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Horse Country’s Guide to Keeneland

Posted on September 30, 2024 - 7:28 pm by

Fall in Kentucky is synonymous with the Keeneland Race Meet, which begins on Friday, October 5. Whether you’re a lifelong racing fan or heading to the track for the first time, Keeneland is a can’t miss experience for anyone traveling to Kentucky in October.

P.S. Every guest who purchases a ticket for a Horse Country tour in October will receive a free general admission ticket for a day at the races, for each guest in their party. Be sure to check your confirmation email for more information!

Morning Training

Enjoy the sights and sounds of morning training at Keeneland, seven days a week from 5:30am-10am. Thoroughbreds are like any athlete, and they work out on a regular basis to prepare for their next race. You might see horses out for a casual jog or completing a more serious ‘breeze’ before they compete in an upcoming race. 

After watching morning workouts, we recommend heading to Keeneland’s Track Kitchen to enjoy a Southern, homestyle breakfast. You might even see some of racing’s most well known trainers, owners and jockeys, who are known to frequent this beloved establishment. 

For more information on the Keeneland Track Kitchen, please click here

Horse Country Staff Recommendation: Be sure to try the cinnamon apples at the Track Kitchen. They’re the perfect fall treat!

Place Your Bets

Wagering can be a fun way to add some excitement to your day at the races, even if you’re not a seasoned handicapper! BETologists are the resident experts on betting the races at Keeneland. There are a few stations around the track (and the Hill, for those who enjoy tailgating!), where BETologists provide helpful tips about reading the program, how to wager and more. Just look for the folks in the fedoras!

If you’re already betting-savvy, be sure to check out the Keeneland Select app, and view the free digital program provided by Keeneland for each day of the race meet.

Horse Country Staff Recommendation: Grab a few friends and start a show parlay! Put in a few dollars and wager on a horse each race to show, using your winnings to bet on the next race.

Race Day ‘Musts’

On a race day at Keeneland, there are so many things to see, enjoy and experience, it’s almost hard to fit them all in one day! We’ve put together some of our favorite ‘musts’ for your next day at the races.

Our must-have afternoon snack at the races is a cup of warm bread pudding, especially great when enjoyed on a cool, October day. Bonus points if you have burgoo as well!. Be sure to stop by the Keeneland Shop, located near the South Grandstand Entrance, which features everything from stunning race day outfits to home goods that represent the best of Kentucky. Spend some time at the paddock and walking ring to see the horses before the head out to the racetrack. It’s great to see the contenders up close, especially during stakes races when top horses from around the world are competing!

Go Behind the Scenes

Did you know that Keeneland offers tours of their facility, which has been designated as a National Historic Landmark? There are a few different ways to go behind the scenes at Keeneland and learn about its history and current operations. The Keeneland Morning Works Tour and Backstretch Tour are both offered early in the day, when horses are training on the track. The Keeneland Owner’s Experience is a truly one of a kind experience, giving guests a feel of what it is like to be a Thoroughbred racehorse owner on race day. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the paddock, walking ring, and even watch a race from the winner’s circle! Learn more about Keeneland’s tour offerings here.

Horse Country Staff Recommendation: Stop by the Keeneland Library while you’re in town for the races. The Library is the world’s largest repository of information related to the Thoroughbred, and often has exhibits relating to the history of the sport of horse racing, and Kentucky.

Horse Country Connections: 2024 Kentucky Derby

Posted on May 2, 2024 - 10:59 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 150 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, 20 Thoroughbred colts will enter the starting gates on Saturday, May 4 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:

Tune in to the Kentucky Derby on NBC and Peacock beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 4. Post time for the Kentucky Derby is set for approximately 6:57 p.m. ET.

The Land of Legends: Kentucky Derby Winners in Horse Country

Posted on April 23, 2024 - 2:36 pm by

While the Kentucky Derby might be held in Louisville, Lexington is the home of Kentucky Derby winners. From their foaling and early development to stallion careers, the journey of many Kentucky Derby champions runs through Horse Country.

The Kentucky Derby was first run in May of 1875 and is the longest continually held sporting event in America. Over the years, the distance, field size and date of the race may have changed, but the prestige has remained the same. The Kentucky Derby is run each year on the First Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

Today, the Kentucky Derby is run at a distance of 1 1/14 miles, with a maximum field size of 20 horses. This year’s edition, to be run on May 4th, will be the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. Before we dive in to this year’s field, let’s look back at the victories of the Kentucky Derby winners who now call Horse Country home. 

2023 – Mage 

Though Mage came into the Kentucky Derby off of a second place finish in the G1 Florida Derby, he was considered an underdog in the race, going off at odds of 15-1. His running style as a closer paid off well after a hot pace was set by the early leaders, and Mage closed from 16th place to win by a length over Two Phil’s. His victory was the first Kentucky Derby win for his jockey Javier Castellano, trainer Gustavo Delgado and owners CMNWLTH, Ogma Investments, LLC, Sterling Racing LLC and Ramiro Restrepo.

Mage was born and raised at Runnymede Farm in Paris, Kentucky, who consigned the colt as a yearling at the Keeneland September Sale. He now stands as a stallion at Airdrie Stud in Midway, Kentucky. You can visit both Runnymede Farm and Airdrie Stud through tours offered by Horse Country!

2020 – Authentic 

The Kentucky Derby has only been postponed twice in its history – in 1945 due to World War II and 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 Kentucky Derby was held on the first Saturday in September, rather than the first Saturday in May, in front of a very limited crowd of horsemen and women.

Authentic was the third betting choice in the race, having won the G1 Haskell Stakes along with a handful of other graded stakes races prior to the Derby. He broke strong and led throughout every step of the race, winning by 1 1/4 lengths. Authentic went on to win the G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland before retiring to Spendthrift Farm, where he stands alongside his sire Into Mischief. Spendthrift Farm is the only farm in the world where you could see a Kentucky Derby winner and his sire!

2019 – Country House 

Country House’s journey to wear the iconic blanket of roses was a bit different than most Derby winners. In 2019, a unique situation took place in which the horse that crossed the finish line first was disqualified due to crossing paths with other contenders in the race. Country House closed from mid-pack to a strong second place finish, and was elevated to the victory after an extensive inquiry process. His victory in the race provided jockey Flavien Prat, trainer Bill Mott, and his ownership group with their first win in the Kentucky Derby.

Country House now stands as a stallion at historic Darby Dan Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, which offers private tours through Horse Country.

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. The first step in his journey to that historic accomplishment came in the 2018 Kentucky Derby, where he sat at the front of the pack throughout the race before driving away in the stretch to win by 2 1/2 lengths. Justify was purchased as a yearling at the Keeneland September Sale by Horse Country member WinStar Farm in partnership with China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners LLC and Starlight Racing.

Justify now stands stud at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky.

2017 – Always Dreaming

Always Dreaming came into the Kentucky Derby on a three race win streak, including a win in the G1 Florida Derby. Favored by the wagering public, Always Dreaming was kept in second place throughout the first half mile before Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez asked him to go and the pair cleared away to win by nearly three lengths.

Always Dreaming now stands stud at WinStar Farm in Versailles, Kentucky.

2016 – Nyquist

Nyquist was a precocious racehorse, with three grade one victories as a two year old including the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland. His dominance continued through the Derby prep races, and onto the first Saturday in May, so much so that he was the heavy favorite in the race. His favoritism was well deserved as he was among the early leaders in the race, eventually drawing away to win by 1 1/4 lengths. Check out our Champion Connections feature on Nyquist for more information about his career.

Nyquist is one of only two horses to win the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and the Kentucky Derby, both of whom stand at Darley’s Jonabell Farm!

2015 – American Pharoah

American Pharoah entered the Kentucky Derby off of a four race win streak and proved his supporters were right with a one length victory on the first Saturday in May. ‘Pharoah’ went on to win the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes over the course of five weeks, becoming the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years.

American Pharoah now stands stud at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky, alongside fellow Triple Crown winner Justify.

2007 – Street Sense

Street Sense entered the Kentucky Derby off of a second place finish in the G1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. The colt was the post time favorite, and spent a majority of the race at the back of the pack under jockey Calvin Borel. Street Sense began to pass horses on the far turn, and took over the lead from pace-setting Hard Spun in the stretch to win by 2 ¼ lengths. The Derby win was the second time his trainer Carl Nafzger trained a winner of the run for the roses, and the first and only Derby winner for his owner and breeder Jim Tafel.

Street Sense is one of only two horses to have won both the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and Kentucky Derby, both he and Nyquist stand at Darley’s Jonabell Farm!

100th Running of the Blue Grass Stakes Headlines Keeneland Opening Weekend

Posted on April 8, 2024 - 10:23 am by

Keeneland Opening Weekend is a welcome sign of spring each year in Central Kentucky. Fans flocked to the historic track to experience a great weekend of racing, including seven graded stakes, and celebrate the return of warm weather and sunny days to the Bluegrass state. 

Opening Weekend at Keeneland was headlined by the 100th running of the G1 Blue Grass Stakes, a leading prep race for the Kentucky Derby. Sierra Leone, a son of Three Chimneys Farm stallion Gun Runner, overcame a troubled early start to the race to win by a resounding 1 ½ lengths. The colt now sits atop the Kentucky Derby points standings, with just one prep race left on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Sierra Leone was ridden by Tyler Gaffalione for trainer Chad Brown and owners Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg and Brook Smith.

Leading sire Into Mischief, standing at Spendthrift Farm, was represented by a number of winners across the country over the weekend, including G1 Ashland Stakes winner Leslie’s Rose and G2 Beaumont Stakes winner Denim and Pearls. Leslie’s Rose, trained by Todd Pletcher for owner Whisper Hill Farm, is now a leading contender for the G1 Kentucky Oaks, run on the first Friday in May at Churchill Downs. 

Into Mischief’s son, and fellow Spendthrift Farm stallion Maximus Mischief, was represented by an impressive stakes winner in Glengarry, who won the Lafayette Stakes on Friday, April 5 with jockey Luis Saez aboard. Glengarry is trained by Doug Anderson for owners Aaron Kennedy, Toby Joseph and Doug Anderson.

Arzak picked up his second Keeneland stakes victory in the G2 Shakertown Stakes, a sprint race on the turf. The son of Not This Time, standing at Taylor Made Farm, was making his 2024 debut. The six year old horse is trained by Michael Trombetta for owner Sonata Stable, and had jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. aboard for his win in the Shakertown.

Buchu, a daughter of Coolmore America’s Triple Crown-winning stallion Justify, scored her second graded stakes victory in the G2 Appalachian Stakes on Saturday, April 6 at Keeneland. The three year old filly is a homebred for her owners, Rigney Racing, LLC, and was born and raised at Denali Stud. Jockey Martin Garcia was aboard for trainer Philip Bauer.

Stonestreet Farm is a frequent visitor to the Keeneland winner’s circle, especially when it comes to turf sprint stakes races. Their English-bred colt Fandom (GB) returned to the races after a ten month layoff on Sunday with a late-running victory in the listed Palisades Stakes. Jockey Jose Ortiz was aboard for trainer Wesley Ward.

The Keeneland Spring Meet continues through Friday, April 26, with racing held daily (excluding Mondays and Tuesdays). Plus, all April Horse Country tour guests will receive a free Keeneland General Admission ticket for the members of their tour party to attend one day of the race meet! Check your email for more details, and if you have any questions or have not received your ticket(s), please reach out to our concierge team at info@visithorsecountry.com.

Sierra Leone wins the G1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on April 6.
Buchu wins the G2 Appalachian Stakes at Keeneland on April 6.
Arzak and Irad Ortiz Jr. after winning the G2 Shakertown Stakes at Keeneland on April 6.
Fandom (GB) wins the Listed Palisades Stakes at Keeneland on April 7.

Derby Week 2024 Preview

Posted on February 9, 2024 - 2:52 pm by

There are many ways to visit Horse Country for this year’s edition of the Kentucky Derby – whether you want to join in a public tour or see if there is a private experience that suits your group best.

Derby Week 2024 tickets will go on sale Saturday, February 10th at 10am ET, but we wanted to give you a preview of the incredible experiences our members will be hosting. Be sure to check out the public experiences below and get a head start on your planning for the week!

Please note, private and large group tours are available, with limited offerings throughout the week. We recommend reaching out soon if you are interested in booking a private or large group experience during Derby Week due to high demand.

Wednesday, May 1

  • 8:30am Keeneland Morning Works Tour
  • 9am Keeneland Backstretch Tour
  • 9:30am Spendthrift Farm Photography Experience
  • 10am Denali Stud
  • 10am Gainsborough Farm
  • 10:30am Hagyard Equine Medical Institute
  • 11am Mill Ridge Farm
  • 11am Spendthrift Farm Future Champions Shuttle Tour
  • 12:30pm Spendthrift Farm Champion Stallions Tour
  • 1pm Denali Stud
  • 1pm New Vocations
  • 1pm Authentic Experience at Spendthrift Farm
  • 1pm Second Stride
  • 1:30 Kentucky Equine Adoption Center
  • 2pm Gainsborough Farm
  • 2pm Mill Ridge Farm
  • 2pm Taylor Made Farm
  • 2:30pm Coolmore at Ashford Stud
  • 3:30pm Mill Ridge Farm

Thursday, May 2

  • 8:30am Keeneland Morning Works Tour
  • 9am Keeneland Backstretch Tour
  • 9:30am Spendthrift Farm Photography Experience
  • 10am Denali Stud
  • 10am Jonabell Farm
  • 10:30am Hagyard Equine Medical Institute
  • 10:30am Hallway Feeds
  • 11am Mill Ridge Farm
  • 11am Spendthrift Farm Future Champions Shuttle Tour
  • 11am Three Chimneys Farm
  • 12:30pm Spendthrift Farm Champion Stallions Tour
  • 12:30pm Lane’s End Farm Stallion Complex Tour
  • 1pm Denali Stud
  • 1pm New Vocations
  • 1pm Authentic Experience at Spendthrift Farm
  • 1:30pm Hallway Feeds
  • 1:30pm Kentucky Equine Adoption Center
  • 2pm Gainsborough Farm
  • 2pm Mill Ridge Farm
  • 2pm Taylor Made Farm
  • 3:30pm Mill Ridge Farm

Friday, May 3

  • 8:30am Keeneland Backstretch Tour
  • 8:30am Keeneland Morning Works Tour
  • 9am Keeneland Morning Works Tour
  • 10:30am Hagyard Equine Medical Institute
  • 10:30am Hallway Feeds
  • 11am Mill Ridge Farm
  • 11am Three Chimneys Farm
  • 1pm New Vocations
  • 1pm Second Stride
  • 1:30pm Hallway Feeds
  • 1:30pm Kentucky Equine Adoption Center
  • 2pm Mill Ridge Farm
  • 2pm Taylor Made Farm
  • 3:30pm Mill Ridge Farm

Saturday, May 4

  • 10:30am Hagyard Equine Medical Institute
  • 11am Mill Ridge Farm
  • 11am Taylor Made Farm
  • 1:30pm Kentucky Equine Adoption Center
  • 2pm Mill Ridge Farm
  • 3:30pm Mill Ridge Farm

Sunday, May 5

  • 8:30am Keeneland Morning Works Tour
  • 10am Jonabell Farm
  • 10am Gainsborough Farm
  • 10:30 Spy Coast Farm
  • 11am Mill Ridge Farm
  • 11:15am Lane’s End Farm Stallion Complex Tour
  • 12:30pm Lane’s End Farm Stallion Complex Tour
  • 1:30pm Kentucky Equine Adoption Center
  • 2pm Gainsborough Farm
  • 2pm Mill Ridge Farm
  • 3:30pm Mill Ridge Farm

Monday, May 6

  • 8:30am Keeneland Morning Works Tour
  • 9am Keeneland Morning Works Tour
  • 9:30am Spendthrift Farm Photography Experience
  • 10:30am Hallway Feeds
  • 10:30am Spy Coast Farm
  • 11am Mill Ridge Farm
  • 11am Spendthrift Farm Future Champions Shuttle Tour
  • 12:30pm Spendthrift Farm Champion Stallions Tour
  • 1pm Authentic Experience at Spendthrift Farm
  • 1pm Second Stride
  • 1:30pm Hallway Feeds
  • 1:30pm Kentucky Equine Adoption Center
  • 2pm Mill Ridge Farm
  • 3:30pm Mill Ridge Farm

Horse Country Connections: Breeders’ Cup 2023

Posted on November 3, 2023 - 11:52 am by

The 2023 Breeders’ Cup World Championships will be held on Nov. 3 + 4 at Santa Anita Park in California. While the event is taking place over two thousand miles away from Central Kentucky, we will be tuning in to cheer on the horses with connections to our Horse Country members as they compete in the biggest races of the year.

The Breeders’ Cup begins on Friday, Nov. 3 with Future Stars Friday, a card dedicated to two year old races. The races will be televised live on USA Network and FanDuel TV.

Breeders’ Cup Saturday will be broadcast on USA Network (1:30pm PT – 3:30pm PT) and NBC (3:30pm PT – 7pm PT), with all races except the Breeders’ Cup Classic available to livestream on FanDuel TV. Peacock will also televise the final two races of the day, the Turf Sprint and Sprint.

Pro-tip: all post times are listed in Pacific Time, which is three hours behind the Eastern Time Zone and two hours behind the Central Time Zone.

Please note: additional scratches may occur beyond what is listed below. For the most up to date scratches and changes, please click here for information from Breeders’ Cup.

Juvenile Turf Sprint – 2pm PT

At a glance: European-bred horses make up half of the overflow field of 15 horses, and the past two winners of this race were bred in Ireland. Crimson Advocate, a daughter of Darley stallion Nyquist, looks to be the favored American-based entrant.

  1. Crimson Advocate – sired by Nyquist (Darley America), big winner at Royal Ascot earlier this year.
  2. No Nay Mets (IRE) – bred by international breeding entity Coolmore.
  3. Tiger Belle (IRE)
  4. Big Evs (IRE)
  5. Givemethebeatboys (IRE) 
  6. Starlust (GB) – 
  7. Shards – placed third in the Indian Summer Stakes at Keeneland in October.
  8. Cherry Blossom (IRE) 
  9. Amidst Waves – sired by Midshipman (Darley America), placed second in the Indian Summer Stakes at Keeneland in October, and is a Keeneland September Sale graduate.
  10. Valiant Force – a graduate of the Mill Ridge Farm consignment at Keeneland, we highly recommend checking out this Thoroughbred Daily News feature on his breeder, R.J. Rangel of Spendthrift Farm. 
  11. Slider –  sired by Jimmy Creed (Spendthrift Farm).
  12. Committee of One – sired by Mendelssohn (Coolmore America), winner of the Indian Summer Stakes at Keeneland in October. 

Also Eligibles (may draw into field if any scratches occur from the body of the race): 13 Hedwig (owned by Godolphin), 14 Asean (IRE) and 15 April Vintage (sired by Spendthrift Farm stallion Vino Rosso)

Juvenile Fillies – 2:40pm PT

At a glance: Tamara, a daughter of three-time Breeders’ Cup champion mare Beholder, hopes to follow in her mom’s footsteps in winning the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies for owner/breeder Spendthrift Farm. Plus, every filly in the field is sired by a stallion standing at a Horse Country member farm. 

  1. Candied – sired by Candy Ride (Lane’s End Farm), winner of the G1 Darley Alcibiades Stakes at Keeneland in October.
  2. Jody’s Pride – sired by American Pharoah (Coolmore America). 
  3. Scalable – sired by Speightstown (WinStar Farm), and bred by Stonestreet Farm. Gainesway Farm consigned the filly at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. 
  4. Where’s My Ring – sired by Twirling Candy (Lane’s End Farm), and a graduate of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. 
  5. Omaha Girl – sired by Omaha Beach (Spendthrift Farm), and a graduate of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. 
  6. Chatalas – sired by Gun Runner (Three Chimneys Farm).
  7. Tamara – owned by Spendthrift Farm, who stands sire Bolt d’Oro and is the owner/breeder of her Hall of Fame dam Beholder. 
  8. Esprit Enchante – sired by Tapit (Gainesway Farm), and a graduate of the Taylor Made Farm consignment at Keeneland September. 
  9. Brightwork – sired by Outwork (WinStar Farm).
  10.  Accommodate Eva – sired by Munnings (Coolmore America), broke her maiden (earned her first victory) at Keeneland in October. 
  11. Life Talk – sired by Gun Runner (Three Chimneys Farm), and a two time graduate of the Keeneland Sales ring. 
  12. Just F Y I – sired by Justify (Coolmore America)
  13.  Alys Beach – sired by Omaha Beach (Spendthrift Farm), and a graduate of the Keeneland September Sale. 

Juvenile Fillies Turf – 3:20pm PT

At a glance: Graded stakes winning fillies from California, Canada, Kentucky and more will go head to head, with a few European invaders adding an international flair to the race. 

  1. Buttercream Babe – sired by Twirling Candy (Lane’s End Farm) and a Keeneland September Sale graduate.
  2. Flattery – Keeneland September Sale graduate. 
  3. Buchu – sired by Justify (Coolmore America), the filly was born and raised at Denali Stud. 
  4. Laulne (FR) 
  5. Content (IRE) 
  6. Gala Brand – Keeneland September Sale graduate. 
  7. Life’s an Audible – sired by Audible (WinStar Farm), and a two-time Keeneland sales graduate. 
  8. Carla’s Way (IRE) 
  9. Austere – sired by Mendelssohn (Coolmore America), consigned by Lane’s End Farm at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale.  
  10. She Feels Pretty – sired by Karakontie (Gainesway Farm) and a Keeneland September Sale graduate.
  11. Hard to Justify – sired by Justify (Coolmore America) and a Keeneland September Sale graduate.
  12. Dreamfyre – sired by Flameaway (Darby Dan Farm), consigned by Darby Dan Farm at the Keeneland September Sale. 
  13. Les Pavots (IRE) 

Also Eligibles (may draw into field if any scratches occur from the body of the race): 15 Go With Gusto (sired by Medaglia d’Oro), 16 Mo Fox Givin (sired by Mo Town)

Juvenile  – 4pm PT

At a glance: Freshman sire Vino Rosso (Spendthrift Farm) has two entries in this race (The Wine Steward and Wine Me Up), and the top two finishers in the G1 Breeders’ Futurity will face off again (Locked and The Wine Steward) Plus, we’ll be rooting on WinStar Farm, one of the co-owners of Timberlake. 

  1. The Wine Steward – sired by Vino Rosso (Spendthrift Farm), finished second in the G1 Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland in October.
  2.  Prince of Monaco –  sired by Speightstown (WinStar Farm), bred by Stonestreet Farm 
  3. Wine Me Up – sired by Vino Rosso (Spendthrift Farm), Keeneland November Sale graduate.
  4. Timberlake – sired by Into Mischief (Spendthrift Farm), co-owned by WinStar Farm and a graduate of the Gainesway Farm consignment at the Keeneland September Sale
  5. Ecoro Neo – SCR
  6. Locked – sired by Gun Runner (Three Chimneys Farm), winner of the G1 Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland in October and a Keeneland September Sale graduate.
  7. Cuban Thunder (IRE)
  8. General Partner – sired by Speightstown (WinStar Farm).
  9. Fierceness –  sired by City of Light (Lane’s End Farm).
  10. Muth – Keeneland September Sale graduate.

Noted – finished second in the G2 Castle & Key Bourbon Stakes at Keeneland in October, Keeneland September Sale graduate.

Juvenile Turf – 4:40pm PT

At a glance: Keeneland Stakes winner Can Group, Mill Ridge Farm graduate Endlessly and more Horse Country connections will compete in the culminating race on Breeders’ Cup Friday. Plus, Carson’s Run brings an inspiring story to light with his success on the track. 

  1. Air Recruit 
  2. River Tiber (IRE) 
  3. Tok Tok – sired by Quality Road (Lane’s End Farm).
  4. Can Group –  sired by Good Samaritan (WinStar Farm), winner of the G2 Castle & Key Bourbon Stakes at Keeneland in October.
  5. My Boy Prince
  6. Stay Hot 
  7. Agate Road –  sired by Quality Road (Lane’s End Farm), Keeneland September Sale graduate.
  8. Unquestionable (FR) 
  9. Endlessly – sired by Oscar Performance (Mill Ridge Farm) and raised at Mill Ridge Farm. 
  10. Fulmineo – sired by Bolt d’Oro (Spendthrift Farm).
  11. Liam’s Journey – sired by Liam’s Map (Lane’s End Farm), Keeneland September Sale graduate.
  12. Mountain Bear (IRE) 
  13. Grand Mo the First – sired by Uncle Mo (Coolmore America) 
  14. Carson’s Run – Keeneland September Sale graduate, and named for Carson Jost, who suffers from Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome. The inspiring story of the young horse and his namesake is reminiscent of Cody’s Wish, and we recommend reading more in the Thoroughbred Daily News. 

Dirt Mile – 11:30am PT 

At a glance: Last year’s Dirt Mile winner Cody’s Wish is on the hunt for a repeat victory in the race, which also includes Justify’s half brother Stage Raider and Preakness Stakes winner National Treasure.

  1. Stage Raider – half brother to Triple Crown winner Justify (Coolmore America).
  2. scratch
  3. Cody’s Wish – bred and owned by Godolphin, named for Cody Dorman, who suffers from Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome. Cody’s Wish was victorious in the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Keeneland, and is looking for a repeat victory. 
  4. Zozos – sired by Munnings (Coolmore America)
  5. Charge It – sired by Tapit (Gainesway Farm)
  6. Skippylongstocking 
  7. scratch
  8. Shirl’s Bee – sired by Bee Jersey (Darby Dan Farm)
  9. National Treasure – sired by Quality Road (Lane’s End Farm)

Filly & Mare Turf – 12:10pm PT

At a glance: A full field of internationally-bred fillies in mares will compete for Breeders’ Cup glory, including Keeneland stakes winner In Italian (GB). 

  1. In Italian (GB) – winner of the G1 First Lady Stakes at Keeneland and the runner-up in the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf
  2. Warm Heart (IRE)
  3. With The Moonlight (IRE)
  4. Moira (ON)
  5. Win Marilyn (JPN) 
  6. Inspiral (GB) 
  7. Lindy (FR) –  finished second in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland in October
  8. Fev Rover (IRE)
  9. Didia (ARG) 
  10. McKulick (GB) 
  11. Lumiere Rock (IRE)
  12. State Occasion (GB)

Filly & Mare Sprint – 12:50pm PT

At a glance: Last year’s winner Goodnight Olive, bred by Stonestreet Farm, faces a tough field including the G1 Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes at Keeneland in October.

Goodnight Olive – winner of the G1 Madison Stakes at Keeneland in April and bred by Stonestreet Farm
Clearly Unhinged – sired by Into Mischief (Spendthrift Farm).
Eda – sired by Munnings (Coolmore America).
Matareya – bred and owned by Godolphin.
Kirstenbosch
Meikei Yell (JPN)
Society – sired by Gun Runner (Three Chimneys Farm), finished third in the G1 Madison Stakes at Keeneland in April.
Three Witches – sired by Into Mischief (Spendthrift Farm), Keeneland September Sale graduate.
Yuugiri – winner of the G1 Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes at Keeneland in October.

Mile – 1:30pm PT

At a glance: Three Spendthrift Farm stallions have offspring in the Mile, and Japanese superstar mare Songline makes her first North American start.

  1. Shirl’s Speight – sired by Speightstown (WinStar Farm)
  2. Gina Romantica – sired by Into Mischief (Spendthrift Farm) and the winner of the G1 First Lady Stakes at Keeneland in October 
  3. Casa Creed – sired by Jimmy Creed (Spendthrift Farm), and a graduate of the Keeneland September Sale
  4. Win Carnelian (JPN) 
  5. Lucky Score (ON) 
  6. Mawj (IRE) 
  7. Masteroffoxhounds 
  8. Du Jour – sired by Temple City (Spendthrift Farm)
  9. Astronomer 
  10. Songline (JPN) 
  11. Kelina (IRE) 
  12. Exaulted – sired by Twirling Candy (Lane’s End Farm)
  13. More Than Looks 
  14. Master of the Seas (IRE) 

Distaff –  2:10pm PT

At a glance: Three year old fillies will take on older fillies and mares for the first time in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Godolphin has two homebred three year old fillies, Pretty Mischievous and Wet Paint, 

  1. Hoosier Philly – sired by Into Mischief (Spendthrift Farm), Keeneland September Sale graduate.
  2. A Mo Reay – sired by Uncle Mo (Coolmore America), Keeneland September Sale graduate.
  3. Pretty Mischievous – bred and owned by Godolphin and sired by Into Mischief (Spendthrift Farm).
  4. Idiomatic – winner of the G1 Juddmonte Spinster Stakes at Keeneland in October.
  5. Adare Manor – sired by Uncle Mo (Coolmore America).
  6. Search Results – Keeneland September Sale graduate.
  7. Wet Paint – bred and owned by Godolphin.
  8. Randomized – sired by Nyquist (Darley America), Keeneland September Sale graduate.
  9. Clairiere – Bred and owned by Stonestreet Farm.
  10. Desert Dawn – finished second in the G1 Juddmonte Spinster Stakes at Keeneland in October.
  11. Le Da Vida (CHI) 

Turf – 2:50pm PT

At a glance: Nine internationally-bred and/or based horses will line up in the starting gate, along with the Kentucky-bred filly War Like Goddess and a handful of other American hopefuls. 

  1. Shahryar (JPN)
  2. Onesto (IRE) 
  3. Gold Phoenix (IRE)
  4. Bolshoi Ballet (IRE)
  5. Auguste Rodin (IRE) 
  6. Get Smokin – SR
  7. Broome (IRE) 
  8. Up to the Mark – sired by Not This Time (Taylor Made Farm), winner of the G1 Coolmore Turf Mile at Keeneland in October, and a future Lane’s End Farm stallion
  9. Mostahdaf (IRE) 
  10. Adhamo (IRE) 
  11. King of Steel 
  12. Balladeer
  13. War Like Goddess

Classic – 3:40pm PT

At a glance: The Breeders’ Cup Classic is the crowning race of the year in Thoroughbred racing, and some of the best dirt horses in the country – and internationally – are lined up for this year’s edition. 

  1. Arcangelo – SCR
  2. Zandon – Keeneland September Sale graduate.
  3. White Abarrio 
  4. Missed The Cut – sired by Quality Road (Lane’s End Farm), Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale graduate.
  5. Derma Sotogake (JPN) 
  6. Saudi Crown – sired by Always Dreaming (Winstar Farm), Keeneland January Horses of All Ages graduate.
  7. Clapton 
  8. Ushba Tesoro (JPN) – winner of the Dubai World Cup
  9. Senor Buscador – sired by Mineshaft (Lane’s End Farm).
  10. Dreamlike – sired by Gun Runner (Three Chimneys Farm), Keeneland September Sale graduate.
  11. Bright Future – Keeneland September Sale graduate.
  12. Arabian Knight – sired by Uncle Mo (Coolmore America), Keeneland September Sale graduate.
  13. Proxy – bred and owned by Godolphin, sired by Tapit (Gainesway Farm).

Turf Sprint – 4:25pm PT

At a glance: 

  1. Big Invasion – Keeneland September Yearling Sale graduate
  2. Bradsell (GB) – SCR
  3. Caravel – winner of the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Keeneland
  4. Tony Ann – winner of the G2 Franklin Stake at Keeneland in October
  5. Live In The Dream (IRE) – SCR
  6. Gear Jockey – sired by Twirling Candy (Lane’s End Farm) 
  7. Nobals – consigned by Mill Ridge Farm as a yearling
  8. Aesop’s Fables (IRE) 
  9. Roses for Debra – sired by Liam’s Map (Lane’s End Farm)
  10. Motorious (GB) 
  11. Jasper Krone – sired by Frosted (Darley America)
  12. Arzak – sired by Not This Time (Taylor Made Farm), winner of the G2 Woodford Stakes at Keeneland in October

Also Eligibles (may draw into field if any scratches occur from the body of the race): 13 One Timer, 14 Beer Can Man, 15 Lane Way (sired by Spendthrift Farm stallion Into Mischief), 16 Twilight Gleaming (IRE) 

Sprint – 5pm PT

At a glance: 

  1. Nakatomi – Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale graduate 
  2. Dr. Shivel – will retire to Taylor Made Farm after the race.
  3. American Theorem – sired by American Pharoah (Coolmore America)
  4. Hoist The Gold – sired by Mineshaft (Lane’s End Farm)
  5. Three Technique – Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale graduate 
  6. The Chosen Vron –
  7. Speed Boat Beach – 
  8. Elite Power – consigned by Lane’s End Farm at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale, winner of the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Keeneland
  9. Gunite – sired by Gun Runner (Three Chimneys Farm)

Breeders’ Cup Champions in Horse Country

Posted on November 2, 2023 - 1:01 pm by

The Breeders’ Cup World Championships will celebrate its fortieth anniversary this weekend, with the 2023 edition at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. From heavy favorites to huge longshots, repeat winners and more, the event consistently delivers memorable performances from some of the best horses the world has ever seen. 

We’re lucky to have so many of these horses right here in Horse Country, allowing us to celebrate their successes throughout the year. 

Let’s take a look at some of the former Breeders’ Cup champions who now reside in the Bluegrass, and learn more about how you can visit the farms they call home!

Two-time Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Tiznow at WinStar Farm.

Tiznow is one of the most popular Breeders’ Cup winners, and the only horse to have won the Breeder’ Cup Classic twice. His incredible victory in the 2001 Classic is one of the most well-known race calls of all time. Tiznow resides at WinStar Farm, where he is now pensioned, alongside fellow Breeders’ Cup winners Life is Good (2021 Dirt Mile) and Speightstown (2004 Sprint). 

Hall of Famer Beholder, winner of three Breeders’ Cup races, at Spendthrift Farm

Just two horses in the 40 year history of the Breeders’ Cup have won three championship races, and one of those horses is Beholder, owned by Spendthrift Farm. Beholder’s victories came in two different races, across the span of five years, in the 2012 Juvenile Fillies, and the Distaff in 2013 and 2016. 

Spendthrift’s champion residents also include Monomoy Girl (2018 & 2020 Distaff), Authentic (2020 Classic), Goldencents (2013 & 2014 Dirt Mile) and Mitole (2019 Sprint). 

Breeders’ Cup Classic and Triple Crown winner American Pharoah at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud.

American Pharoah capped off his historic three year old campaign with a thrilling victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland in 2015. The Triple Crown winner became the first horse ever to win the Grand Slam, which includes the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Classic. After his victory in the Classic, American Pharoah retired to stud at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud.

Coolmore is also home to Breeders’ Cup winners Corniche (2021 Juvenile), Golden Pal (2020 Juvenile Turf Sprint & 2021 Turf Sprint), Mendelssohn (2017 Juvenile Turf) and Uncle Mo (2010 Juvenile). 

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Essential Quality at Jonabell Farm,

Jonabell Farm is home to three winners of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, two of which went on to win Triple Crown races in the following year. Midshipman (2008 Juvenile), Nyquist (2015 Juvenile) and Essential Quality (2020 Juvenile), all of whom were also named Eclipse Champion Two Year Old Male at the end of their respective Juvenile seasons. Along with their champion stallions, Darley owns a number of top class race mares, including some Breeders’ Cup champions who reside at one of their nursery divisions, Gainsborough Farm. Two winners of the Breeders’ Cup Distaff are among the residents of Gainsborough, Ashado (2004) and Round Pond (2006).

Flightline wins the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland, after his victory in the race he retired to Lane’s End Farm.

Arguably one of the most popular Breeders’ Cup winners of all time is the great racemare Zenyatta, who won 19 of her 20 races including the 2008 Ladies’ Classic (now Distaff) and 2009 Classic (the only female winner of the Classic). After retiring from the racetrack, she retired to Lane’s End Farm as a broodmare, and while Zenyatta is not featured on tours of the farm, you can see the many other famous horses who reside at the Versailles property. The Breeders’ Cup starpower at Lane’s End is evident in their stallion complex as well, which is home to champions including Accelerate (2018 Classic), City of Light (2018 Dirt Mile), Flightline (2022 Classic), Game Winner (2018 Juvenile), Liam’s Map (2015 Dirt Mile)

Two-time Breeders’ Cup winner Knicks Go at Taylor Made Farm.

Taylor Made Farm’s Breeders’ Cup history is currently highlighted by two-time Breeders’ Cup winning stallion Knicks Go, who was victorious in the 2020 Dirt Mile and 2021 Classic. Their connections to the Breeders’ Cup continue with some residents of their broodmare division, including Folklore (2005 Juvenile Fillies) and Miss Macy Sure, the dam of Liam’s Map (2015 Dirt Mile). 

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Oscar Performance at Mill Ridge Farm.

Mill Ridge Farm’s connections to the Breeders’ Cup include their two Breeders’ Cup winning stallions, Oscar Performance (2016 Juvenile Turf) and Aloha West (2021 Sprint). Eight Breeders’ Cup winners have been bred, raised and/or sold by Mill Ridge in the farm’s history including Oscar Performance, Round Pound (2006 Distaff), Life is Sweet (2009 Ladies’ Classic) and more. 

Dive deeper into the life of some of these equine superstars with our Champion Connections, which bring together the life of the Thoroughbred from foaling barn to finish line and beyond. While tour schedules vary throughout the year, you can visit each of the members mentioned in this article, and you might even get to meet your favorite Breeders’ Cup winner or other champions on the tour!

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 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.

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