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Keeneland Fall Meet Preview

Posted on October 5, 2022 - 12:16 pm by

The Keeneland fall meet gets started this Friday, October 7th in Lexington, Kentucky! The fall meet runs from Oct. 7 to Oct. 29th, leading up to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, being held the first weekend of November. Racing is held each week on Wednesdays – Sundays. Tickets must be purchased prior to arriving at the track, and they can be found here. 

Keeneland’s fall meet is known as one of the most prestigious race meets in North America, and this year is shaping up to be no exception. The fall stakes schedule includes 22 stakes races and nine Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series races. 

We’re proud to offer tours throughout the Keeneland meet (and the rest of the year!), which can be found by clicking here. During the fall meet, Horse Country is offering five different experiences at Keeneland, including the Road to the Breeders’ Cup Experience – which is a unique, behind the scenes look at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships from the perspective of the host track. 


Be sure to tune into the races – or even better, join in the fun at the track! The stakes schedule can be found below. While you’re in town for the races, be sure to check out our Horse Country Itineraries, including the Guide to Fall in Horse Country. 

Need to brush up on your racing terminology? Check out Keeneland’s glossary of racing terms here.

Friday, Oct. 7 

  • G1 Darley Alcibiades 
    • $500,000 purse for two year old fillies, run at 1 1/16 miles on the dirt. 
    • ‘Win and You’re In’ qualifying race for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies.
  • G2 JPMorgan Chase Jessamine 
    • $350,000 purse for two year old fillies, run at 1 1/16 miles on the turf. 
    • ‘Win and You’re In’ qualifying race for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf.
  • G2 Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix
    • $350,000 purse for three year olds and up, run at 6 furlongs on the dirt. 
    • ‘Win and You’re In’ qualifying race for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.

Saturday, Oct. 8 

  • G1 Coolmore Turf Mile 
    • $1 million purse for three year olds and up, run at one mile on the turf. 
    • ‘Win and You’re In’ qualifying race for the Breeders’ Cup Mile.
  • G1 First Lady 
    • $750,000 purse for fillies and mares, three year olds and up, run at one mile on the turf. 
  • G1 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity 
    • $600,000 purse for two year olds, run at 1 1/16 miles on the dirt. 
    • ‘Win and You’re In’ qualifying race for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
  • G2 Thoroughbred Club of America
    • $350,000 purse for fillies and mares, three year olds and up, run at 6 furlongs on the dirt. 
    • ‘Win and You’re In’ qualifying race for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. 
  • G2 Woodford
    • $350,000 purse for three year olds and up, run at 5.5 furlongs on the turf. 

Sunday, Oct. 9 

  • G1 Juddmonte Spinster
    • $600,000 purse for fillies and mares, three year olds and up, run at 9 furlongs on the dirt. 
    • ‘Win and You’re In’ qualifying race for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff.
  • G2 Castle & Key Bourbon
    • $350,000 purse for two year olds, run at 1 1/16 miles on the turf. 
    • ‘Win and You’re In’ qualifying race for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.
  • Indian Summer 
    • $250,000 purse for two year olds, run at 5.5 furlongs on the turf. 
    • ‘Win and You’re In’ qualifying race for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. 

Friday, Oct. 14

  • G3 Sycamore
    • $300,000 purse for three year olds and up, run at 1 ½ miles on the turf. 

Saturday, Oct. 15

  • G1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup
    • $600,000 purse for three year old fillies, run at 1 1/8 miles on the turf. 

Sunday, Oct. 16

  • G3 Franklin
    • $300,000 purse for fillies and mares, three years old and up, run at 5.5 furlongs on the turf. 

Saturday, Oct. 22

  • G2 Lexus Raven Run 
    • $350,000 purse for three year old fillies, run at 7 furlongs on the dirt. 
  • Perryville
    • $350,000 purse for three year olds, run at 7 furlongs on the dirt. 

Sunday, Oct. 23

  • G3 Rood & Riddle Dowager
    • $300,000 purse for fillies and mares, three year olds and up, run at 1 ½ miles on the turf.  

Friday, Oct. 28

  • G3 Rubicon Valley View
    • $300,000 purse for three year old fillies, run at 1 1/16 miles on the turf. 
  • Myrtlewood
    • $200,000 purse for two year old fillies, run at 6 furlongs. 

Saturday, Oct. 29

  • G2 Hagyard Fayette
    • $350,000 purse for three year olds and up, run at 9 furlongs on the dirt.
  • G3 Bryan Station
    • $300,000 purse for three year olds, run at 1 mile on the turf.
  • Bowman Mill
    • $200,000 purse for two year olds, run at 6 furlongs on the dirt.

Fall Guide to Horse Country

Posted on October 5, 2022 - 12:07 pm by

Fall is the perfect time to experience the best that the Bluegrass has to offer! Check out our Guide to Fall in Horse Country for suggestions on some of our must-see activities in Central Kentucky during the autumn months.

  • Visit a horse farm
    • Come enjoy the crisp fall air and brightly colored leaves on a tour of one of Kentucky’s famed horse farms! 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. 
    • A number of farms and facilities are offering tours during the fall, including stallion and nursery farms, aftercare facilities, training operations and other equine care facilities. For the most up-to-date availability, please click here and utilize the filters located in the left hand corner. 
  • Go racing at Keeneland
    • Keeneland Racecourse is home to two of the most prestigious race meets in the world, along with a prominent Thoroughbred auction house. The Keeneland fall meet kicks off on Friday, October 7th and runs through October 29th. Races are hosted during the week from Wednesday – Sunday, gates open at 11 am and post time is 1:05 pm.  Head out to the races to see elite Thoroughbreds, place a few win bets and be sure to try some Keeneland Bread Pudding! Tickets are required for race days, and can be purchased here. Looking for a unique raceday experience? Be sure to check out the Keeneland Owners Experience. 
    • Along with its fall meet, Keeneland is hosting the Breeders’ Cup World Championships on November 4th and 5th. The Breeders’ Cup brings together the best of the best Thoroughbred racehorses in 13 championship races. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
  • Watch Thoroughbreds train at Keeneland
    • Every day, horses take to the track at Keeneland to exercise. Visitors may see horses jogging, galloping or breezing on the main track as they work on their fitness prior to their next race. Keeneland morning workouts are open to the general public, but are made even more special with a tour! Get a behind the scenes look at Keeneland on one of their tours, including the Morning Works Tour, Backstretch Tour and Road to the Breeders’ Cup tour. 
    • We recommend stopping by the track kitchen after workouts for a hearty breakfast – you can’t go wrong with the baked apples! 
  • Enjoy the day at an orchard or pumpkin patch 
    • Central Kentucky is home to a number of agri-tourism locations that provide a great opportunity to pick your own apples, pumpkins and other fall favorites! Sip on some cider, enjoy a delicious baked good and pick the perfect jack-o-lantern at one of the many orchards in the area. 
    • Some of our local favorites include: Evans Orchard (Georgetown), Eckert’s Orchard (Versailles) and Stepping Stone Farm (Paris). 
  • Experience the fall scenery on a hike 
    • Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors here in the Bluegrass! Raven Run Nature Sanctuary in Lexington is home to 700+ acres of natural scenery, not too far from downtown Lexington. There are ten miles of trails at the park, and it is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and see views of the Kentucky River Palisades area. Just an hour away in Slade sits the Red River Gorge, a world-renowned natural landscape with hiking trails and gorgeous scenery. The area has views of arches, rock shelters and more ancient Kentucky landscapes, and we recommend taking a hike and visiting Natural Bridge State Park!

Real Rider Cup a Success for Thoroughbred Aftercare

Posted on July 11, 2022 - 11:13 am by

Over the weekend, members of the Thoroughbred racing industry competed in The Real Rider Cup at New Vocations in support of Thoroughbred aftercare, including some of our very own Horse Country members!

The Real Rider Cup is a charity competition in which racing industry personalities pair up with retired Thoroughbred racehorses to compete in show jumping class. Their goal is to raise a minimum of $1,000 per rider to directly support the Fair Hill Thoroughbred Show, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program and the Retired Racehorse Project. 

The event brings together employees of breeding and racing operations, media professionals, trainers, jockeys, owners and more in support of Thoroughbred aftercare! The Real Rider Cup was first held in 2017, and went virtual for 2021 and 2022. This is the first year that the event will be held in two locations – Kentucky and Maryland. 

Thirty riders competed over the course of jumps, as both individuals and team, in Lexington, Kentucky at New Vocations’ Mereworth Farm. The riders wore silks of their choice – either their employers, sponsors or a connection to their horse on the racetrack! Airdrie Stud, Godolphin, Lane’s End Farm, Stonestreet Farm and WinStar Farm saw their silks donned for the event. 

Airdrie Stud was represented by Jocelyn Brooks, Director of Sales, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute was represented by Mary Sheerin, Marketing Manager, and Hallway Feeds was represented by Kara Knochelmann, Customer Service Specialist. Both Jocelyn and Mary also serve as the Horse Country tour guides for their respective locations!

Jesslyn Woodall, sporting the WinStar Farm silks won the individual division, and Team Blood-Horse (Jesslyn Woodall, John Ennis and Lauren Gash) took home the victory in the team event. 

As of Saturday evening, the Lexington leg of the Real Rider Cup had raised over $90,000 for Thoroughbred aftercare! Congratulations to everyone involved, and we can’t wait to tune in for the Maryland leg later this year. For more information on the Real Rider Cup, please visit their website.

Aidrie Stud’s Jocelyn Brooks aboard Perpetual Optimism, wearing the Airdrie Stud silks.

Hagyard’s Mary Sheerin aboard Turk, wearing the Godolphin silks.

Jesslyn Watson and Lead Player, wearing the WinStar Farm silks.

Larkspur Carroll and Promise Me Freedom, wearing the Lane’s End Farm silks.

Hallway Feed’s Kara Knochelmann and Rolli Coaster, wearing the Michael Ann Ewing Racing Stable silks.

Father’s Day in Horse Country

Posted on June 15, 2022 - 11:49 am by

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 

10:30 a.m. – Mill Ridge Farm | Lexington | Mares, foals & stallion Oscar Performance

10:30 a.m. – Spy Coast Farm | Lexington | Experience elite show jumping first hand

12:30 p.m. – Lane’s End Farm | Versailles | Experience this renowned stallion roster

12:30 p.m. – Spendthrift Farm | Lexington | Home of Kentucky Derby winner Authentic

2 p.m. – Runnymede Farm | Paris | One of Kentucky’s oldest horse farms

3:30 p.m. – Mill Ridge Farm | Lexington | Mares, foals & stallion Oscar Performance

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 Champion Sire Hoodie: For that main dad dude in your life, our navy blue Champion Sire sweatshirt. Plus – it’s on sale!
  • 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.

June Newsletter

Posted on June 10, 2022 - 10:39 am by

Summertime is Here!

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 tour by 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!

The Horse Country Summer Bucket List Giveaway

Posted on June 8, 2022 - 9:31 am by

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. 

  1. 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. 
  2. 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”. 
  3. 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! 
  4. Contest begins June 8th at 8am ET and ends on August 31 at 12:59pm ET. 
  5. One entry will be accepted per guest. 
  6. 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. 
  7. Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are in no way affiliated with this giveaway.
  8. This contest is hosted and solely affiliated with Horse Country. 

Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event returns to normalcy

Posted on May 2, 2022 - 3:00 pm by

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.

Making the Most of Your Keeneland Visit

Posted on April 5, 2022 - 10:45 am by

Each year, springtime in Kentucky is unofficially marked by the beginning of Keeneland Racecourse’s Spring Meet. This year, the meet runs from April 8th to 29th every day aside from Mondays, Tuesdays and Easter Sunday. Whether you are traveling from within the Commonwealth or states away, we have a number of suggestions to make the most of your trip to Keeneland! 

Center Photo Courtesy of Coyle Photo/Keeneland

Behind the Scenes Tours

Have you ever wondered what a race day is like for racehorse owners? Or what a morning is like on the backstretch of a racetrack? Keeneland offers a variety of tours to give a behind the scenes peek into the lives of racehorses and their connections. 

  • Morning Workouts Tour
    • Learn more about the uniqueness of Keeneland on this tour that focuses on the racing and sales operations housed at this historic racetrack. 
  • Keeneland Owner’s Experience 
    • The ultimate experience for a racing fan, experience the races as if you are a racehorse owner – from the saddling paddock to the final stretch!
  • Behind the Racing Tour
    • Peek into what a raceday is like for jockeys and thoroughbreds alike with an insider’s look at the Jockey’s Quarters, barn area, morning workouts and more. 
  • Backstretch Tour 
    • Catch a glimpse into the different activities that occur every day in the stable area, or backstretch, including race horses being bathed, walked, trained and more! The tour will also visit the main track, training track, Racing Office and Sales Pavilion. 

Where to Eat

A trip to Keeneland isn’t complete without a visit to the Track Kitchen! Located on the backstretch near the stable area, this restaurant is open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays, and 6 a.m. – 11 a.m. on weekends. Try some of the tasty, Southern-style cooking and who knows – you may even see some of the jockeys and trainers competing during the race meet! 

On race days at Keeneland, a cup of burgoo or bourbon bread pudding is always a good idea.  

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat before or after the races, check out this article from our friends at VisitLex. A few of our local favorites include Wallace Station, Ramsey’s Diner, Malone’s and Sedona Taphouse.

Left to right: Godolphin at Jonabell Farm, Home of the Darley Stallions | Mill Ridge Farm | Hallway Feeds

What to Do 

Learn more about the life cycle of the thoroughbred at one or more of these nearby Horse Country facilities that host tours in April. Learn more about each farm below, and view available tours. 

Central Kentucky is home to a number of other exciting things to do including hiking, distillery tours and more. Travel Kentucky has a great database of things to do and see, found here. Some of our favorite things include checking out Lexington’s many murals, shopping at Greyline Station, visiting a distillery or taking a hike at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary.

There are an endless number of ways to make your trip to Keeneland and Lexington fit the needs of your group, and we would love to see how you spend your time in Kentucky’s Horse Country. Tag us on Instagram and Facebook @visithorsecountry or Twitter @kyhorsecountry, and use the hashtag #VisitHorseCountry for a chance to be featured.

American Farmland Trust

Posted on May 27, 2021 - 10:11 am by

This spring, we announced a strategic partnership between Horse Country and American Farmland Trust. American Farmland Trust’s mission is to save the land that sustains us by protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices, and keeping farmers on the land.

Consider this:

  • Every day 2,000 acres of agricultural land are paved over, fragmented, or converted to uses that jeopardize farming.*
  • Too many farms are still losing topsoil and discharging nutrients, polluting rivers and contributing to dead zones in coastal waters. And we are forgoing restorative work that could rebuild soil health and sequester carbon.
  • In the next 15 years, one-third of America’s farmland and ranchland will likely change hands, as current landowners age and sell. The land is most at risk of being converted to a non-agricultural use when it is sold.

Source: American Farmland Trust

The recently announced partnership aligns AFT’s mission of farmland protection with the agritourism experiences offered through Horse Country and its members.  American Farmland Trust President and CEO John Piotti visited with Mill Ridge Farm’s Price Bell in late 2019 to talk about how forward-thinking places like Lexington-Fayette County are leading the way in protecting farmland for the many positive benefits it brings to our families, communities, and environment. Catch that feature here.

American Farmland Trust welcomes Horse Country guests and followers to a complimentary one-year digital membership. Sign-up for updates, breaking news, and action opportunities from AFT experts across the country.

Sign Up Here

Training + Trails

Posted on May 7, 2021 - 7:32 am by

We’re celebrating National Travel & Tourism Week and we’re excited to share with you not only the great Horse Country experiences available to you, but also other attractions that pair perfectly.

For our nature lovers, our full-on hikers/adventure seekers, or maybe you’re building itineraries with primarily outdoor & socially distanced activities….this one’s for you!

Part of the lifecycle of a racehorse is of course, training! And, when racehorses are done at the track, many of them will be re-trained for new careers and homes. In this itinerary, you get to see both the beginning of this process at world-renowned Keeneland racetrack, and the progression of these athletes at each of our TAA-accredited aftercare facilities.

Paired with training are trails, where locals and guests alike can get their own movement in. As our friends at VisitLEX say, “we love our bourbon and our horses, but it’s a deep connection to the land that makes this place truly special.” We invite you to explore the horses and the land with these experiences celebrating the great outdoors:

Itinerary suggestion:

Wednesday Keeneland Morning Works Tour (9 AM) – see thoroughbreds working on the track
Brunch at DV8
Walk the paved paths and visit the Burr Oak at McConnell Springs
Afternoon tour of New Vocations (2PM) – Rehab. Retrain. Rehome

Thursday morning tour at Secretariat Center (11AM)(indoor and outdoor options available)
Lunch at Red State BBQ
Afternoon & early evening hike at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary

Friday morning hiking at Jessamine County Gorge
Early afternoon tour of Ky Equine Adoption Center (1:30PM)


Perfect for: outdoorsy types, adventurers, hikers, active vacations, social distancing, nature explorers, families
Advance reservations: All the Horse Country tours, yes!
More info: visithorsecountry.com // visitlex.com

Happy National Tourism & Travel Week 2021!

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