lane’s End Farm. Learn more about Lane’s End and book a tour here.
2013 – Palice Malice
Palace Malice was eager to redeem himself after being overtaken in the Kentucky Derby to finish 12th. In the Belmont, Jockey Mike Smith went on to keep his colt behind the leaders for a majority of the race, before passing them on the final stretch and winning by three and a quarter lengths.
Palice Malice now stands at Three Chimneys Farm in Versailles, Kentucky. Learn more and book a tour here.
2012 – Union Rags
After a rough start in the Kentucky Derby, trainer Michael Matz set his sights on the Belmont Stakes for his colt Union Rags. Union Rags won by a neck after a battle for first with Paynter in the final strides of the race.
Union Rags currently stands at Lane’s End Farm. Learn more and book a tour here.
2010 – Drosselmeyer
Drosselmeyer entered into the Belmont Stakes at 13-1 odds and a new jockey, Mike Smith. When the race was underway Smith kept Drosselmeyer on the outside of the pack and a few lengths back to conserve his energy for the home stretch. This was the right call as they passed the favorites for the race, Ice Box and First Dude, to win the race by 1 ¾ lengths.
Drosselmeyer stands at Winstar Farm beside his father Distorted Humor. Learn more and book a tour here.
Announcing the Horse Country Summer Bucket List & Giveaway!
One of the best parts about our slice of paradise here in Kentucky is that there is so much to do along with horse farm tours. We encourage all guests to check out the local communities that our members call home, and our Summer Bucket List is a great way to keep track of some fun things to check out while you are here in the Bluegrass.
Guests who complete at least five items from our summer bucket list and post about those items will receive a Horse Country t-shirt! See below for all terms and conditions for the contest.
Feel free to download the list, or check out the written list below.
SUMMER BUCKET LIST
See a Kentucky Derby winner
Feed a horse a treat
Check out scenic Old Frankfort Pike
Eat a locally-owned restaurant
Take a photo in front of a horse-themed mural
Take a selfie with a foal
Enjoy a shuttle tour
Visit an adoption facility or sanctuary
Go shopping in a local downtown
Watch morning training at Keeneland
Be sure to stay tuned to our Bit by Bit blog for more information on things to do in the area relating to our Summer Bucket List. Even if you don’t complete the whole list, we would still love to see how you are spending your summertime in Horse Country, and hope that you will check out some of the activities we have suggested.
See below for the terms & conditions for the giveaway.
Guests who complete at least five of the ten items listed on our ‘Summer Bucket List’ graphic and submit photo proof are eligible to receive a piece of Horse Country apparel.
Please submit proof by posting photos on social media of each bucket list item, tagging Horse Country and using the hashtag #VisitHorseCountry. For example, in the caption or comment of your post say ‘Enjoying my shuttle tour! #VisitHorseCountry @VisitHorseCountry”.
Once you finish the Bucket List, email us at info@visithorsecountry.com and we will check your posts. If all items have been completed we will send a Horse Country t-shirt your way!
Contest begins June 8th at 8am ET and ends on August 31 at 12:59pm ET.
One entry will be accepted per guest.
Please be safe and mindful of your surroundings when taking any photos, and follow the direction of your tour guide when applicable. All state and local laws apply.
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are in no way affiliated with this giveaway.
This contest is hosted and solely affiliated with Horse Country.
The final jewel of the Triple Crown is set to be contested just outside of New York City this weekend. The Belmont Stakes will be run at Belmont Park over a distance of 1 1/2th miles.
Eight horses will head to post this Saturday, June 11 for their chance at the blanket of white carnations and the history books. Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike returns to the races, five weeks after his shocking 80-1 upset on the First Saturday in May. He is set to face a handful of Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes runners, along with some newcomers to the Triple Crown series.
Among the nine contenders is Kentucky Oaks runner-up Nest, the only filly to race in this year’s edition. Fillies have only won the Belmont Stakes three times; Ruthless in 1867, Tanya in 1905 and most recently, Rags to Riches in 2007.
The field for the G1 Belmont Stakes has connections to several of our Horse Country members, and we will be rooting them on this weekend! Post time for the Belmont Stakes is approximately 6:45 p.m. ET, and the race and all pre-race coverage will be streamed live on NBC and the Peacock app.
We The People (post position #1), Skippylongstocking (post position #2), Nest (post position #3), Creative Minister (post position #5) and Mo Donegal (post position #6) were all sold at Keeneland as yearlings.
We The People (post position #1), Golden Glider (post position #7) and Barber Road (post position #8) were sold at Keeneland as a weanling.
Nest (post position #3) won the G1 Ashland Stakes at Keeneland this spring.
We The People (post position #1) is by WinStar Farm stallion Constitution, and is owned by WinStar Farm along with their partners CMNWLTH and Siena Farm.
School is out, summer is almost here and a long weekend is upon us – it’s the perfect time to check out some of Kentucky’s best local attractions! Horse farm tours are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and learn more about Kentucky’s signature industry.
We’ve compiled a list of horse farm tours that are being offered in Horse Country during Memorial Day weekend (Friday, May 27 – Monday, May 30). Whether you are a lifelong horse fan or this will be your first time visiting a horse farm, we have an experience for you.
Tours can book up quickly, so we recommend booking online or giving us a call if you are interested in joining one of our experiences. All tours listed below are available at the time this was published, but are subject to sell out.
Be sure to check out our itineraries for ideas on locations to visit as well as things to do, eat and see in the area. For information on restaurants, lodging and other activities in the area, be sure to check out Visit Lex and Kentucky Tourism.
We would love to see your #VisitHorseCountry experience! Tag us on Facebook and Instagram at @VisitHorseCountry and Twitter at @KYHorseCountry, and use the #VisitHorseCountry for a chance to be featured on our social media channels and website.
Spring is a time for big dreams here in the Bluegrass. Foaling season is in full swing, and with every new foal born comes the hope that they are the next superstar on and off the racetrack. Each foal has the potential to become the next great equine athlete, and that hope drives the breeding and racing industry.
The Triple Crown brings to light these hopes and dreams unlike anything else in Thoroughbred horse racing, a chance to become one of the few horses to win the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes and have their name etched in the history books. The second leg of the Triple Crown, the G1 Preakness Stakes, is set to be contested this Saturday, May 21 at Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore, Maryland.
While there will be no Triple Crown attempt this year, as Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike is bypassing the Preakness Stakes, the hope of winning a single Triple Crown race is enough to draw some of the top three year olds in the country. Eight colts and one filly are entered in this year’s edition of the Preakness.
Horse Country is home to some of the top racehorses before, during and after their racing careers, including five winners of the G1 Preakness Stakes. Learn more about these winners who now call Horse Country member locations home!
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.
2009 Preakness Stakes – Rachel Alexandra
This year, Kentucky Oaks winner Secret Oath will be the sole filly to run against the boys in the Preakness Stakes. 13 years ago, another Kentucky Oaks winner in 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 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.
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.
The middle jewel of the Triple Crown is set to be contested in Baltimore, Maryland this weekend. The Preakness Stakes, set two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, is run at Pimlico Racecourse over a distance of 1 3/16ths miles.
Nine horses will head to post this Saturday, May 21 for their chance at the blanket of black-eyed susans and the history books. Though Rich Strike, winner of this year’s Kentucky Derby will not be running, there is a strong field set for the Preakness Stakes. Among the nine contenders is Kentucky Oaks winner Secret Oath, the only filly to race in this year’s edition. Fillies have won the middle jewel six times, including 2020 victor Swiss Skydiver and 2009 victor Rachel Alexandra. Kentucky Derby runner-up Epicenter looks to hit the wire first just two weeks after his 3/4 length loss in the Run for the Roses, and is joined by fourth-place Derby finisher Simplification.
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 6:45 p.m. ET, and the race and all pre-race coverage will be streamed live on NBC, NBCsports.com and the Peacock app.
One of the world’s premier equestrian competitions returned to full capacity this past weekend at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The CCI5*-L Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event attracts some of the best horse and rider combinations in the sport of eventing, which combines the disciplines of dressage, cross country and stadium jumping into one competition.
The event welcomed tens of thousands of fans this year after a two year spectator-hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Land Rover Kentucky was canceled in 2020, and the event was held without fans in 2021. Visitors were back in full force for the 2022 edition, with horse lovers from all around filling the stadium, cross country field and trade fair areas.
This year, along with the CCI5*-L, the event hosted the inaugural CCI4*-S Lexington Three Day Event and a two-day show jumping competition. Over 100 horse and rider pairs competed throughout the weekend in the different events.
This year also saw the return of three-time Olympic gold medallist Michael Jung, a three-time champion at the Kentucky Three Day Event who was making his first appearance since 2018. Representing Germany, Jung brought a horse new to the CCI5*-L level in FischerChipmunk FRH.
Jung kicked off the competition with a stellar performance in the dressage ring, setting a CCI5*-L record low score of 20.1 penalties. After two days of dressage, he maintained a steady lead over Great Britain’s Sarah Bullimore and Corouet, 25.7 penalties, in second and USA’s Buck Davidson and Carlevo, 27.4 penalties, in third. Dressage is a discipline in which combinations perform a variety of movements as they are written in a set test. The test allows horse and rider pairs to demonstrate their grace on the flat, with an emphasis on suppleness, concentration and connection.
After the quiet harmony of dressage, the combinations head outside of the arena for what is arguably the most popular discipline of the weekend – cross country. Cross country takes the connection and concentration displayed in dressage, and applies it on a jumping course of natural-looking, traditionally solid jumps. These jumps are similar to what horse and rider pairs would see while fox hunting or trail riding and include logs, ditches, water combinations and more.
Cross country is often a game changer for the leaderboard, as participants can rack up penalty points for finishing over the time or having a refusal on course. Jung is known for his precision on the cross country course, and his ride on FischerChipmunk FRH was no different. The pair came home inside the time to keep their lead, ahead of popular American rider Boyd Martin and his gelding Tsetserleg TSF in second, and Great Britain’s Yasmin Ingham and her mount Banzai Du Loir in third.
Top from left: Yasmin Ingham and Banzai Du Loir (GBR); Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH (GER); Megan O’ Donoghue and Palm Crescent (USA). Bottom from left: Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF (USA); Phillip Dutton and Sea of Clouds (USA).
For the final day of competition, the competitors ride in reverse order of standing on the stadium jumping course. Stadium jumping differs from cross country in that the jumps, unlike cross country obstacles, are easy to knock down. It’s not uncommon for horses to knock down rails in the stadium phase, emphasizing the need for endurance and a careful horse on the final day of competition.
A few rails and time faults changed around the leaderboard prior to Michael Jung entering the ring, with just six total riders putting in a double clear out of thirty who contested the final round of competition.
Coming into the final round in third place, Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg had a few unlucky rails to drop them out of the top three. Doug Payne and Quantum Leap advanced to third place, and as the highest placing American combination, took home the Land Rover/USEF CCI5*-L Eventing National Championship.
Yasmin Ingham and Banzai Du Loir held on to second place with a score of 31.7 penalties, earning just .8 time penalties in the Rolex Stadium. Ingham earned the title of top young rider in just her third appearance at the CCI5*-L level.
Jung entered the ring as the final combination to contest the course, with the ability to knock down two rails and still keep the top spot. Putting in a double clear round, he and FischerChipmunk FRH ended the weekend on a historic score of 20.1, the lowest CCI5*-L score in the history of the sport.
Pippa Funnell of GBR celebrates a double clear round aboard Maybach to finish sixth. Doug Payne and Quantam Leap during the stadium jumping portion of the event. Yasmin Ingham of GBR celebrates placing second in the CCI5*-L Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event presented by Mars Equestrian aboard her mount Banzai Du Loir. Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH of Germany put in the winning round in the CCI5*-L Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event presented by Mars Equestrian.Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH of Germany after winning the CCI5*-L Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event presented by Mars Equestrian.Courtney Carson, groom for rider Doug Payne, kisses Quantum Leap after his third place finish in the event. Payne and Quantum Leap were named Land Rover/USEF CCI5*-L Eventing National Champions at the event.
“I had a really great feeling in the warm-up, and it makes you a bit more relaxed, but the pressure is on and it was like a test for (the world championships later this year),” said Jung. “So I tried to stay really concentrated and focused with this horse. He’s amazing … I was able to enjoy every phase through this competition.”
Jung took home a year lease of a brand new Land Rover and a brand new Rolex watch, among other prizes, for his victory.
Horse Country members were involved and connected to this signature event in a number of ways, including Hagyard Equine Medical Institute which served as a major sponsor, and the Secretariat Center and New Vocations who participated in demonstrations related to the versatility of off the track thoroughbreds. The 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event will be held April 27-30, 2023. For more information on the event, please click here.
Every year on the First Friday in May, the Kentucky Oaks brings together the best three year old fillies. The filly equivalent to the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Oaks is the culmination of years of planning and preparation for these horses and their connections. The winner of the Kentucky Oaks receives a blanket of pink lillies draped over their back as they head into the famed Churchill Downs’ winner’s circle.
We are a little over a week away from the Kentucky Oaks, so we have put together a list of the contenders with #HorseCountryConnections! For many of the contenders this year, their journeys began in, have run through, or are connected to Horse Country. We are so excited for our members who have a connection to our industry’s signature race.
This list is based off of the most recent update to the Road to the Kentucky Oaks leaderboard. The post position draw for the race will take place on Tuesday, May 3rd. Be sure to stay tuned to our social media channels for more updates ahead of the 2022 Kentucky Oaks.
Kathleen O – sold at the 2019 Keeneland November Sale.
Echo Zulu – sold at the 2020 September Yearling Sale.
Nest – won the G1 Ashland Stakes at Keeneland in April, and was sold at the 2020 September Yearling Sale.
Turnerloose – sold at the 2020 September Yearling Sale.
Hidden Connection – sold at the 2020 September Yearling Sale.
Cocktail Moments – placed second in the G1 Ashland Stakes at Keeneland in April, and was sold at Keeneland twice, during the 2019 November Sale and 2020 September Yearling Sale.
Candy Raid – sold at the 2020 September Yearling Sale.
Ain’t Easy – sold at the 2020 September Yearling Sale.
