celebrating bluegrass traditions
Saint Joseph Hospital named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals in the nation.
Three years in a row.
$1.5m OBS April Sale Topper, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile & Champion 2YO Eclipse Award-winning Champion 3YO (QUALITY ROAD) (NOT THIS TIME)
Dual Breeders’ Cup-winning Sprinter
NO ONE UNDERSTANDS CENTRAL KENTUCKY'S FARM REAL ESTATE QUITE LIKE JUSTICE REAL ESTATE
Since 1980, JUSTICE REAL ESTATE has established itself as the most respected and knowledgeable brokerage in the Bluegrass. JUSTICE REAL ESTATE has sold more farms than anyone, year after year, for four decades, due in large part to our agents’ active involvement in the horse industry.
$1,595,000
This stunning 6,043 SF French chateau offers unmatched elegance and convenience, located just minutes from Lexington and Danville. Sitting on 9.62 acres, the estate features 3 levels of living space, including a theater room, exercise room, wine cellar, bonus room, and a chef’s kitchen with topof-the-line appliances. An inground pool, pool house, and 40' x 80' garage/ storage building with two 14' garage doors along with a 4-stall barn, wash stall, hay storage, office/tack room, and 3 paddocks (2 with automatic waterers). Offering a peaceful setting with plank fencing, stocked pond, and meticulous landscaping .
$2,125,000
This turnkey 34.18-acre horse property is located minutes from The Kentucky Horse Park and downtown Lexington, nestled between Paris Pike and Russell Cave Road. The property features a luxurious 2,180 sq ft, 2-bedroom, 2-bath owner's suite with a 2-car garage, built-in storage, a half bath, a utility room, and a tiled dog wash. With frontage on Swigert and Faulkner, the farm includes a 4-stall barn (expandable to 6), a 400 sq ft guest studio, new fencing, three run-in sheds, a 60-foot round pen, an outdoor kitchen, hardscape gardens, and a serene 1.22-acre pond.
$3,850,000
This luxurious two-story colonial estate spans 16,342 sq ft on 50 private acres. It features a grand foyer leading to a great room with 22-foot ceilings, cherry flooring, and Swarovski Crystal chandeliers, with views of a heated saltwater pool and paddocks. The primary suite boasts a stunning bath, walkin shower, jetted tub, and French doors to an upper patio. The second floor includes four-bedroom suites accessed by a gallery overlooking the great room. A true gem of an estate, offering elegance and privacy.
$3,870,000
This 198-acre farm, on the market for the first time in over 40 years, is renowned for producing top racehorses. It features a 5,200 SF historic main residence with an elevator and inground pool, a 3,000 SF manager’s home, two employee houses, and five barns with 50 stalls. Located at Ferguson and Greenwich Pikes, the property boasts excellent soils and stunning views. A tree-lined drive leads to the circa 1866 residence, offering scenic vistas of paddocks, fields, and woods.
$6,125,000
ONCE IN A GENERATION
The Marylou Whitney Farm is a place of extraordinary history and prestige, with a legacy that blends horse racing excellence, luxury, and philanthropy. The farm is not just a place for elite thoroughbred breeding and racing, but also a stunning estate that combines both practicality and elegance. From the 8,400-square-foot main residence to the various guest and staff accommodations, every building on the property has been thoughtfully designed and wellmaintained.
The location itself is significant, bordered by the historic Gainesway Farm and situated on 72 acres with Elkhorn Creek flowing through it. The property seems to offer both seclusion and accessibility, with its beautiful formal gardens and practical equestrian facilities, which include two horse barns and 2 equipment sheds. The addition of features like the log cabin chapel and art studio further contribute to the farm's unique charm and character.
It’s easy to see why the farm has attracted prominent figures from Hollywood, world leaders, and the racing elite for decades—combining the finest in horse racing with a rich history of entrepreneurship and generosity. It’s truly a remarkable estate.
OUR AGENTS:
Alicia Q. Ritter
859-771-2425
Allen Kershaw
859-333-2901
Bill Bell
859-621-0607
Bo Goodman
859-509-0582
Cathy Davis
859-806-9444
Marilyn Richardson
859-621-4850
Mary Sue Walker-Hughes
859-619-4770
Muffy Lyster
859-229-1804
Bill Justice
859-255-3657
by Lenny Shulman
Bret Jones steers the path forward for historic Airdrie Stud.
24 CELEBRATING ‘MR. B’
by Amy Owens
Former Keeneland president and trustee, racing icon, and community leaderTed Bassett dies at 103.
76
by Liane Crossley
TheThoroughbred Center has been a mainstay of Kentucky racing for more than 50 years.
94 SOURCE OF IT ALL
by Jacalyn Carfagno
As Lexington celebrates its 250th anniversary, McConnell Springs holds a special place as the site of the city’s founding.
110
by Rob Bolson
Tax incentives as well as Kentucky’s natural beauty and heritage make the Bluegrass state attractive to the entertainment industry.
126
by Rich Copley
With its authentic French bistro appeal, Le Deauville has a loyal following among locals and folks in town for the horse sales.
Watercolor, 19 x 24 by Sandra Oppegard
Sandra Oppegard is renowned for her insipiring watercolors and her incredible use of color. She captures racing scenes with authenticity, and her art reveals her great affection for the colorful work of trainers, grooms, and excercise riders. As a result, her work has become a favorite of people in the horse business.
The McLean family has owned and operated their full service, 1,000 acre Crestwood Farm since 1970.
Since then, Crestwood has bred and/or raised multiple Hall-of-Fame inductees, Champions and 300+ stakes horses.
Cynthia Grisolia
William Bowden
Let’s take our relationship further.
With great logistics, lower business costs and educated talent, Lexington, Kentucky is ready to be your lifelong partner. Like Tiffany & Co.® whose frst manufacturing plant outside the northeast produces their classic six-prong engagement ring.
There’s no place greater. There’s no greater.
The offcial magazine of Keeneland Association, Inc. published by Blood-Horse LLC 821 Corporate Dr., Lexington, KY 40503 (859) 278-2361/FAX (859) 276-4450 KeenelandMagazine.com BloodHorse.com
Editor: Jacqueline Duke
Artists: Catherine Nichols (Art Director), PhilipTruman
Copy Editor: Rena Baer
Visuals Director: Anne M. Eberhardt
Creative Services: Jennifer Singleton (Director), Forrest Begley
Account Executive: Amanda Ramey Masters
Sales Support: Catherine Johnston
CORPORATE OPERATIONS
Circulation Accounting Manager: Lauren Glover
General Manager: Scott Carling
PUBLISHED BY Blood-Horse LLC
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
James L. Gagliano, Carl Hamilton, Ian D. Highet, Stuart S. Janney III, Brant Laue, Dan Metzger, David O’Farrell
celebrating bluegrass traditions To order Keeneland
KEENELAND ASSOCIATION, INC.
KEENELAND INC.
4201Versailles Road P.O. Box 1690 Lexington, Kentucky, U.S.A. 40588-1690 Tel: (859) 254-3412 (800) 456-3412 Keeneland.com © 2025 Keeneland Association, Inc.
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Friday, April 25 | Entries Open March 1
An elite racehorse sale, perfectly timed for summer campaigns. Held after the fnal race on closing day of the Spring Meet, the April Sale presents proven runners and ready-to-race prospects – an ideal change to strengthen stables ahead of summer racing.
Wednesday, Oct. 29
One-of-a-kind sales event at the Breeders’ Cup returns to Del Mar. An unparalleled opportunity to acquire elite racing and breeding stock at the pinnacle of the sport, this exclusive event is held the Wednesday before the world championships and invites participants to play at the highest level.
Begins Monday, Sept. 8 | Entries Open April 1
The World’s Yearling Sale delivered a historic $427 million in gross sales in 2024. The industry’s premier yearling auction, the September Sale delivers an unmatched selection of elite Thoroughbreds that shape the future of racing and draws a global audience to attend.
Begins Tuesday, Nov. 4 | Entries Open July 1
Global breeding stock sale set a record median and North America’s top weanling prices in 2024. Ofering exceptional broodmares, prospects and weanlings, the Keeneland November Sale is a cornerstone of the global bloodstock market. Followed by the November Horses of Racing Age Sale, it delivers top-quality opportunities for every program.
SPRING 2025
When dreaming of a life well lived, it is hard to imagine a more inspired and impactful life than that of Ted Bassett, who died Jan. 23. During his 103 years, Mr. Bassett was a Marine, served as director of the Kentucky State Police, and served Keeneland for over 40 years.
Mr. Bassett oversaw critical changes at Keeneland during his time as president, chairman, and trustee, including renovation and expansion of the Clubhouse and Grandstand, new admission gates and dining rooms, development of the training center on Rice Road, new barns in the stable area, the addition of all-weather stalls in the paddock, enhancements to the sales pavilion, and installation of the famous Keeneland hedges in the infeld.
Supported by an incredible team including Bill Greely, Rogers Beasley, and Geofrey Russell, among many others, Mr. Bassett always used “we” and not “I.” I share his belief in the importance of pronouns — anything that happens is a result of the work of many, not just one individual. As Lewis B. Ergen said, “Te ratio of we’s to I’s is the best indicator of the development of a team.”
Mr. Bassett moved mountains in the Toroughbred industry through his vision. He was a giant internationally as a leader, visionary, philanthropist, icon, and friend, and he was one of our sport’s greatest ambassadors ever. Mr. Bassett was debonair and charming, with a twinkle in his eye and a touch of mischievousness that endeared him to all those he met.
When I accepted the job at Keeneland, Mr. Bassett’s was one of the frst calls I received, and his advice was some of the very best I was given: “Shannon, don’t sit behind that desk. Get out on the grounds and talk to people.” I think about his sage advice daily and heed his counsel.
As we approach the fnal stages of construction of our Paddock Building and Operations Building, I think that Mr. B. would be proud of us for having the courage to embark upon the project. He certainly understood the importance of racing and sales hospitality, and he was one of the premier hosts in the equine world, welcoming
the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and the Queen of England to our grounds. We will strive in all we do to ofer hospitality that would make him proud.
“Te purpose of life is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some diference that you have lived and lived well,” said Ralph Waldo Emerson. Mr. Bassett certainly made a diference, and he lef his mark on Keeneland, on the sport of Toroughbred racing, and on our community. Cheers to blue skies ahead. KM
President and CEO
ROB BOLSON
(Lights! Action! Kentucky!) is a freelance writer residing in Lexington, who regularly writes about food and culture. He has spent the past three decades writing about people, places, and products. Follow him on Instagram at @robbiebolson.
WILLIAM BOWDEN
(Keeping Horses Healthy) most recently worked as publications editor at Transylvania University. He was formerly a writer and editor at the Somerset (Kentucky) Commonwealth Journal, the Lexington Herald Leader, and the NationalTour Association.
JACALYN CARFAGNO
(Source of It All) is a professional writer and an editor based in Lexington. She has covered the equine industry and written restaurant reviews and commentary for the Lexington Herald Leader, in addition to working for a wide range of clients.
RICH COPLEY
(Joie deVivre) spent 20 years as an arts and entertainment journalist for the Lexington Herald Leader. He is now a multimedia producer for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and a freelance writer and photographer based in Lexington.
LIANE CROSSLEY
(Rich Heritage) has spent her career inThoroughbred racing-related jobs in barns, press boxes, and offces. A seasonal member of Keeneland’s media team, she has had her work appear in BloodHorse, Daily Racing Form,Thoroughbred Daily News,ThoroughbredTimes, and other publications.
CYNTHIA GRISOLIA (Hands-On Horsewoman)
Originally from NewYork, Cynthia Grisolia is a freelance editor and journalist living inVersailles, Kentucky. Her articles have appeared in Keeneland, BloodHorse, Kentucky Monthly, Equestrian Quarterly, and others.
AMY OWENS
(Remembering ‘Mr. B’; Keeneland News/ Connections) is Keeneland Communications Associate.
LENNY SHULMAN
(Writing a New Chapter) is a senior correspondent for BloodHorse and the author of “Head to Head: Conversations with a Generation of Horse Racing Legends,” “Justify: 111 Days toTriple Crown Glory,” and “Ride of Their Lives:The Triumphs andTurmoil of Today’sTop Jockeys.”
By Amy Owens
Owens
Keeneland and Central Kentucky lost one of its greatest advocates Jan. 23 when James E. (Ted) Bassett III died at his home in Lexington at age 103.
Bassett, who lef a post as director of the Kentucky State Police to begin working at Keeneland in 1968, led its growth from a small local track to one of North America’s most prominent racing facilities. At the same time Keeneland’s bloodstock auctions became world famous. During a span of 38 years at Keeneland, he was president, chairman, and trustee while devoted to bettering the global Toroughbred industry and his beloved Central Kentucky community with an engaging demeanor and graciousness that endeared him to everyone he met.
“My life has been a fascinating blur.”
—
TED BASSETT IN “KEENELAND’S TED BASSETT: MY LIFE”
“Mr. Bassett was a cherished member of the Keeneland family, and while we are saddened by his passing, we celebrate his remarkable life and indomitable spirit,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “He was the embodiment of class and integrity, and his commitment to preserving Keeneland’s mission and brand, ofen during challenging times in history, enabled our racing and sales operations to soar to new heights and set the standard for the industry.
“I have no doubt he would want most to be remembered as a humble man who worked every day to enhance Keeneland, the Toroughbred industry, and his hometown of Lexington.”
Even though Bassett had no previous experience in the Toroughbred industry when he joined Keeneland, he credited his Marine background for giving him the perseverance and resourcefulness to succeed at its helm. Meanwhile, his contributions to the entire horse industry
are unmatched. He held leadership positions at Breeders’ Cup Ltd., Toroughbred Racing Associations of America, Equibase, Kentucky Horse Park, National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, and Te Jockey Club. His many industry honors include an Eclipse Award of Merit, England’s Lord Derby Award, and induction into the Racing Hall of Fame in the category of Pillars of the Turf.
Bassett also steered signifcant fundraising eforts for worthy causes inside and outside the horse industry in Central Kentucky, where his infuence will be felt for generations to come. Tey include the following:
• Supporting the establishment of the Maxwell Gluck Equine Research Center at the University of Kentucky, with Keeneland pledging $1 million toward the efort.
• Helping raise $2.7 million to acquire the Calumet Farm trophy collection and prevent it from being auctioned afer the legendary farm declared bankruptcy. Te collection is housed at the Kentucky Horse Park’s International Museum of the Horse.
• Leading eforts to build two YMCA facilities in Lexington and upgrade a longstanding location.
• Championing construction of a new Kentucky Blood Center in Lexington.
• Spearheading an initiative to honor Sergeant Reckless, a horse who carried ammunition for the Marines during the Korean War, with a statue at the Horse Park.
Born Oct. 26, 1921, in Lexington, Bassett graduated from the prestigious Kent School in Connecticut and Yale University. He was a Marine infantry ofcer during World War II, earned two Purple Hearts, and later received several awards for his military service.
Bassett married his wife, Lucy Gay (who died in 2016), in 1950. Her father was A.B. (Gus) Gay, a founding member of the Keeneland Association and a Keeneland director for 48 years. She was an accomplished Toroughbred breeder, who bred 2003 Breeders’ Cup Distaf (G1) winner Adoration and Ma’am, dam of 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mystik Dan.
Bassett remained active well into his 90s and beyond, working daily in a cottage on the Keeneland grounds; enjoying breakfast and companionship at the track kitchen; sitting for an interview as part of Keeneland Library’s Life’s Work Oral History Project; narrating a moving Keeneland commercial titled “Life’s Work”; and receiving the 2023 Pinkerton Vision Award from Midway University. KM
“Keeneland’s spring meet is the destination of many of Toroughbred racing’s biggest names,” Keeneland Vice President of Racing Gatewood Bell said. “Te racing world converges here because they know this is where the best jockeys, trainers, and horses will be, and they want to compete at the highest level. We are excited to continue to grow our racing program and eager to welcome horsemen and fans from around the world for Keeneland this spring.”
During the 15-day spring meet from April 4-25, Keeneland will award $9.4 million for 19 stakes — a record amount for the season. Te purse of the meet’s signature Toyota Blue Grass (G1) has received a $250,000 boost to $1.25 million as it joins the fall meet’s Coolmore Turf Mile (G1) as the two richest races in track history.
Other purse increases include an additional $150,000 for the Central Bank Ashland (G1) for 3-year-old fllies, now worth $750,000, and $200,000 more for the Transylvania (G3) Presented by Keeneland Select, which becomes a $600,000 race for 3-year-olds racing on the turf. Both races will be run opening day.
Contributing to stakes purses is $2.25 million available from the Kentucky Toroughbred Development Fund, pending approval from the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation.
Te 88th running of the Central Bank Ashland and the 101st running of the Toyota Blue Grass both are key springtime races on the dirt for 3-year-olds and both are worth 200 points on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks and Road to the Kentucky Derby, respectively. Winners of each stakes earn 100 qualifying points to the respective classic.
Te Toyota Blue Grass will anchor fve stakes to be run April 4 on opening Saturday, traditionally Keeneland’s biggest
Keeneland conducted three successful auctions of Toroughbred breeding and racing stock in November and January. Te nine-day November breeding stock sale from Nov. 5-13 yielded acrossthe-board gains as 2,159 horses sold for more than $196 million. Mandy Pope’s Whisper Hill Farm paid $2.4 million for the sale-topping Roses for Debra, a grade
race day. Other stakes are the $650,000 Resolute Racing Madison (G1), the $500,000 Appalachian (G2) Presented by Japan Racing Association, the $400,000 Valvoline Global Shakertown (G2), and the $350,000 Commonwealth (G3).
Te season’s two other grade 1 races are two turf events: the Maker’s Mark Mile on April 11 and the Jenny Wiley the following day. Each stakes will be worth a record $650,000.
Troughout the meet, Keeneland will ofer a number of popular events for fans of all ages along with wagering options that will appeal to every level of handicapper. Te Hill, the popular tailgating area, will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays weather permitting.
Easter falls on April 20, when Keeneland will be closed for racing. Following the races on the fnal day of the season, Keeneland will hold the April selected horses of racing age sale.
Post time for the frst race is 1 p.m. every day expect April 25, when races begin at 12:30 p.m.
For more information, visit Keeneland. com.
2 winner consigned by Candy Meadows Sales, agent. Candy Meadows is owned by Keeneland trustee Everett Dobson.
In a strong weanling market, colts by Into Mischief and Curlin sold for $900,000 and $725,000, respectively. Tis is the 14th time in the past 15 years that the November sale has produced the most expensive weanlings sold at public auction in North America.
At the Nov. 14 November horses of racing age sale, Keeneland sold 106 horses for more than $8.6 million. Steven W. Young, agent, acquired the two highest-priced
MG1SW and Eclipse Champion SIERRA LEONE winning the $7,000,000 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1)
horses, paying $675,000 for the winning flly Alyeska and $410,000 for the colt Captain Cook. Both were consigned by Gainesway, agent for the estate of John Hendrickson.
Total sales for 724 horses sold at the three-day January horses of all ages sale from Jan. 13-15 exceeded $35 million. Tree horses sold for the top price of $700,000: broodmare prospect Delahaye; broodmare Pretty Birdie, carrying her frst foal by Candy Ride (ARG); and racing or broodmare prospect Love to Shop.
A newly turned yearling son of Tapit sold for $400,000 to lead the ofering of horses born in 2024. JPM Bloodstock, agent, purchased the colt from consignor Gainesway, agent.
“Tere are a lot of reasons to feel good about the yearling market for this year based on what we saw here, and that plays into the international participation,” Keeneland Senior Director of Sales Operations Cormac Breathnach said at the close of the January sale. “We hear from people from other countries who are interested in diversifying into some pinhooking and other activities in the U.S. because the market’s been solid and consistent, the racing product is good and purses are good. It feels like there’s positive momentum.”
Te January sale marked the close of Keeneland’s sales cycle. Te next auction is the selected horses of racing age sale following the races on April 25, closing day of the spring meet. For more information about Keeneland auctions, visit Keeneland. com.
No one loved Toroughbred racing — the sport and the community — more than Edward L. Bowen. Many share the veteran journalist and racing historian’s passion, but his dedication to capturing the stories of the sport’s colorful characters and the exhilarating feats of its athletes was unsurpassed.
Te community lost Bowen Jan. 20 when he died at home in Versailles, Kentucky. He was 82. Bowen, a racing journalist and historian for more than 60 years, was a former editor-in-chief of Te BloodHorse magazine, author of more than 20 books on horse racing, and a frequent contributor to Keeneland magazine. He also served 24 years as president of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, traditionally the leading source of funding for veterinary research specifcally to promote horse health and soundness.
dedicated boards of directors.
Bowen and Hancock frst worked together in the early 1970s when Hancock was shooting photos for Te Blood-Horse. As with so many people in Bowen’s life, they maintained a lifelong friendship. “I never heard Ed say anything bad about anyone, and I never heard anyone say anything bad about Ed — and there are not a lot of people you can say that about when it works both ways,” Hancock said. “He was a true gentleman, he was smart, just so many things to so many people.”
Bowen was born Dec. 23, 1942, in Welch, West Virginia. His family moved to South Florida, and he grew up in Fort Lauderdale. Afer high school and during summers while attending the University of Florida, Bowen worked at the Sun-Sentinel newspaper, on the broodmare crew at Ocala Stud, and as a hot walker and groom at Monmouth Park. In 1963, he landed a writing job at Te Blood-Horse and transferred to the University of Kentucky, where he studied journalism.
“He loved horses, and he loved horse people. Every story. He lived it,” said Bowen’s wife, Ruthie. “He followed the races on the weekend and sent emails to people when they won. He loved the sport. He liked the guy at the barn; he liked the owners; he just loved the whole deal.”
Bowen became editor of the monthly Canadian Horse magazine in Toronto from 1968-70 and then returned to Lexington to become managing editor of Te Blood-Horse. In January 1987, he succeeded his mentor, Kent Hollingsworth, as editor-in-chief and remained at the publication until 1993. He was hired as president of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation in 1994.
During his 24 years with Grayson, Bowen said he felt fortunate to work with industry leaders such as John Hettinger and Dell Hancock, chairs of the foundation, plus many active and
From 1994 until his retirement at the end of 2018, Bowen’s role at the foundation included raising sufcient funds to provide $22 million for research projects that benefted all horses, not just Toroughbreds — a mission important personally to Bowen.
During and afer his employment at Te Blood-Horse, Bowen authored 22 racing books for Eclipse Press and other publishers and contributed chapters, forewords, or prefaces for 17 additional volumes on Toroughbreds.
“Ed’s contributions to the Toroughbred library are incalculable,” said Jacqueline Duke, editor of Keeneland magazine who headed Eclipse Press, the book division of BloodHorse. Bowen also continued to contribute stories to BloodHorse and was a frequent contributor to Keeneland magazine. He delighted readers with his unrivaled knowledge of the sport.
“As a prolifc author and storyteller, ofen through beautifully told features for Keeneland magazine, Ed made racing’s important history come alive for a legion of fans,” added Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin.
Bowen also served as a trustee of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and as chair of its nominating committee.
Bowen received many awards for his writing, including an Eclipse Award (magazine division), National Turf Writers Association’s Walter Haight Award, and Pimlico’s Old Hilltop Award.
Bowen is survived by his wife, Ruthie; his son, George; daughters, Jennifer Schafauser (Eric) and Tracy Bowen; granddaughters Emily Corbett (Patrick) and Julia Schafauser. Te family requests that donations can be made to the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and Mentors & Meals. — by Eric Mitchell
GLENCREST FARM
HINKLE FARMS
HUNTER VALLEY FARM INDIAN CREEK FARM
INTERNATIONAL EQUITIES HOLDING, INC.
LANE’S END FARM
MACHMER HALL MULHOLLAND SPRINGS
NATALMA BLOODSTOCK
SILVER FERN FARM
STONEREATH STUD
SPRINGHOUSE FARM
STONESTREET THOROUGHBRED HOLDINGS
SUMMER WIND FARM THREE CHIMNEYS FARM
TOWN & COUNTRY FARMS
WATERCRESS FARM
WHISPER HILL
Keeneland’s world-famous September yearling sale produced two horses — Citizen Bull and Moira — who were named champions of 2024 at the 54th annual Resolute Racing Eclipse Awards Ceremony in Florida in late January. Citizen Bull is the year’s champion 2-year-old male, and Moira is champion turf female.
A stallion share in Horse of the Year and sire Flightline, whose frst foals arrived in 2024, sold for $2.5 million to Jane Lyons’ Summer Wind Equine to top Keeneland’s inaugural Championship Sale on Oct. 30 at Del Mar days before the track held the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. The event in the paddock, which offered the opportunity to acquire high-value racehorses and breeding stock, featured a large crowd of participants, spirited bidding, and a party atmosphere.
LeRoy Neiman’s “To the Wire,” an oil on canvas measuring 47-by-95 inches, sold for $334,875 at the 12th Sporting Art Auction, a partnership between Cross Gate Gallery of Lexington and Keeneland held Nov. 15 in Keeneland’s sales pavilion. The amount was a record for the auction, which posted total sales of $2.5 million. A work by Neiman has topped the event four times, including the past two years.
Through mid-August, Keeneland Library presents the exhibit “Of Turf and Stone: Keeneland Through the Ages” to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Keeneland Association, which opened the track and became an industry leader. Photographs and memorabilia trace the development of the grounds, architecture, facilities, and innovative industry frsts.
$750,000 Central Bank Ashland (G1)
3YO Fillies, 1 1/16 miles | $100,000 KTDF Contribution
$600,000 Transylvania (G3) Presented by Keeneland Select
Apr 4
3YOs, 1 1/16 miles (turf) | $100,000 KTDF Contribution
$400,000 Lafayette (L)
3YOs, 7 furlongs | $100,000 KTDF Contribution
$1.25 Million Toyota Blue Grass (G1)
3YOs, 1 1/8 miles | $250,000 KTDF Contribution
$650,000 Resolute Racing Madison (G1)
4YOs & Up, F&M, 7 furlongs | $150,000 KTDF Contribution
$500,000 Appalachian (G2)
Apr 5
Apr 12
Apr 13
Apr 18
$650,000 Jenny Wiley (G1)
4YOs & up, F&M, 1 1/16 miles (turf) | $150,000 KTDF Contribution
$400,000 Stonestreet Lexington (G3)
3YOs, 1 1/16 miles | $100,000 KTDF Contribution
$350,000 Giant’s Causeway (G3) 3YOs & up, F&M, 5 1/2 furlongs (turf) | $100,000 KTDF Contribution
$350,000 Baird Doubledogdare (G3) 4YOs & up, F&M, 1 1/16 miles | $100,000 KTDF Contribution
Apr 6
Presented by Japan Racing Association
3YO Fillies, 1 mile (turf) | $100,000 KTDF Contribution
$400,000 Valvoline Global Shakertown (G2)
3YOs & up, 5 1/2 furlongs (turf)| $100,000 KTDF Contribution
$350,000 Commonwealth (G3)
4YOs & up, 7 furlongs | $100,000 KTDF Contribution
$400,000 MiddleGround Capital Beaumont (G2)
3YO fllies, 7 furlongs & 184’ | $100,000 KTDF Contribution
$300,000 Palisades (L)
3YOs, 5 1/2 furlongs (turf) | $100,000 KTDF Contribution
$650,000 Maker’s Mark Mile (G1)
4YOs & Up, 1 mile (turf) | $150,000 KTDF Contribution
Apr 19
Apr 25
$400,000 VisitLEX Elkhorn (G2) 4YOs & up, 1 1/2 miles (turf) | $100,000 KTDF Contribution
$350,000 Ben Ali (G3) 4YOs & up, 1 3/16 miles | $100,000 KTDF Contribution
$350,000 Bewitch (G3) Presented by Keeneland Sales 4YOs & up, F&M, 1 ½ miles (turf) | $100,000 KTDF Contribution
* KTDF (Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund) contributions are subject to approval of the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation. Turf
Apr 11
$300,000 FanDuel Limestone (L)
3 YO fllies, 5 1/2 furlongs (turf) | $100,000 KTDF Contribution PURSES POWERED BY
At JHGD we take advantage of early spring days to formulate concepts, materialize vision, and design legacy gardens because we know the most breathtaking landscapes have one thing in commonÑthey werenÕt rushed. The right materials, the perfect proportions, the patience to get it rightÑ this is how enduring beauty is created, cultivated, and maintained.
At JHGD we take of vision, and because we know the most werenÕt
VICKI OLIVER GIVES PERSONAL ATTENTION TO EVERY HORSE IN HER STABLE
By
Oliver is considered one of racing’s most successful female trainers, but she says gender is a nonissue “because I just do my job.”
BBACK IN OCTOBER, trainer Vicki Oliver stood at the rail watching one of her 2-yearolds gallop over Keeneland’s main track. Steam swirled from her morning brew while a butter-yellow super moon still hung over the far turn. As dawn approached, Oliver peered through her binoculars, looking for subtleties as the flly skimmed over the course.
“You are monitoring their ftness and how they are moving, their length of stride,” said Oliver. “When they breeze, you want to see how they fnish. It’s not how fast they go; it’s how they do it — whether they are within themselves. You like a horse to always fnish their work very strong.”
Te approach seems to work. Over the past few years, Oliver’s moderate string of Toroughbreds has
been gaining momentum. Making Keeneland her home base from April through November since 2009, Oliver has, in that time, grown her stable to include a very manageable 40 horses, and her annual earnings have catapulted from under $400,000 to nearly $2 million for 2024. Her career earnings now surpass $23 million with over 360 races won. Te fgures identify her as one of the few female trainers in the industry to reach such heights, though Oliver is quick to note that, in her mind, gender is irrelevant.
“It hasn’t stopped me from doing anything — being a woman,” she said. “Some people look at it that way, but I’m not that kind of a person. I just assume it’s not an obstacle because I just do my job.”
She makes a point to add that being a trainer is not for the faint of heart. “To do this job seven days a week, get up at 3:30 every morning, you have to love horses,” said Oliver. And one thing is certain, Vicki Oliver has loved horses for a very long time.
Born and raised in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, about 12 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, Oliver, 52, is the daughter of prominent Toroughbred breeder and successful Keeneland owner G. Watts Humphrey Jr., who along with his wife, Sally, bred Genuine Risk, one of only three fllies to ever capture the Kentucky Derby. Te Humphreys, with partners, also co-bred Belmont Stakes winner Crème Fraiche and Hollywood Gold Cup and Whitney Stakes winner Improbable. Homebreds that have raced in the Humphrey colors have included grade 1 winners Clear Mandate and Centre Court and stakes winners such as Navratilova. Humphrey was introduced to Toroughbreds by his grandfather and his great-aunt Elizabeth (Pansy) Ireland Poe, who purchased the
VICKI OLIVER
Whether it is wrapping a horse’s legs for an upcoming race, running her hands over one of her charges, or offering a friendly pat, Oliver gives individual attention to every one of her 40 runners.
family’s 1,000-acre Shawnee Farm near Harrodsburg, Kentucky. So horses, one might say, were part of their bloodlines.
Oliver’s personal equine afair started in the saddle, about the age of 8, when she began competing in hunter-jumpers. She continued her show-riding career, eventually competing at the Grand Prix level through her college years at Wittenburg University in Ohio. But the rigors of the show ring grew tiresome. “It’s hard to make a living in the show-horse world,” said Oliver. “We travel a lot here, but at least it’s not as transient,” she noted from her neat-as-a-pin ofce in Keeneland’s barn 74. “Horse shows are week to week. Here we are meet to meet. We live gypsy lives on the track, but that’s even more of a gypsy life. So I chose the racetrack.”
It was a decision that made her family very happy. “I thought for her the racing industry was a better career opportunity,” said Watts Humphrey, adding that the family was also happy to have her back in the Keeneland fold. “She had a lot of friends here, and it’s a very healthy environment,” he said. “It’s good to work with people who stress the good care and management of horses.”
Oliver started out galloping horses in the mornings but spent her afernoons learning the proverbial ropes in a variety of related jobs. “When I got out of college, I worked for a blacksmith,” she said. “I also worked for a vet during the Saratoga meet.”
Oliver eventually did a stint in the racing ofce at Gulfstream Park in Florida before ending up in the press ofce at Monmouth Park in New Jersey, where she met her future husband, the English-born Philip Oliver, who was managing a string for now-WinStar Farm President and CEO Elliott Walden. Vicki began exercising horses for Walden and other trainers, including the late Joe Pierce, who trained for her father and had a reputation for bringing along young talent. It was Pierce who encouraged Oliver to try to make it on her
Located on roughly 30 acres or rolling Bluegrass farmland, Johnston’s Inn is a true Kentucky treasure, and is believed to be the oldest house in Bourbon County. Erected in 1782, the inn was established by Captain Robert Johnston, a Revolutionary War veteran born in Virginia in 1749. He and his wife, Peggy McClanahan Johnston, operated the inn, which became a wellknown stopover for travelers on the main road between Maysville and Lexington. The Inn accommodated stagecoach and horseback passengers, providing rest and refreshment during their journeys. The property has been masterfully restored, introducing modern amenities while still maintaining much of its original character and charm.
VICKI OLIVER
own, and in 1999, Vicki and Phil launched Oliver Racing Stables. “When I started in New Jersey, it seemed like the right place to go because there were so many places to run — Delaware, New York — it was a great place to just get out there,” she said. “And I made a lot of connections there.”
But Monmouth’s fnancial losses led the track to shorten its summer meet, which had a profound efect on horsemen. Soon, for Oliver, the lure of returning to Kentucky grew strong. “Monmouth started running only three days a week, and it was hard,” said Oliver. “Plus, I wasn’t picking up many owners. I wanted to get back to Kentucky, so I just thought it was time to change.”
Over 20-odd years, from New Jersey to Central Kentucky, Oliver Racing Stable built a reputation on passionate horsemanship, elite access for owners, and custom training plans,
a formula that was refreshing in the modern era of “super trainers” with hundreds of horses. “Tere are a million roads to the winner’s circle, and no roads are wrong,” said Oliver. “But I’m very individualistic with my horses,” she added. “Each one is diferent. Tey don’t follow the same program.”
Soon, the stable began to fourish, capturing stakes wins across the United States and Canada. But in early 2024, tragedy struck when Phil Oliver passed away suddenly at age 53. According to Vicki, Phil had struggled with alcoholism. While weathering the deep personal loss, Vicki found herself running her stable solo. But the transition had been coming.
“Phil had been gone a long time over the last couple of years in various rehab centers,” she said. “I had already taken on most of the responsibility, so it wasn’t as devastating as it could have been.”
Trough it all, though, her commitment to the horses remained. “She had a horrible six months, and it was a difcult time,” said Brian Klatsky, a good friend and a founding partner of BBN Racing, Oliver’s most prominent
owner. “Vicki personally struggled, but look, she hasn’t taken a day of, and she kept herself busy.”
Sally Humphrey added that the whole family was shaken by Phil’s passing and agreed Vicki’s work ethic shone through it all. “Tat’s true,” she said. “As you can gather, horses are her frst love.”
Meeting Klatsky in early 2000 was a turning point in Oliver’s career. “I was looking to buy my frst horse; she was just getting going; and we were both aspiring and young,” said Klatsky. “I started of buying some 2-year-olds in training and then partnering with [Oliver’s father] Watts on various racehorses and broodmares,” he added.
Over the next two decades Klatsky and co-partners Braxton Lynch and Brendan O’Brien developed BBN Racing (short for Big Blue Nation), a racing partnership that now boasts 30 to 40 owners from around the country who invest in seven to eight colts and fllies plucked annually from Keeneland’s September yearling sale.
BBN currently provides the lion share of Oliver’s stable, and she and Keeneland-based trainer George “Rusty” Arnold are an integral part of the BBN operation. “When we go in to buy, everyone
goes in as a group,” said Klatsky. “We have a great selection process, having diferent sets of eyes, diferent horsemen.”
Oliver has trained numerous top horses for BBN, including grade 2-winning millionaire Trademark and Mo Stash, who ran fourth in the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland and then captured his frst graded stakes, the grade 3 Transylvania, over the track in 2023. But most signifcant for the group was the career-changing Hidden Stash, a 2018 Keeneland grad who in 2021 catapulted Oliver and Co. all the way to the Kentucky Derby. Te colt was a longshot, going of at 50-1 and eventually fnished 13th in the famous feld of 20, but the event was indescribable.
“We knew we weren’t in that same category as [Brad Cox-trained favorite] Essential Quality, but we also knew that we belonged,” said Klatsky. “He ran a respectful race, but the walk over — the emotion behind that. It’s just one of those things you are going to talk about for the rest of your life.”
Te achievement made Oliver only the 18th female trainer in history to enter a runner on the frst Saturday in May. “Te experience,” said Oliver, “was unbelievable. Tere are people who train
their whole career and never get to the Derby.”
Hidden Stash, now 7, is still with Oliver and earned a win at Presque Isle Downs this past fall. She is expecting to retire him soon, but he won’t be going anywhere. “I’m glad he’s still around,” said Oliver. “He’s a gelding and we’ll always make sure he has a good home.”
In addition to BBN and longtime owners St. George Farm Racing LLC, Oliver co-owns and trains numerous horses for her father, who like BBN, splits his stable between his daughter and trainer Arnold. Together the father and daughter team have had such standouts as multiple graded stakes winner Frivolous, who in 2015 earned the
“
TO DO THIS JOB SEVEN DAYS A WEEK, GET UP EVERY MORNING AT 3:30, YOU HAVE TO LOVE HORSES.”
—TRAINERVICKI OLIVER
Fleur de Lis Handicap and then ran ffh over the Keeneland oval in the Breeders’ Cup Distaf, and Personal Diary, who gave Oliver her frst grade 1 win by capturing the Del Mar Oaks in 2014.
While another trip to the Derby is on her bucket list, Oliver said she also has another goal, one that’s more personal. “It would be great to win the Kentucky Oaks for my dad,” said Oliver. “For all the years he has put into this business and all the
VICKI OLIVER
fllies he’s raised, it would be great.
“I’ve learned so much from my dad,” Oliver added. “I am the most fortunate person to have the mentor my father was and is still to me.”
Nearing the close of Keeneland’s past fall meet, Mo Stash was being saddled for the seventh race, a $140,000 allowance sprint on the turf. In the paddock area, a crowd of BBN owners gathered as Oliver and assistant trainer Franklin De Jesus readied the dark bay son of Mo Town. “What’s great about Vicki is that it’s a very personal relationship,” said Klatsky. “Her owners are welcome at her barn 24/7. She wants to spend time with her owners; she wants to be on the same page as her owners.” It’s a distinction, he added, that sets her apart. “We get attention that’s really hard to fnd.”
Viewing the race from her family’s box, Oliver watched as Mo Stash led in the stretch then got caught at the wire to fnish a game second. “He ran really well,” Oliver said aferward. “I was hoping he’d win it just for him,” she added. “He’s had a tough year. But he’s a great horse to train. He always shows up.”
As 2024 came to a close, Oliver noted it was a season full of ups and downs “It’s been a tough year, but that’s just how it goes,” she said. “Tat’s how this industry is. It can pick you up as fast as it can kick you down.”
Now, Oliver is focused on the future with a string of newly crowned 3-yearolds showing promise. “I have a nice flly that I own with my father,” said Oliver, referring to Princess Attitude, a flly by Frankel that returned to the work tab in January at Payson Park Training Center in Florida, where Oliver and her horses take a respite from December until March.
In addition, Oliver and Humphrey co-own Good Reason, a daughter of Triple Crown winner Justify, and Added Touch, who is by Whitney Stakes winner Frosted. “We treat each of them as a good prospect and hope they all develop,” noted Humphrey. “And
they are just getting to the races now, so we’re excited.”
Oliver is also hopeful about two Keeneland fall meet winners: Bracket Buster, a now 3-year-old Vekoma colt owned by BBN, and Eunomia, an ofspring of Belmont Stakes winner Tiz the Law owned by Jewel Box Racing. “I have been so fortunate these past three years to have had good years,” said Oliver. “And I have great owners, very supportive. Tey are all-in for their horses, which makes my job a lot easier.” KM
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BRET JONES STEERS THE PATH FORWARD FOR AIRDRIE STUD
By Lenny Shulman
is a bornand-bred horseman, having grown up on
MUD AND SNOW vie for supremacy over the winter ground, but neither can dampen the enthusiasm of Bret Jones. Driving a fourwheel-drive truck, Jones traverses the rutted dirt road meandering through the back felds of his family’s Airdrie Stud near Midway. Open felds bordered by ribbons of creeks fll the view from both sides of the vehicle. Stacks of new fence posts give visual evidence to Jones’ verbally laying out the future contours of fresh felds that will support part of Airdrie’s 150-strong broodmare population. Authoring this new chapter in Airdrie’s history has Jones gushing about the farm’s future.
Te present isn’t too shabby either. Airdrie is blossoming, with a brace of promising young stallions such as Complexity, Girvin, Collected, and Mage. It bred 20 horses that won stakes races in 2024, a high-water mark for the farm. Its past two Keeneland September yearling sale consignments exceeded all others in Airdrie’s 55-year history.
Jones, 44, spreads the credit around to the Airdrie staf, land, and horses. He is thoughtful and quietly forceful, having taken the reins at Airdrie while simultaneously serving on numerous industry boards in an efort to move Toroughbred racing forward. Tat Jones doesn’t revel in the limelight is a departure from his father and mentor, former Kentucky Gov. Brereton C. Jones. Te elder Jones was a gifed politician who moved nimbly among people. Gov. Jones, who passed away in 2023, helped build today’s healthy Kentucky horse industry by championing alternative gaming and a system of horsemen’s bonuses. He also set forth the rock-solid foundation that has allowed Airdrie Stud to thrive alongside competitors that boast far more extensive fnancial resources.
Historic Airdrie Stud today encompasses 2,300 acres north and south of Old Frankfort Pike just west of Midway Road. Te utilitarian farm ofce — featuring a welcoming, crackling freplace that has warmed visitors for generations — and stallion complex reside on land that gave birth to Central Kentucky’s Toroughbred industry. Starting in the 1700s, the Alexander family began operating Woodburn Stud on the site, standing the breed-shaping stallion Lexington in the mid-1800s. During the 19th century, the Alexanders bred four Kentucky Derby winners, four Preakness winners, and 10 Belmont Stakes victors on these acres.
Afer a brief stint as a West Virginia state legislator, Brereton Jones and his wife, Libby, moved to Central Kentucky to fulfll his dream of raising horses. Libby is a descendant of the Alexander family, and the couple leased acreage from her father to start their operation. Brereton Jones, in a 2004 interview, explained, “Te
male ego being what it is, I didn’t want to be living on her farm, so I began buying land that adjoined it and then other land in the neighborhood.”
Around the turn of this century, Jones purchased a 500-acre parcel across Old Frankfort Pike from the original farm and named it the Woodburn division. Good karma. Tat land, rested for a century but still holding the soil that produced exceptional horses, has proven fertile once again and played a role in Airdrie’s renaissance over the past two decades.
While Brereton resurrected his political career and attained Kentucky’s governorship — in part to protect and further the interests of the horse industry — Libby embraced important work as well. As a driving force behind the Bluegrass Land Conservancy, which protects land in the Bluegrass region through permanent conservation easements, she has helped shelter 34,000 acres, 166 farms, and 75 historic sites from development. She is also active in the Kentucky Natural Lands Trust, which has protected 50,000 acres of wildlands throughout the commonwealth.
Born into this environment, Bret Jones instantly acquired a love for horses, the land, and the Toroughbred business. Youthful summers were spent earning $1 per hour working with Airdrie’s mares and foals. Some of those dollars went through the windows
at Red Mile’s of-track betting facility when he was able to fnd an adult with whom to collaborate.
“I spent more time reading the Racing Form than a kid should,” said Bret. “I would go up to the top of the cupola in the stallion barn and read the handouts we printed up for each of our stallions. It was like a doctor studying medical journals. You either love it or you don’t, and I loved it from a very early age. And that has never wavered.”
Necessity being the mother of invention, Brereton Jones made Airdrie work by giving breeders viable options at a reasonable price point. While deeper-pocketed stud farms purchased prospects with impeccable pedigrees and the gaudiest race records, Jones generally stood stallions in the $10,000 to $20,000 price range. His formula was to break even if the stud horse failed to hit big or to earn a smart proft when lightning struck. He stood signifcant horses such as Silver Hawk, Harlan’s Holiday, and Indian Charlie, and cobbled together a numbers-heavy broodmare population to further the chances of his studs. Bret learned the business at his father’s side, and when the elder Jones began experiencing a health reversal, Bret transitioned from ofensive coordinator to head coach. He carried inside him the important lessons inherited from his father: hard work and positivity.
“If there were 25 hours in a day, Dad would have worked 25 hours,” said Bret. “And positive thinking literally dictated his life.
He was endlessly positive and cared about people, and that can’t help but rub of on you. He was always inspirational. He constantly recognized how lucky we are to be in this position doing what we love. And he had belief in what he could accomplish. ‘Believe you can, and you can.’
“One of the best horses we ever foaled here — and the best-named horse we ever named — somehow became one of the best horses we ever raced: Believe You Can, who won the 2012 Kentucky Oaks for us. I can’t summarize Dad better than in those three words.”
Improving the breed while turning a proft are the goals of every stallion station, and the Toroughbred industry is reaping the benefts of Brereton Jones’ choices. Harlan’s Holiday was a solid sire, but his son Into Mischief (who stands at Spendthrif Farm) has become a historically important stallion, topping the North American general sires list an astounding six consecutive years and running. Indian Charlie was another stallion that Gov. Jones took a winning gamble on, and his late son Uncle Mo continues to have a sizable infuence on the Toroughbred breed.
Bret Jones has stepped in and seamlessly continued Airdrie’s excellence in identifying stallion prospects. “It’s not formulaic,” he said about pursuing a potential stud. “You have to fall in love with a horse’s performance. Without using profanity, it’s that ‘Oh shoot’ moment. With Complexity, I was at Keeneland watching on a TV when he ran in the Champagne Stakes in New York. He ran of the screen and fnished the mile in 1:34 and change, and my immediate thought was, ‘Oh shoot!’ ”
Afer that eye-catching 2-year-old season, Complexity was bothered by niggling setbacks that kept him from being a big-time 3-year-old, which may have taken him of the radar of other farms. But Jones pursued him and made the deal to stand him when Complexity was a 4-year-old and just before he had another “Oh shoot” moment, winning the Kelso Handicap in brilliant time (1:33.82).
Complexity has rewarded Airdrie as his frst crop of runners, which debuted as 2-year-olds in 2024, included fve stakes winners
From top, Mage, Complexity, and Collected have been well received by breeders. Bret Jones enjoys the stallion part of the business not just for the thrill of identifying a promising stud but also for the personal relationships he builds.
and two graded stakes winners, tying him for best in both categories among frst-crop sires. Breeders are beating down his stall door to get mares to him for 2025.
“He is hugely popular, and our great hope is what we are seeing is the beginning of an important stallion,” said Jones.
Jones relishes the stallion game because it not only tests his judgment as a horseman but also engages him personally with the owners and trainers of signifcant horses, infusing a human element into the game.
“It’s not only the pursuit of the horses, but the people you get to know in those pursuits,” he said. “Tese are incredible people — men and women who have been great successes in other businesses — and you can’t help but learn something every time you sit down with them. You establish a relationship and hope that person will trust you with their stallion prospect. I talk about this all the time with my kids: Te opportunity to make lifelong memories doesn’t come around very ofen, but meeting some of these people has allowed me to do that.”
Jones and his wife, Tyler, are raising four children, ranging from 1 to 14. Tyler grew up on her family’s Jonabell Farm in Lexington also immersed in the Toroughbred industry. She
and her husband are concentrating on instilling character rather than career into the next generation, although horses are obviously prominent on both sides of their children’s pedigrees.
Te genuine personal touch advanced by Jones has proven efective. Bloodstock agent Marette Farrell, who does work for Speedway Stable, said Airdrie’s initial bid for Speedway’s colt Collected was not quite strong enough.
“But [Speedway principal] Peter Fluor loved the fact Bret followed the horse from the beginning and tried his best to buy him and they eventually worked out a deal,” Farrell said. “And Bret has done a great job getting a terrifc book of mares to the horse year afer year. His word is absolutely his honor.”
Being personally involved in such dealings represents a beginning, but as Farrell suggests, the stallion game is played by getting a multitude of mares to a stallion to increase his chances of succeeding.
Said Jones, “Our pitch to owners is, in our belief, no one will support their stallion more fervently or aggressively than we will. We have 150 broodmares of our own and breed the overwhelming majority of them to our stallions. And our commitment carries beyond the frst year at stud, to the second, third, and fourth year because that’s when a stallion really needs
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the help. We stand behind them because we have as much to gain or lose as anybody else, and that’s the commitment we make.
“When it goes right and we’re able to land a stallion we love, it’s a fulflling feeling. You think that maybe it happened because it meant more to us than to someone else. It means everything to us. And we try to make the owner understand that.”
Excitement in the Airdrie stallion complex heightened in 2024 when the farm brought in the frst Kentucky Derby winner to stand there. Mage, who won the Run for the Roses in 2023, completed his frst year at stud the following year. A good-looking son of champion and prepotent young sire Good Magic, Mage was a hot stallion prospect who, following the Derby, also ran well to be third in the Preakness Stakes. Airdrie engaged in a two-pronged attack, cultivating a relationship with the colt’s ownership group while also putting together a syndicate of top breeders that raised the capital to allow the farm to ofer a fair price for the horse.
Having a Derby winner lifed spirits around the entire operation, and Airdrie is doubling down, having also recently closed a deal to bring 2024 Kentucky Derby victor Mystik Dan to its stallion complex in 2026. Also boasting Girvin, a grade 1 winner who began his stallion career at Ocala Stud in Florida and excelled there, Airdrie’s stallion division is bursting at the seams with depth and potential. Girvin already has grade 1 winner Faiza and grade 2 winners Damon’s Mound and Dorth Vader to his credit, and his frst crop of runners produced by Kentucky-based broodmares is due to hit the track in 2026.
Te added beneft to standing successful stallions is their pulling forward the farm’s broodmare band as well. Because Airdrie, in large part, breeds its mares to its own stallions, its hot stallions will help bring big numbers for yearlings in the farm’s sale consignments; and a quality racehorse will move a mare up for the rest of her career. Borrowing terminology from the cattle business, a good bull changes everything, and Airdrie believes it has some bulls in its stallion paddocks that can write new passages to its story.
Airdrie’s broodmare population is steadily enhanced by new blood brought in via auction purchases. Brereton Jones was famous for sitting in the front row at the Keeneland November breeding stock sale and watching each mare come in the ring. If the price on the bid board didn’t match what he perceived to be the mare’s value, he would spontaneously raise his hand. Many times.
“You can’t be around someone like Pop and not have his style rub of on you,” said Jones. “So, that is still a major element in the way we do business. And every time we buy one sitting in the pavilion — having not done our due diligence but recognizing
Jones is proud that Airdrie has bred more stakes winners in the past two years than at any time in its history.
what we perceive as value — [general manager] Ben Henley and I will always comment, ‘I think Pop would have liked that one.’ ”
Bret Jones employed his father’s process of instinctual buying at Keeneland in 2012. A Street Cry mare bred by famed Virginia breeder Ned Evans was about to be auctioned, and Jones rushed into the back walking ring for a quick look. He then proceeded to the sales pavilion, and when bidding stalled, he jumped in and landed her for $35,000.
“I went to the barn aferward, and while there, recognized why I didn’t have to pay much for her,” Jones admitted. “She had a beautiful body but was ofset in her knees, not good in front at all. I bought her for someone else, and I gave them the option to take her or not. Tey elected not to, and that’s how Street Mate became so important to my young family, on the track and in the sales ring.”
Jones to date has sold more than $2 million worth of yearlings out of Street Mate, including her Not Tis Time colt Highlands Way, who brought $1.35 million at the 2023 Keeneland September sale; Skipper Sue, a Cairo Prince flly who went for $400,000 at Keeneland September in 2020; and $200,000 yearling Kwikkest Yet, a Collected flly. Tose lofy prices are a direct result of the prowess of Street Mate’s daughter Bell’s the One, who won 13 races and more than $2 million in her career. By Majesticperfection, Bell’s the One was a grade 1
winner, a fve-time graded stakes winner, and an 11-time stakes winner. In addition, Street Mate’s son by Creative Cause named King Cause was a graded stakes victor who banked more than $830,000 racing. (Cairo Prince and Collected stand at Airdrie; Creative Cause and Majesticperfection began their stallion careers there.)
“Tat’s the fun of this business,” said Jones, “that you wake up one morning never expecting it to happen, and you make that split-second decision. Sure, it goes wrong sometimes, but you trust your instincts, make your own mistakes, and hopefully have some good luck along the way.”
Luck doesn’t play an oversized role in selling yearlings, however. It requires the right individual from the right family. It also helps if the yearling has been raised on a farm that enjoys a solid reputation as an operation that can breed a good racehorse.
Because of Complexity’s hot start to his stallion career, Airdrie sold one of his yearlings at Keeneland this past September for $650,000. A share in Complexity, ofered at auction in 2024, went for $510,000 to savvy breeder Scott Heider, who will now get to breed to him every season the stallion stands at stud.
“I’m very proud that in the past two years, we’ve bred more stakes winners than at any other time in our history,” said Jones. “It’s really about how these horses are raised, the land they’re raised upon, and the people raising them on that land. In the sales arena today, where thehorsesareraisedismoreimportantthanever.Whensomeonebuys an expensive horse, they always mention that the horse was raised by a certain breeder in which they have confdence.
“You hope that potential buyers keep in mind that Airdrie has produced three Kentucky Oaks winners. Our past two Keeneland September sales have been as strong as any we’ve had. And that’s all a credit to the team Dad put together a long time ago.”
Brereton Jones for 30 years had the counsel of general manager Tim Tornton to help guide him. Today, Bret Jones counts on Ben Henley to fll that role. Te two worked together at Airdrie in their youth and have become great friends. Mark Cunningham has managed the farm for 45 years; Bruce Manley and Jimmy Shell have headed the maintenance department nearly as long. Tere is much to be said for stability and continuity.
“Brereton Jones would be the frst one to tell you that you don’t do this by yourself, particularly when you moonlight as governor,” said Bret Jones with a laugh. “Team is important, and I hope it says something about the environment at Airdrie that we’ve been able to continue these relationships for so long.”
Although Bret is uncomfortable engaging in personal promotion, he is not shy about attempting to promote the sport of horse racing. He serves on numerous boards and realizes today’s environment requires
thinking out of the box to move the industry ahead.
“I do not crave the limelight, but I am not quiet in boardrooms,” stated Jones, who is a board member of Breeders’ Cup, Te Jockey Club, Del Mar, and Keeneland, and who has served on the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. “I want to help, which is something I get from my mother and father. A calling to be involved.
“I believe the way forward for this business is to have a league mentality. Anything that is good for the whole is also good for us individually. If we build up horse racing, we’re all going to beneft.”
Drew Fleming, president and CEO of Breeders’ Cup, appreciates Jones’ counsel.
“Te industry views Bret as a leader because he always puts the industry and the horse frst,” Fleming noted. “His focus is not just on what we can accomplish today but strategically over the next fve or 10 years. He is forward-thinking.”
Jones’ longtime friend Gray Lyster, who manages his family’s Ashview Farm in Woodford County, pays him the highest compliment. “Bret will always advance what he believes is the right thing to do, even though it’s not always the popular decision or one that benefts him
directly. He is a sincere, honest person and that spills over into the horsemanship and business side as well.”
Jones’ focus today is in trying to convince the industry to invest in marketing to help defne the sport. It is crucial, he believes, to aid regional markets, such as California, that are currently lagging fnancially. “We have let outsiders defne us, and so the narrative among the general public is that we’re a dying sport,” said Jones. “But right now, the Kentucky Derby has never been bigger, and horse racing has never been safer. And that represents an opportunity to promote. We have a surplus of funds in Kentucky now, and I believe we should apply some of it to marketing. If horse racing succeeds, no one benefts more than Kentucky. If it fails, no one loses more than Kentucky.”
When Jones brings his family to Keeneland for the races, he watches his older sons try to navigate their way into the betting lines. He looks on as the kids eat ice cream down by the rail while watching the horses. It is easy see himself in those scenes and to cherish his family’s bond withtheToroughbred.Andbetterstillifthosevisionsonedayinclude the expansive felds of Airdrie Farm serving the next generation. KM
Tucked aside some of the finest equine nurseries in Bourbon County, 477 Harrods Creek Road is a fine offering. Immediate neighbors include historic Buknore, Coolmore’s Creekside Farm, Golden Chance, Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa, and Stone Farm.
The farm’s turnkey operation has been designed by horsemen with desirable facilities and a practical layout. A classically Kentucky stone entrance and gate open to a tree lined drive, revealing the 157 verdant acres. Three attractive barns provide 33 stalls, as well as ample space for feed, tack, & storage. Four fields and 16 paddocks nourish bloodstock with fertile soils.
This 12.4-acre turnkey horse farm has been lovingly developed by a celebrated equestrian. Located on the historic Mt. Horeb Pike in Fayette County, the farm’s spectacular location is a mere 10 min. from the Kentucky Horse Park and premiere equine hospitals. Immediate neighbors include Avalon at Cherry Knoll, Castleton Lyons, Ekeroth, Lane’s End Oak Tree, Marigot Bay, and Spy Coast.
Hidden
a
Among the many equine facilities include 2 barns with 24 stalls and Martin ring, with excellent and
Hidden behind a dense thicket of native trees, the gated entrance is set back from the road, offering immense privacy. Well-landscaped throughout, a verdant courtyard offers respite at the heart of the farm. Among the many equine facilities include 2 barns with 24 stalls and spectacular 240′ x 125′ Wordley Martin ring, irrigated, with excellent footing and overlooking an adjacent lake.
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The Thoroughbred Center has been a mainstay of Kentucky racing for more than 50 years
By Liane Crossley
MLiane
by Anika Miskar
ore than a half century afer it was founded, Te Toroughbred Center is better than ever. Located six miles northeast of downtown Lexington on scenic Paris Pike, the 245-acre multipurpose facility has weathered ownership and name changes, economic variables, and renovations and other changes in the ever-evolving Toroughbred industry.
Beautifed and upgraded since being purchased by Keeneland in 2000, the facility continues to play an important role in supporting racing in Kentucky and neighboring states. Te ofcial abbreviation of TTC for Te Toroughbred Center is common in past performances at tracks within driving distance, and the initials are as likely to appear in claiming and allowance races as they are in top-shelf races.
“Te Toroughbred Center is key to a strong racing circuit in Kentucky and plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for horsemen,” Keeneland Vice President of Racing Gatewood Bell said. “As a year-round training facility, the advantages of TTC are many. It ofers a home base for horses competing at all levels, boosting the size of our race felds and the quality of our racing programs for fans and handicappers alike. Trainers and their stafs can live in Lexington full-time and be part of the local community. And, with the presence of Blue Grass Farms Charities’ on-site food pantry and services, we are able to provide additional support to those industry workers.”
Trough the decades, a steady stream of star runners has called Te Toroughbred Centerhome.Oneofthemostaccomplished is 2015 champion sprinter Runhappy,
who won the Phoenix Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Keeneland during his championship season while based at TTC. Another well-known resident was Mage, who stabled at Te Toroughbred Center before and afer winning the 2023 Kentucky Derby.
In 2024, Kentucky Derby entrants West Saratoga and Epic Ride had TTC workouts in their past performance lines. Te latter remains based there as part of trainer John Ennis’ 60-horse division. Epic Ride opened his 4-year-old season with an allowance score in January at Northern Kentucky’s Turfway Park, where Ennis ranks among the leading trainers.
With 831 stalls in 36 barns, TTC houses a long list of trainers from small stables to large operations and is far more than a typical training center of barns, tracks, and the assorted accompaniments. TTC is home to the National Horsemen’s Benevo-
lent and Protective Association, Bluegrass Community and Technical College’s equine program (formerly the North American Racing Academy), Blue Grass Farms Charities, Central Kentucky Tack & Leather, a wedding and event center, and businesses selling fencing, hay, feed, and stall bedding.
For training, TTC ofers a one-mile dirt track, fve-furlong dirt track, and grass felds. Horses can be schooled at the stafed starting gate, and ofcial workout times are recorded by TTC-employed clockers. Amenities not
Above, Geoff Mulcahy’s stable includes horses from Godolphin.
Left, trainer John Ennis greets Epic Ride, who prepared for the 2024 Kentucky Derby at TTC.
typically ofered at racetracks include turnout paddocks and extended training hours. Te location, just minutes from interstates 75 and 64, means plenty of options for shipping to races both in and out of state and returning the same day.
“With surface options and extended training hours, horsemen can take their time with young horses or horses coming back from a layof,” said Jim Pendergest, who recently retired afer 28 years as general
manager. “And they can race whenever and wherever they want. Tey usually get all the stalls they need and therefore can maintain a large stable in one place rather than dividing their stables.”
TTC provides a constant fow of starters to Kentucky and out-of-state tracks throughout the year. As a point of reference, TTC residents made 109 starts at Keeneland’s 17-day October meet in 2024, according to Stall and Security Manager
David Dunning. Overall that month, TTC horses raced 314 times and earned nearly $2 million.
InadditiontohousingToroughbredscurrently racing, the location is a starting point for others. While Florida has long been popular for readying racehorses, horsemen like Ennis see positive tradeofs to opting for possibly harsh winters. Ennis’ newbies receive their early under-tack lessons at local farms and graduate to TTC about a month
It is said that vision is having the courage to do what others cannot see.
In 1940, Herald “Hagyard” Fallon was one of six original shareholders in the company named “Keeneland Race Course” who had a vision to lease the Keeneland property and run two race meets each year. At the time, few thought the venture would last. Today, Dr. Luke “Hagyard” Fallon – Herald’s grandson and Medical Director
at Hagyard – is still proudly partnering with Keeneland in their mutual mission to help equine athletes and those who take care of them.
Tis is just one example of Hagyard’s visionary approach to the equine industry — one that has set the standard for innovation, ingenuity and never being constrained by what someone says cannot be done. And it’s why we’ve endured for nearly 150 years.
Formerly known as the Kentucky Training Center, the facility served as a traditional training center and also conducted Thoroughbred sales.
prior to their ofcial Jan. 1 birthday.
“My eyes are on them every day to see how they are progressing,” he said. “It is a huge advantage to see them from the frst day they come in until the day they race.”
He notes that youngsters receive excellent starting gate schooling from starter Bryan Brookfeld and his team, and many are ready to debut in spring. Even if the tracks are closed during inclement weather, both young and seasoned horses can main-
tain their ftness by jogging in the wellventilated barns with wide shedrows.
Ennis notes another beneft of staying in one place year-round rather than living a migratory racetrack lifestyle: “We are able to keep the same great staf. Tey have been with me a long time in part because they can live in the area with their families.”
Godolphin, which has won four consecutive Eclipse Awards as outstanding breeder and owner, sends a group of yearlings to
Florida but began maintaining a TTC feet in 2020 with Geof Mulcahy afer stabling there sporadically. Afer receiving their initial lessons at Mulcahy’s farm, the horses transition to TTC as newly minted 2-year-olds.
“Tere are paddocks, a round pen, and open felds that Geof likes to use when the horses frst come in,” said Godolphin Director of Bloodstock Michael Banahan. “It is a nice transition for them instead of going to the track straight away. Economically it makes sense to have some in Lexington, where we are based. We can follow them more closely and continue to use the same farriers and veterinarians we have on our farms. We can make decisions easier. I go to TTC on a regular basis to determine their progress. As decisions are being made as to which trainers will get them, I go on a weekly basis.”
Graduates of Mulcahy’s Godolphin draf include graded stakes winners Tarifa and Encino.
Since its beginning in 1969 on 133 acres of prime equine farmland, Te Toroughbred Center has been an attractive allseason alternative to conditioning on racetracks or farms. Ten and now horsemen prefer to van their runners to the races and
brave the sometimes-ferce winter weather in exchange for a permanent residence in the Lexington area.
Horses originally were housed in two 260-stall concrete barns. During that era, a major plus was the innovative covered fve-furlong track that stayed dry through the seasons, and therefore, rarely froze. Te metal roof that collapsed during a major snowstorm in 1998 was not replaced, but the track itself remains functional and a memory of its previous incarnation.
Another reminder of the past is a 920seat auditorium with a lounge and fullservice bar that hosted Toroughbred auctions. When auctions no longer were held there, the pavilion was repurposed as a theater primarily for children’s productions.
TTC has remained in use through a series of ownership changes.
Financial difculties in the mid-1970s
forced the sale of TTC to Joseph Johnson III, who had considerable holdings in the immediate area. Johnson made massive upgrades with horsemen in mind. He added 12 barns that were relocated from Miles Park racetrack in Louisville when it went out of business in 1975.
Johnson built what is now the one-mile track of sand, silt, and clay that is a common racing surface. Te earlier version was a European-style bark footing that proved incompatible for Kentucky’s weather.
A decade later, Spendthrif Farm (then owned by Brownell Combs) purchased TTC and made more improvements during its three-year ownership. Nine barns were added along with adjoining acreage that included three more barns. In addition to expanding one of those barns, Spendthrif gave the main building’s interior a makeover of hardwood foors and
• TTC Fence and Lumber Division *
• Venue for indoor/outdoor weddings and other events *
• Central KentuckyTack & Leather
• Walker Hay & Grain
• Bauer Hay & Straw
• National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association headquarters
• Blue Grass Farms Charities offce and food pantry (to open summer 2025)
• Bluegrass Community andTechnical College’s equine program (formerly North American Racing Academy)
*Operated by The Thoroughbred Center
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ornate paneling. Te spacious and elegantyet-functional structure is used for ofce space and setup areas for weddings held in the attached event center.
Spendthrif transferred ownership back to Johnson in 1987 and a series of owners then followed with TTC aways remaining popular for conditioning Toroughbreds. In 1998, Churchill Downs Inc. bought the complex and made upgrades including barn renovations. Keeneland became the current owner in the spring of 2000 and took TTC to a new level.
Te frst renovations included the addition of fve 20-stall barns, new bathroom and shower facilities in the stable area, and the demolition of the original concrete barns to be replaced with six 40-stall barns.
“Replacing the concrete barns with state-of-the-art 40-stall training barns is by
far the most important change,” Pendergest said. “Tat changed the whole perception of the facility. Light towers for early morning training also have been a huge improvement along with on-site emergency services to provide additional safety in case of an accident involving human injury during training. One of most recent additions is a fencing sales division for local clients that creates revenue for maintaining the existing facility.”
Trough the decades, TTC has undergone expansions and upgrades and weathered trying times, but the original concept of a user-friendly place to condition racehorses remains fundamentally the same.
“With lucrative purse money and investment in its tracks, Kentucky is an increasingly popular place to race,” Bell said. “I feel TTC will be a sought-afer training location well into the future.” KM
Anew occupant atTheThoroughbred Center — the Keeneland-owned training facility on Lexington’s northeast side — is Blue Grass Farms Charities, which provides support and assistance to Central Kentucky’s farm and racetrack workers with a variety of programs.The 20-year-old organization is scheduled this summer to relocate its headquarters to a converted barn near the TTC entrance.
“The charity received a contribution designated for a new food pantry and offce,” BGFC Executive Director Julie Kwasniewski said. “Keeneland has graciously been a part of this process from the very beginning.”
Much of the funding is generated from
sales of the Maker’s Mark commemorative Greats of the Gate bottle series. Keeneland and Maker’s Mark are committed to raising $4 million over 10 years for various Kentucky nonprofts.
BGFC provides a wide range of health and human services including medical, dental, and vision assistance; English as a second language classes; and backpacks and summer camps for children. Food and other household goods are distributed in several ways, including delivery upon special request.The new location will feature a “store” where shoppers can select items at no charge. Currently items are distributed in a scheduled but somewhat
informal manner at various locations. At a recentTTC distribution, BGFC’s arrival was announced on the public address system and barn staff soon arrived.The selections from God’s Pantry, local grocery stores, and other groups included canned and boxed items, fresh fruits and vegetables, and an array of bakery goods.
“We have been delivering food on a weekly basis atTTC since 2020,” Kwasniewski said. “Every week we are told how grateful the people are to have a little extra.With all the workers atTTC, so manyThoroughbred farms in the area, and limited grocery shopping options,TTC is a very logical location for distribution.”
–Liane Crossley
Blue Grass Farms Charities, which has distributed food at TTC to farm and track workers since 2020, will move its headquarters there this summer. Executive director Julie Kwasniewski, above, calls TTC a “very logical location.”
Blue Grass Farms which has distributed at TTC to and track workers since 2020, will move its there this summer. Executive director Julie calls TTC a location.”
AS LEXINGTON CELEBRATES ITS 250 TH ANNIVERSARY, McCONNELL SPRINGS HOLDS A SPECIAL PLACE AS THE SITE OF THE CITY’S FOUNDING
By Jacalyn Carfagno | Photos by Kirk Schlea
Photos
Water traveling underground emerges, or boils up, to the surface at the Blue Hole. After a heavy rain the “boils” can be over a foot high.
In 2024 McConnell Springs welcomed nearly 83,000 visitors. After decades of advocacy and cleanup, it became a city park in 1994.
took some imagination in 1974 when Jim Rebmann envisioned a city park as he looked at an illegal dump site surrounded by a railroad, a quarry, and asphalt and concrete plants.
Today the industrial surroundings haven’t changed but the 26 acres that were once a dump have become McConnell Springs Park, a special place just west of downtown Lexington ofen described with words like “gem,” “oasis,” and “sanctuary.” Te wooded karst landscape — springs, sinkholes, and streams that weave above and below the ground surface — is characteristic of the Bluegrass and fully on display. Visitors can walk along a path that travels from the “Blue Hole,” a spring formed by water that made its way to the surface through limestone bedrock; the “boils,” where afer heavy
rains water pushes up from underground so forcefully it looks like it’s boiling; and the “Final Sink,” where the water disappears into a cavelike formation.
It is also a place inextricably intertwined with Lexington’s history. “Tis relatively small piece of land has a history with local, national, and international links to a very diverse array of historical events and trends,” wrote University of Kentucky archeologist Nancy O’Malley.
Native Americans visited and occupied the land, but little physical evidence is lef because “there’s been centuries and centuries of digging up,” said Jennifer Hubbard, the superintendent of natural areas in Lexington’s Parks Division.
William McConnell frst visited the area in 1774 while scouting for land in the new western part of the country. He returned with his brother, a cousin, and a few others in 1775 and set up camp. McConnell claimed the area around “sinking springs,” and his brother, land to the west. Tey were camped by the springs when they learned about the colonists’ success in one of the frst bat-
tles of the Revolutionary War, at Lexington, Massachusetts, and proposed naming their settlement afer the site of the victory.
McConnell served in the militia under Daniel Boone and George Rogers Clark and “was one of many men who helped secure the Kentucky frontier during the Revolutionary War,” O’Malley wrote. He served twice in the 1780s as a trustee of the new town of Lexington.
As the decades and centuries followed, the area’s development was in many ways Lexington’s as well. Owners raised dairy cattle, racehorses, corn, fruit, and tobacco; made gunpowder; and sold water from the springs. Te James E. Pepper Co. bought spring water for the distillery it established nearby. And when Lexington industrialized, so did the area along Old Frankfurt Pike.
In the late 1870s civic leaders debated using the springs as a water source for the growing city. O’Malley, in her “McConnell Springs in Historical Perspective,” notes that newspapers on either side of the controversy described the spring quite diferently. “Te center of the spring has been sounded for hundreds of feet, and no bottom ever reached,” a “pro” publication wrote. On the other side, the Kentucky Gazette reported that the spring was no more
The Blue Hole, above, as it looks today and, right, as it appeared in 1974, is one of two artesian springs in the park. When city planner Jim Rebmann frst visited McConnell Springs in 1974, the Blue Hole, like the entire park area, was littered with junk, including discarded appliances and dozens of discarded tires.
than 12 feet deep and “scarcely sufcient to cleanse the flth out of the gutters on Broadway.” Te spring wasn’t used for Lexington’s water supply, and today it measures about 15 feet deep.
But McConnell Springs eventually became a city asset. Rebmann, a Long Island, New York, native who grew up going to historical sites in the Northeast, moved to Kentucky with his family about the time he started college. At Eastern Kentucky University, he got undergraduate and graduate degrees in physical geography and geography, and he was introduced to caving, which became a lifelong obsession. By the time he landed at Lexington city government as its frst environmental planner — a job he would hold for 41 years — he had all the tools he needed to understand the value of McConnell Springs.
When he frst visited the site in 1974, he said, he looked beyond the junk, the homeless encampment, and the nearby industrial activity and saw something special. He saw unique history, botany, and geology in a location close to downtown. “It has everything in it, and we’ve got to save this stuf,”
As a city employee under four mayors, Charlie Boland had a front-row seat for the creation of McConnell Springs Park. Now, he works for Kentucky AmericanWater, an early and longtime supporter of the park, and serves as chairman of the Friends of McConnell Springs.
The nonproft group was founded to help raise the money to purchase land for the park and build the visitors center. But the organization has continued, Boland said, raising money and recruiting volunteers to help the staff fulfll the twin missions of environmental and nature education and providing an opportunity for passive recreation in a natural area.
One of the programs Friends of McConnell Springs supports is Rita’s Rides, named for late board member Rita Jo Keys. She recog-
A bench honors the late Rita Jo Keys, a board member of the Friends of McConnell Springs who helped raise money so school groups could visit the park.
A bench honors the late Rita Jo Keys, a board member the Friends McConnell who raise money so school groups could visit the
nized that schools “always struggle to pay for the buses” to get to the park, Boland said. So, Keys raised
Rebmann and others saw beyond the illegal dump, industrial surroundings, and adjoining rail line to envision a park. Volunteers worked alongside city crews to clean up the site. Above right, a group of volunteers includes Rebmann, second from left, after a day of pulling tires and other junk out of the water.
money for grants to underwrite transportation for school groups. Schools from Fayette, Jessamine, and Mercer counties have taken advantage of the grants, he said. “I don’t know if we’ve ever turned anybody down.”
The Friends of McConnell Springs also support Founder’s Day, which will be May 31 this year.The name comes from the site’s role in the founding and naming of Lexington. It will be a key event this year in Lexington’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the city’s founding,The event includes hands-on exhibits about pioneer culture including gunsmithing, tomahawk throwing, basketmaking, and wood carving among many others.The event is free.
Jack-o-Lantern Trail: Usually the weekend before Halloween, this nighttime event features hiking trails lined with hundreds of hand-carved jack-o-lanterns that are lit to guide the way.There are campfres for roasting marshmallows and other food and drink are served. Free for children 12 and under; $6 for others.
The Bluegrass Birding Festival: April 26 this year.This annual event with food, music, and exhibits helps people learn about birds and birding. Free.
Barrel Tasting for the Springs: March 29 this year. Fourteen regional wineries open their own caves for tasting.Tickets, which can be purchased through Eventbrite, cost $20 and entitle each person to a McConnell Springs wineglass (provided at the frst winery they visit) that can be used for tasting at other participating vineyards, some of which also offer food, entertainment, and raffe items.
Rebmann said he thought.
It took 20 years and a lot of advocacy by private citizens and local ofcials, plus fnancial support from individuals and corporations before the park opened in 1994. Just as the park reveals the workings of the karst system (“It is probably the most unique little karst area,” Rebmann said. “If people don’t understand karst, they can go there.”), the growing understanding of how water fows underground helped save the land that became the park.
As an environmental planner, Rebmann had advocated for an ordinance to prohibit building over sinkholes and worked to map the network of them in Fayette County. Not only were sinkholes dangerous for homeowners (“you could go out the back door and fall down 30 feet”), construction on and near them also imperiled the water supply. With the Swiss cheese network of underground streams, any pollutant that went down a sinkhole could wind up in a spring miles away in a matter of hours.
A developer had purchased the 26 acres intending to build homes there, but Rebmann said, sinkholes occupied all but three of the acres, making them unft for housing. Eventually, a bank wound up with the land and agreed to donate the 23 acres and sell the three with solid ground underneath for $130,000. Rebmann and Isabel Yates — later a vice mayor — formed a group called Friends of McConnell Springs to raise the money. Tey succeeded and gave it to the city.
Te frst order of business was cleanup. City workers and the public came together to remove over 100 dump-truck loads of trash from the site, and divers went down to unplug debris clogging the underground water system. McConnell Springs was ready for the next phase of its long journey with Lexington.
“Tis park started because people cared and it’s special because of that,” said Jennifer Meunier, the manager of McConnell Springs. Small in size but rich in resources, McConnell Springs’ almost two miles of trails are manageable, even for young children. Unlike at the larger natural area parks, it’s almost impossible to get lost there.
Clearly the public understands what it has to ofer. In 2024, almost 83,000 visitors came to McConnell Springs. To put that in context, Raven Run, another of Lexington’s natural area parks, welcomed about 65,000 visitors to its 734 acres.
Close to downtown and next door to the Distillery District, McConnell Springs draws many people for a walk at lunchtime, Meunier said. It is also a favorite spot for school trips, where students can learn about history, geology, and hydrology and experience many diferent plant and animal species in one place. Meunier said careful observers might have seen a deer “with two babies” on the property this spring as well as “a beautiful blond squirrel,” groundhogs (“so many of those guys”), all kinds of amphibians, and 159 bird species. One of the major events each year at McConnell Springs is the
“ THIS PARK STARTED BECAUSE PEOPLE CARED AND IT’S SPECIAL BECAUSE OF THAT.”
— Jennifer Meunier, manager of McConnell Springs
Bluegrass Birding Festival, which is scheduled for April 26 this year.
“We’re trying to make everything that we do here a reciprocal experience,” Meunier said, noting that what a visitor gains in knowledge or a skill can be taken back to the community.
One example is the invasive species removal days McConnell Springs hosts. Like all natural areas, the park struggles to manage aggressive nonnative species. Te park gets “a lot of sweat equity” from volunteers who come on designated days to join staf in pulling up winter creeper (the worst), bush honeysuckle, or garlic mustard. “Tat benefts the park,” Meunier said, but the volunteers also learn how to identify the aggressive species so they can remove them from their backyards and avoid buying them (remarkably, several invasive species are still sold in garden supply stores). Additionally, last year, over 3,000 people participated in 93 educational programs, like those for “junior naturalists” to identify animal tracks or learn what’s in the dirt. Te park also holds walks to introduce visitors to wildfowers in the spring or how to identify trees in the winter.
Te many tree species include a bur oak, thought to be 300 years old.
In this 250th year of Lexington’s history, McConnell Springs visitors can admire the majestic oak that spread its branches before Daniel Boone came to Kentucky, before William McConnell’s party camped at the springs, and long before people even imagined how important it would be to save 26 wooded acres with bubbling springs so close to the heart of a city. KM
Recreation leader Had Rana checks one of the trails. Left, signage explains the signifcance of the wetland. Below, the wetland pond is a manmade system designed to catch stormwater runoff from surrounding roadways.
‘The Best bird shoot i’ve been on in 40 years...” John Rutledge, Houston, TX
FilmLEX’s promotional flm touting the state as a movie location features The Kentucky Castle among other landmarks.
BEAUTY, HERITAGE, AND TAX INCENTIVES MAKE THE BLUEGRASS STATE ATTRACTIVE
By Rob Bolson
Kentucky boasts a rich history in flmmaking, providing the perfect backdrop for a diverse array of movies. From “Seabiscuit” and “Secretariat” to “Elizabethtown,” movies flmed in Kentucky have ranged from box ofce hits to indie favorites.
No longer simply known for world-class Toroughbred racing and producing the world’s premier bourbons, Kentucky is quickly becoming recognized as a moviemaking hot spot.
With Hollywood superstars born in the Bluegrass State including Johnny Depp, Jennifer Lawrence, Harry Dean Stanton, George Clooney, and others, the commonwealth can be proud of its contribution to the entertainment industry, but it certainly doesn’t end there.
Since the 1930s, an extensive list of noteworthy feature-length flms has been made wholly or in part in Kentucky. Classics like “Kentucky” (1938), “Gone With the Wind” (1939), “Te Asphalt Jungle” (1950), “Te Kentuckian” (1955), “Raintree County” (1957), “April Love” (1957), “Te Hustler” (1961), “How the West Was Won” (1962), “Goldfnger” (1964), and “Te Great Race” (1965) are but some.
More recently, “Wildcat” (2023) directed by Ethan Hawke; “Red Right Hand” (2024) starring Orlando Bloom; “Te Gunslingers” (2025) starring Stephen Dorf, Nicolas Cage, and Heather Graham; and “Dead Man’s Wire” (2025) starring Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, and Colman Domingo and directed by legendary director and Louisville native Gus Van Sant all chose Kentucky for flming purposes. In addition, two-time Oscarwinning actor Dustin Hofman stars in “Te Revisionist,” which wrapped up flming in Louisville at the end of 2024. It was Hofman’s second time to work on a flm in Kentucky afer starring in the box ofce smash and highest-grossing flm of 1988, “Rain Man,” for which Hofman won the Oscar for best actor.
Since the 1990s, production costs in Los Angeles for making movies, including related rentals, street closures, payroll taxes, and permit fees, have skyrocketed, shrinking proft margins for production studios. Te averagecosttomakeandmarketamajormotion picture in 2025 totals about $100 million, according to Wrapbook, a production payroll platform for the entertainment industry.
To attract flm industry productions, many states now ofer some type of tax incentive program, and due to the many lucrative incentives now ofered outside California, making movies elsewhere has become the norm for many studios and production companies. Hollywood is abandoning Hollywood. Te glitz and glamour
of Tinseltown have given way to tightened budgets and the appeal of shooting a flm in friendlier settings with less hassle. Film tax credit incentives play a larger and larger role in where movies are made.
Competition is ferce. Tirty-eight states currently ofer some form of incentive. Te New York Times reported in 2024 that states have spent a combined $25 billion to attract Hollywood.
Kentucky knows how to roll out the red carpet. With its mix of unmatched picturesque settings, genuine Southern hospitality, state-of-the-art production facilities, flm schools, growing local talent base, skilled experienced crews, and some of the most aggressive flm tax incentives in the nation, Kentucky is an extremely appealing choice for flmmakers.
Te commonwealth has demonstrated its commitment to the flm industry for 50 years, establishing the Kentucky Film Commission in 1976 to become the 13th state to form a flm commission. Today, there is also the Louisville Film Commission, the Northern Kentucky Film Commission, the Southern Kentucky Film Commission, the Western Kentucky Film Commission, and the 502 Film Collective.
In July 2009, then-Gov. Steve Beshear held a ceremonial signing at Keeneland of legislation that established the state’s frst flm tax incentive program. Te Kentucky legislature enhanced the program in 2015 and restored it in 2021 afer a hiatus of several years. Te Kentucky Film Commission oversees the incentive program through the Kentucky Ofce of Film and Development, which encourages the flm and entertainment industry to choose locations in the commonwealth for the flming of motion picture or entertainment productions.
Other notable ficks flmed in Kentucky include “The Flim-Flam Man” (1967), “Coal Miner’s Daughter” (1980), “Stripes” (1981), “Sylvester” (1985), “Fresh Horses” (1988), “Rain Man” (1988), “In Country” (1989), “Next of Kin” (1989), “A League ofTheir Own” (1992), “Lost inYonkers” (1993), “Lawn Dogs” (1997), “Elizabethtown” (2005), “The Ides of March” (2011), “The Art of Self Defense” (2017), “Devil’s Revenge” (2019), and “Above Suspicion” (2020).
Qualifed projects may be eligible for up to $10 million in tax credits with a maximum of $75 million available for all approved projects per calendar year. Kentucky’s fully refundable tax credit for qualifying expenditures ranges from 30% to 35% per production.
In 2024, a reported 77 flms applied for
Kentucky’s flm tax incentive. A total of $67,862,672 out of the available $75 million was approved for potential tax credits.
Wrapbook lists Kentucky as the fourthbeststateforflmtaxincentivesandtaxbreaks behind California, Georgia, and Illinois.
Kentucky is doubling down on its eforts to attract major movie and TV productions.SenateBillOne,theKentucky Senate’s top priority bill, would create the new Kentucky Film Ofce whose focus among other things would be to create a “one-stop portal to provide information to flm producers” on Kentucky’s various flm commissions, studios, flming locations, and personnel.
Local economies beneft from increased moviemaking across the state from production companies that spend money on restaurants, businesses, transportation, and lodging. Tere are also temporary employment opportunities for local flm professionals.
Historic Keeneland Race Course has served as the backdrop for the flming of three memorable movies: “Seabiscuit” (2003), “Dreamer” (2005), and “Secretariat” (2010).
Most of the racing scenes, including the movie’s pivotal match race scene of the ragsto-riches story of the Depression-era racehorse Seabiscuit, were shot at Keeneland over 14 days in 2002, in part because of the track’s “retro feel.” When the “Seabiscuit” production team reportedly scouted Pimlico Race Course as a potential flming location, they thought the track looked too modern and wasn’t suitable for a movie that was set in the 1930s.
A joint production of Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, and Spyglass Entertainment, “Seabiscuit” was a movie adaptation based on the 1999 best-selling book by Laura Hillenbrand, “Seabiscuit: An American Legend.” The cast included marquee actors Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper, and Elizabeth Banks.
Scenes for the major motion picture being shot at Keeneland created the largest buzz in town since Queen Elizabeth II presented a trophy to the winner of a Keeneland race named in her honor in 1984.
Keeneland’s grandstand, clubhouse, infeld, and track were each retroftted to resemble Pimlico Race Course in 1938, including beer tents and food vendors in the infeld that were originally present for the legendary match race.
More than 4,200 unpaid background actors, known as extras and reportedly the largest number ever used in a single movie scene at the time, turned out in 30-degree temperatures on the fnal day of flming at Keeneland for the movie’s highly anticipated “race of the century” scene between underdog Seabiscuit and Triple Crown winnerWar Admiral.
Refecting the style of the times, female extras wore fashionable wide-brimmed hats and furs while male extras sported fedoras and full-length overcoats as everyone cheered and
shouted for the racing horses as the scene was shot time after time.
“Seabiscuit” had its “Hollywood premiere” at The KentuckyTheatre in downtown Lexington in July 2003. It was eventually nominated for seven Academy Awards and one Golden Globe award for best motion picture and grossed $148,336,445 worldwide.
Two years later, Hollywood returned to Keeneland. Principal photography for the charming and heartwarming “Dreamer: Inspired by aTrue Story” took place in and around Central Kentucky and at Keeneland in September 2004. “Dreamer” also featured a top-notch cast including Kurt Russell, Dakota Fanning, Elisabeth Shue,
and Kris Kristofferson.
“Dreamer” is the story of a racehorse overcoming serious injury that goes on to race in the Breeders’ Cup.The movie was inspired by the true story of Mariah’s Storm, a flly who fractured a leg in 1993 and recovered to race in the 1995 Breeders’ Cup Distaff. (She later became the dam of infuential sire Giant’s Causeway.)
Many of the movie’s thrilling racing scenes were shot at Keeneland. “Dreamer” grossed $38,741,732 worldwide at the box offce.
In 2009, it was “lights, camera, action” once again at Keeneland for a full week of flming scenes for “Secretariat” — a Disney major motion picture highlighting the story of the 1973Triple Crown winner and legendary superhorse Secretariat — also known as Big Red — and his tenacious owner, Penny Chenery.
Secretariat is widely regarded as the greatest racehorse of all time, and the movie was inspired byWilliam Nack’s book “Secretariat:The Making of a Champion.” It was billed as “the impossible true story.”
Another all-star cast was assembled for
Penny Chenery chats with Diane Lane, who portrayed her in “Secretariat.” Above, Secretariat is heralded in the winner’s circle after the “Belmont Stakes.”
Top, Penny chats with Diane Lane, who her in “Secretariat.” Secretariat is heralded in the winner’s circle the “Belmont Stakes.”
this one including Diane Lane, John Malkovich, Scott Glenn, and Margo Martindale.
Keeneland was the setting for several key scenes, including the running of the Belmont Stakes where Secretariat clinches the 1973Triple Crown to become the frstTriple Crown winner in 25 years. Nearly 1,000 extras were wardrobed to refect NewYorkers of the 1970s for various shots. Director Randall Wallace noted at the time, “Keeneland was a wonderful double for Belmont Park and
beyond that, Keeneland was a glorious facility.”
Movie trivia:The real Penny Chenery, at age 87, was an extra during flming, and the trophy used in the scene in which Secretariat wins the Belmont (and theTriple Crown) was the realTriple Crown trophy.
The movie also had a redcarpet premiere atThe Kentucky Theatre. “Secretariat” was another feather in Keeneland’s cap as a highly desirable flming location. It had a box offce gross of $60,321,861 worldwide.
In 2024, scenes for various featurelength flms were shot in 27 Kentucky counties, including the Bluegrass region and across the state.
In October 2024, VisitLEX, the city’s visitors and convention bureau, announced the creation of Film Lexington (FilmLEX), a vision of the bureau’s president, Mary Quinn Ramer. Te program led by former
Hollywood marketing exec Lisa Brin aims to capitalize on Kentucky’s production tax incentives by attracting more flmmakers to shoot movies and TV shows in the state’s second-largest city. FilmLEX serves as a concierge service for flmmakers, connecting them with local hotels, flming locations and local crews, and streamlining the permitting process. Teir mission is to transform Lexington and Central Kentucky into a thriving hub of entertainment production.
Brin, whose resume includes stints in
Los Angeles at Disney, Fox, NBC Universal, and DreamWorks Animation in the creative marketing side, said FilmLEX will be a “one-stop shop concierge service” for flmmakers, which in turn will beneft the Central Kentucky economy.
“Our mission is to get more of the pie,” Brin said. “We have seen considerable growth over the past three years. Lexington deserves its moment in the spotlight. We’re looking for ways to build awareness for Lexington. Last year we had 21 projects that were approved. Twelve of those were flm and nine of those were television, for about $10 million. In the past nine to 10 months, VisitLEX has assisted with nine projects that booked more 5,000 hotel rooms for a total output of $2.1 million. Te data talks. Tere is so much momentum here. We are redefning the production experience.”
Macaroni Art Productions, co-founded in Midway by Emmy-nominated actor and comedian Steve Zahn and veteran actor Rick Gomez, produced a clever and entertaining promotional flm for FilmLEX in the fall of 2024 highlighting many of the things that make Lexington and Central Kentucky an enticing production hub. Te pair created and also star in the trailer. Zahn is known for “Tat Ting You Do,” “Reality Bites,”
So you want to be in a movie and experience moviemaking frsthand?
Background actors, also known as extras, are the people you see in the background of a scene. As actors with nonspeaking roles, they make a scene more believable.Think diners in a restaurant scene or pedestrians walking along the sidewalk during a car chase scene.The role of a background actor is to blend into a scene without drawing attention to themselves.
Some famous Hollywood actors began their career as extras: Ben Affeck, Matt Damon, Clint Eastwood, Brad Pitt, Sylvester Stallone, and BruceWillis.
My frst experience as an extra was being cast for several scenes shot at Keeneland in 2002 for the movie “Seabiscuit.” I was one of the thousands of people
who responded to an open casting call and was ultimately chosen to participate in the production. It was a fascinating behindthe-scenes look at how movies are made, and I knew immediately that I wanted to do
“Saving Silverman,” “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” and other well-known flms. He and his wife live on a horse farm just outside of Lexington where Zahn enjoys gardening and raising horses in between flms.
Another reason to choose Kentucky is Wrigley Media Group’s LEX Studios, which opened in Lexington in 2024 to promote Kentucky as a major hub for flm and television productions. It is the state’s largest
production facility at 50,000 square feet and includes three sound stages.
Summing up the outlook for more flms to be made in Kentucky in the near future, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear noted, “We’re looking to tell the story of our new Kentucky Home and the rapidly growing flm industry in our state is helping us do just that. We are incredibly proud of the history of flmmaking in the commonwealth. With
it again if the opportunity arose.
Fast-forward 23 years later and my current acting resume now includes more than two-dozen flm and television projects, including “Seabiscuit,” “Dreamer,” “Elizabethtown,” “Above Suspicion,” “The Public,” “Mom & Dad,” “Red Right Hand,” “Queen of the Ring,” and “Dead Man’s Wire.”The vast majority of the productions have been made in Kentucky. I have been cast as a homicide detective, newspaper photographer, attorney, coffee shop patron, courtroom spectator, and teacher, among other roles.
Depending on a flm’s budget, you may be paid or asked to work unpaid and may be requested to arrive “camera ready,” meaning you should come dressed in a specifc wardrobe with your hair and makeup already done. Other times, you must be approved by the hair
our diverse regions, growing entertainment workforce and resources, and our amazing Kentucky hospitality, we are seeing tremendous growth within this industry with the support of the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for flm in Kentucky.”
Based on its outstanding past, the future formoremoviemakinginKentuckydefnitely looks bright. KM
and makeup staff and be outftted for your role by the wardrobe crew on set.
The reality of working as an extra is that there is normally precious little fame, far less fortune, but for many people the opportunity to be a small part of the moviemaking process is a lot of fun.
Your day is generally flled with following instructions from a production assistant (PA) and following directions on set from one of the many assistant directors (ADs), while learning moviemaking terms such as “picture’s up,” “roll sound,” and “back to one.”You will spend a great deal of the movie shoot sitting or standing around waiting in the “holding area” to go to the set or waiting for the director to yell “background … action!” Or waiting for the many cameras and other actors to be positioned and
repositioned … and waiting for more waiting.
Film days run long, generally up to 12 hours, and often you receive only a day or two notice of confrmation from a casting agency that you have been chosen to be in a particular scene. Check-in time can be early, 3:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., and everything is confdential. Posting details about the production on social media or taking photographs while on set is strictly forbidden.
You do it for the fun of it and the feeting chance that maybe you will be lucky enough to actually see yourself in a Hollywood motion picture — even if only for one or two seconds.
It is actually easier than you might think. Start by following area casting
agencies on social media for new casting announcements. Sometimes it is as easy as showing up or responding online to a casting call.You will need a recent unretouched, unadorned headshot (no hats, sunglasses, etc.) and a full-length body shot so that the director or casting agent can see the real you to consider you for available roles. Keep it simple. Here are four casting agencies to follow on Facebook that often cast for productions happening in and around Kentucky:
• Academy Arts Entertainment
• Angela Boehm Casting
• Bill Marinella Casting Kentucky
• CampbellTalent Casting (CTC)
See you on the silver screen!
With its authentic French bistro appeal, Le Deauville has a loyal following among locals and folks in town for the horse sales
By Rich Copley
Rich Photos
It was a perfect night to stay home. Temperatures were barely breaking into double digits on a Tuesday night in January, and the parking options around North Limestone and Second Street were spaces flled with piles of snow or sheets of ice.
But in the French restaurant Le Deauville on the corner, a steady stream of waiters emerged from the kitchen carrying steaming plates piled high with mussels. Regular customers huddled around tables savoring other favorites such as French onion soup, and the bar was packed with regulars enjoying each other’s company and fnishing of happy hour libations.
“It’s nice in the wintertime, because it’s cozy, and in the summertime, it’s just got a vibe that makes you feel like maybe you’re somewhere else,” longtime customer Jacqueline Bernard said, describing the experience that brings diners back to Le Deauville season afer season, even when the weather says stay home.
Keeneland’s European representative, Ed Prosser, also braved a visit while in Lexington for the January sales. “I made a poor Middle Eastern friend brave the Baltic conditions to walk up from town,” Prosser said. “We were of course glad we’d made the efort as soon as we walked through the front-door curtain.
“Obviously, the food is excellent, but that’s only part of its charm. Tere’s a warm, welcoming atmosphere and always an interesting mix of people dining there.”
Since Marc Puil took over Le Deauville 19 years ago, countless restaurants have opened and closed in Lexington — in some cases numerous ones in the same spaces. Major competition such as Tony’s and Jef Ruby’s have moved in; major institutions such as nearby Rupp Arena have undergone extreme makeovers; the skyline of Lexington has changed; and the city has seen unprecedented events such as three Breeders’ Cups at Keeneland. All that, and there was a global pandemic that saw many restaurants serve their last dish.
Le Deauville has endured it all.
“Afer 19 years, we set the table the same way,” Puil said during a lull before a busy Friday night. “I try the food every day, and me and the chef, we work on specials … so it’s not complicated. It’s not like we’re like some company where everything changes every day or every week.
“When we do the French onion soup, it’s the way we do it in France. I won’t cut corners. We buy the bones, we make the stock with the bones, which can be on the
Marc Puil, who learned to cook in the family kitchen before embarking on a series of restaurant jobs, takes pride in the authenticity of Le Deauville’s food.
stove for 48 hours to cook. We do the fsh stock, the beef stock, everything is done by scratch. You can buy powder stock. I don’t do that, and that’s what my people said makes a diference … Everything is done here.
“In the escargot, I want to make sure it’s the right amount of parsley, of garlic,” Puil continued. “It’s all the little things that are very important, the consistency.”
Puil learned to cook in family kitchens while growing up in Paris. He learned time-honored techniques that led him to
culinary school. Ten he worked in restaurants in Paris where he learned under stern taskmasters who would swat staf with a wooden spoon for touching the wrong plate or make them clean table legs with a toothbrush for a sloppy cleanup job. Tat prepared him to move to the United States and work in top restaurants in Philadelphia and New York before a friend and a desire to be near his growing daughter in Ohio brought him to Lexington.
He was the co-owner and manager of Toulouse, one of three French restaurants
in Lexington in the early 2000s. But Puil thought Lexington was only big enough to support one French eatery. So, when the opportunity was right, he purchased Le Deauville, reopening a week before Valentine’s Day 2006.
Puil set out to bring an authentic French dining experience to Lexington, from the food on the plates — including classic French dishes such as bouillabaisse, duck conft, and of course, escargot — to the intimate atmosphere, old architecture, music by French artists such as Raquel Bitton and Alain Souchon in the air, and when the spring comes, the feeling of an open-air café as dining spills onto the sidewalk.
Puil wanted to provide an experience that would be recognized by people who have dined the cafes and bistros of Paris.
Taking a break from making smooth espresso martinis, bartender Kameron Collier said, “He’s the one that makes it so special. It feels like Paris in Lexington, Kentucky, and it’s because of Marc.”
Puil’s exacting standards include the food, ordered daily from around the world, and service from the time customers enter until they pay the check.
Tough customers enthuse about the consistency of the food, Puil acknowledges he hears criticisms about Le Deauville’s pace, especially in a world where establishments try to turn over tables every 90 minutes.
“People think sometimes, ‘We love Deauville, but it’s a little bit slow,’ ” Puil said. “It’s because some people don’t understand it’s not McDonald’s, and we developed the experience. When I go to a restaurant, I don’t like it myself when you barely fnish your appetizer and they take your plates and move you to the main course right away. Some restaurants you’re done with the main course, they clear the table, and
they bring the checks — thank you very much. And I’m like, maybe I wanted a little cofee.
“I have a rule here. I said, don’t get the check until people ask, except when it’s an insane night. But that’s my main thing: You don’t treat the people like they’ve got to go.”
Tat atmosphere has had a particular appeal to the equine community, both residents and visitors.
“In the horse business, when you say, ‘Where’s everybody going to dinner?’ Tey’re either coming here or they’re going to Dudley’s,” said Bernard, who works in equine pharmaceuticals. “You know, it’s
Puil says he was met with skepticism when he frst proposed adding mussels to the menu.
Now, all-you-can-eat mussels on Tuesdays make Le Deauville the busiest restaurant in town on that weekday.
Left, espresso martinis are a popular cocktail.
the same, like a little rotation. Marc knows the horse people. So, horse people come whether they’re French or not.”
With touches like a bobblehead of Triple Crown-winning French American jockey Jean Cruguet behind the bar and equine art by Nancy Dejarnette, Le Deauville is clearly a French restaurant in the heart of horse and bourbon country.
“One thing that is important in Lexington is you have the elite of the world coming here because of the horses,” Puil said. “Tese people, they know and they are used to good food and good service. Tat’s why I explained to my staf: When people come
here and sit down, they went to the best restaurants in Paris. So, they expect a certain service, and they’re very happy to see there is a nice French restaurant in Lexington. People say, ‘Marc, we went to so many places in the world. Your onion soup is the same we had in Paris.’ ”
Le Deauville’s consistency has been particularly important to a clientele that is in town only a few times a year and wants comfortable, familiar things when they visit. Tat devotion means Puil and his staf have to gear up for the Keeneland spring and fall race meets, as well as key events at the Kentucky Horse Park and Red Mile that can call for private parties and late hours.
“Te menu is certainly geared to the palates of us simple Europeans, and you see the same people dining again and again,” said Prosser, whose visits to Lexington always include a meal at Le Deauville. “As well as having a big local following, there are friends from as far afeld as California,
Bartender Maggie Luv juggles wine and various cocktails on a busy weeknight.
the Middle East, and Australia for whom it’s their preferred Lexington eatery during sales.”
And while he and others love the relaxed atmosphere, Prosser said business occasionally gets done at Le Deauville.
“I certainly recall successfully encouraging someone to sell a high-profle flly at Keeneland during a long dinner in there,” he said. “I’m sure a lot of other deals will have been done. Ofen diferent groups of
horse people end up mingling and inevitably business gets discussed. It can also sometimes prove a hard place to leave so some might take a nightcap at another table en route to the door.”
In addition to its devoted following in the horse industry, Le Deauville has thrived year-round with a loyal local clientele as well.
Soon afer opening in 2006, Puil had an idea for a weekly special: all-you-can eat
mussels every Tuesday night. People told him, “It’s Kentucky. People don’t like mussels; they don’t know,” Puil recalled. On its biggest nights Le Deauville has served 160 pounds of mussels.
“We’re the busiest place on Tuesday night,” Puil said. “I said to people, they think they don’t like it, but maybe when they try the French way, because we do six or seven diferent types of mussels, they will.”
Puil has enough victories against conventional wisdom to wave it of with confdence.
Tough he was trained in the kitchen, Puil discovered he preferred management and front-of-the-house work. So he has hired chefs at Le Deauville.
Rigoberto Santiago started as a salad chef more than a decade ago, then moved to sous chef and other roles, watching and learning. Te last time Puil started looking for a new chef, he told Santiago, “ ‘You know what? Show me what you can do. I give you a month to lead the kitchen.’ ”
Puil quickly discovered that he did not need to search for another French chef because Santiago had grown into one through his years of watching and learning. Under head chef Santiago’s direction, the menu exhibits Le Deauville’s trademark consistency from a signature shrimp and avocado citrus salad through entrees such as perfectly seared salmon and desserts like a chocolate soufé — all rich with favor but none overpowering.
Tat teeth-chattering January night, Santiago’skitchenwasconvivial,farfromtheshouting matches of restaurant dramas like “Te Bear.” He guided his staf with a light touch in akitchenthathassettledintothebuildingthat was there long before Le Deauville.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when closure and take-out-only service gave
Customers can count on the escargot having the right amount of parsley and garlic.
him more time to explore and work on the restaurant, Puil took out a wall that had surrounded the chimney from the old bakery oven in the basement and went up to the roof, creating a new storage room in the cramped kitchen area. Picking up a sledgehammer and other tools was nothing new to him. When the restaurant is not open, Puil does tasks like paint the exterior, fx things, and build fxtures to make the restaurant operate more efciently. Many years when therestaurantclosedforaweekinlateMarch to prepare for the busy spring and summer ahead, he sanded and refnished the dining
room’s wood foor himself. Customers were so impressed they asked for the name of the company that refnished the foor.
“When I was in restaurants, I was always curious what they were doing, when they were fxing things,” Puil said. “And you learn step by step. A good friend of mine, when I worked in New York, was a big antique guy, and he showed me how to restore wood, how to take care of wood. And I learned a lot from him. It’s very interesting. I love to fnd an old piece and give it a second life.”
Le Deauville’s bar was purchased at an auction in Louisville a few years ago
and Puil refnished it and gave it new life as a centerpiece customers see when they come through the door.
It would not be a French restaurant without wine, and Puil has paid close attention to Le Deauville’s wine lists over the years, fascinated by the histories of the wineries and the craf that goes into making sought-afer vintages.
Over dessert at the end of a sumptuousmeal,heoferedguests
a sample of another favorite, Giffard Liqueurs, in favors such as peach and mint and rhapsodized about the company’s “beautiful story” of a pharmacist who discovered his skill at making these liqueurs and syrups and created a company that is now thriving well into its second century.
It’s a sort of passion, love of process, and consistency that could carry an authentic French restaurant in Lexington well past 20 years. KM
A record
in awards
is on the way to breeders participating in the Kentucky Thoroughbred Breeders’ Incentive Fund (KBIF) program for racing in 2024.
KBIF has provided more than a quarter-of-a-billion dollars to breeders of Kentucky-breds winning eligible races worldwide since the program was implemented in 2005.
Kentucky’s average purse per race of $104,740* and average field size of 8.9* at its five racetracks continue to outpace all other leading racing jurisdictions.
%
of the graded stakes races in the U.S. (289-of-401) in 2024 were won by KENTUCKY-BREDS
Kentucky-breds won all three legs of last year’s Triple Crown: MYSTIK DAN won the Kentucky Derby (G1), SEIZE THE GREY captured the Preakness S. (G1), and DORNOCH took the Belmont S. (G1).
Kentucky-breds secured 10-OF-12 ECLIPSE AWARDS, led by THORPEDO ANNA, named 2024 Horse of the Year and Champion 3-Year-Old Filly.
Kentucky-bred G1 winners CITY OF TROY and LAUREL RIVER were honored as CO-LONGINES WORLD’S BEST RACEHORSES of 2024.
Keeneland has increased the value of 16 stakes races and is offering a record $9.4 million in purses across 19 stakes during the spring meet, which runs from April 4-25
Keeneland is poised to open our new Paddock Building this Fall, crafted to ofer our guests enhanced hospitality, spectacular viewing and refned dining. The three-level structure will accommodate an additional 1,400 fans and the repositioned Saddling Paddock, also part of the construction project, will provide fans with unmatched views of the pre-race pageantry.
By William Bowden
University of Kentucky’s Dr. Emma Adam, DVM (center), is conducting a major clinical feld trial to develop a vaccine that could help prevent diarrhea in foals. A grant from the GraysonJockey Club Research Foundation is helping fund the study.
GRAYSON-JOCKEY CLUB RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Adam’s study involves vaccinating mares so their milk will provide antibodies for their newborn foals. Early results have been promising.
With the coming of spring, foaling season in Central Kentucky is in full swing. Dr. Emma Adam,DVM,afacultymemberintheUniversity of Kentucky’s Gluck Equine Research Center, has more than a passing interest in this year’s crop of colts and fllies.
Adam is conducting a huge clinical feld study involving more than 950 mares — Toroughbreds, about 200 Standardbreds, and mixed breeds — on 32 area farms. Te goal is to perfect a vaccine that can prevent a potentially deadly neonatal diarrhea in foals, a problem she frst became aware of in 2021.
Adam’s work is largely funded by a grant from the GraysonJockey Club Research Foundation, a Lexington nonproft organization dedicated to supporting
research aimed at improving the health of horses of all breeds.
“We are vaccinating the mares so their colostrum [milk] will provide antibodies for newborn foals to protect them against a new variant of rotavirus,” Adam said.
“Te project will run through the end of this year. Our experimental vaccine passed a safety test on pregnant mares at UK’s North Farm in 2023, and early results have been encouraging.”
Adam’s feld study is an example of the hundreds of such
projects funded by grants from Grayson since its founding in 1940. Te organization supports equine research throughout the United States and around the world. In total, the foundation has provided more than $42.3 million to underwrite over 437 projects at 48 universities worldwide.
During 2024 the foundation approved grants totaling nearly $2.5 million for 11 new projects, 13 continuing projects, and three career development awards given at 14 universities. Creation of a lubricin to mitigate osteoarthritis, exploration of stem cell use to heal tendon and meniscal injuries, and development of biomarkers for neurodegeneration are examples of the studies currently underway.
Te foundation’s research advisory committee is charged with deciding which proposals are selected to receive grants. It’s a meticulous process, one that ensures the best science is being supported by the foundation’s generous donors. Tis gives the outcomes the best chance of being peer-reviewed in journals, the gold standard for research.
“Tis committee is the backbone of what we do here,” said Jamie Haydon, president of the foundation and deputy executive director of Te Jockey Club. “We have 32 veterinarians volunteering their time to sort through the 50 to 80 proposals we typically get every year.”
Dr. Johnny Mac Smith, DVM,
is the staf member overseeing that process as the A. Gary Lavin Research Chair, named afer the late Grayson board and research committee member, pioneering veterinarian, and longtime member of Keeneland’s sales inspection team. “Last year we got 56 grant proposals, and I assign each one to a four-person committee to evaluate them. We’re judging them on scientifc merit, feasibility, impact, and budget,” Smith said.
Once the grants are awarded, Smith tracks the progress being made by the recipients.
“I make sure they meet certain benchmarks, including a frstyear report followed by abstract submission, manuscript, and publication reporting. I’m currently tracking 46 grants at 29 universities on three continents.”
Dell Hancock, whose family owns Claiborne Farm near Paris, Kentucky, recently stepped down as chair of the foundation’s board of directors afer 20 years in that role. She continues as a board member, a role she began in 1984. (See sidebar.) She has a deep appreciation of the work the foundation and the review committee do.
“I’ve always felt that we are funding the very best research no matter where it’s performed and on what breed,” Hancock said.
“In addition to Toroughbreds, we have branched out over the years to include breeds taking part in such venues as horse shows and three-day eventing. I think every responsible horse owner should support Grayson because it does nothing but good for our horses.”
a perfect world... our horses would
be
As one of the leading non-profit charitable organizations in funding equine research, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation is committed to the advancement of horse health for all breeds. It is our only mission.
GRAYSON-JOCKEY CLUB RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Kelso steps onto the track at Keeneland on April 21, 1965.
ive-time Horse of theYear Kelso didn’t retire to a quiet life after seven seasons on the racetrack and record earnings.
At age 8 in 1965, he remained in light training while his owner, Allaire du Pont, mapped out a second career for the wildly popular gelding.
Kelso would tour U.S. racetracks to satisfy his multitude of fans, and more importantly, to raise money for equine research, an endeavor then in its infancy.The announcement captured the sport’s imagination, and 38 racetracks invited Kelso to appear.
Kelso won an unprecedented fve runnings of the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
The tour began at Laurel in Maryland and
then went to Kentucky. Kelso had missed the 1960 Kentucky Derby, so his foray to Keeneland and then Churchill Downs marked his frst appearances at tracks in the Bluegrass State.
Kelso reportedly brought his Arkansas spring water and canine companion Charlie Potatoes with him, along with sugarcane fber for bedding and specially wrapped sugar cubes.
“The gelding usually traveled with an understudy too, who was a horse of similar color that stood in Kelso’s stall to pose for tourists while Kelso took a rest,” wrote MaryjeanWall in the Lexington Herald Leader in 1983.
Sixty years ago at Keeneland, on April 21, Kelso paraded on the track and galloped between the sixth and seventh races.
It is not known how many tracks Kelso
Kelso parades before an appreciative audience at Keeneland.
ultimately visited nor how much money his tour raised.The Grayson Jockey Club Foundation and the New Bolton Center were the benefciaries.
Trainer Carl Hanford attempted to bring Kelso back for an eighth season at age 9, but the gelding sustained a hairline fracture of the inside sesamoid of his right hind foot and was immediately retired to
du Pont’s Woodstock Farm near Chesapeake City, Maryland.
Kelso left the track as racing’s all-time leading money winner with earnings of $1,977,896.This earnings record held for 14 years until Affrmed surpassed it in 1979.
In all, Kelso raced 63 times, with 39 wins, 12 seconds, and three thirds. His achievements included fve victories in the Jockey Club Gold Cup and nine track records (plus two American records). He is considered the fourth best racehorse of the past century, according toThe Blood-Horse’s “Top 100 Racehorses of the 20th Century.”
After Kelso recovered from his injury, he was trained in jumping and dressage and competed a number of times. Owner du Pont also enjoyed riding him.
Kelso died at age 26 in 1983, a day after he joined the retired gelding Forego and the still-active John Henry at Belmont Park for a fnal public appearance. He is buried at du Pont’s Maryland farm. —Jacqueline Duke
More efective treatment of joint injury before it becomes career-ending arthritis is another research goal currently supported by the foundation. Dr. Heidi Reesink, DVM, a professor in the Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, has made signifcant progress in that area.
Reesink is also a Storm Cat Career Development Award recipient. Named after the stallion (1983-2013) who was North America’s leading sire in 1999 and 2000, this $20,000 grant from the foundation is meant to encourage promising scientists to continue in the realm of equine research. Te foundation also gives the Elaine and Bertram Klein Development Award, a $20,000 one-time salary supplement given
“ I THINK EVERY RESPONSIBLE HORSE OWNER SHOULD SUPPORT GRAYSON BECAUSE IT DOES NOTHING BUT GOOD FOR OUR HORSES.”
—DELL HANCOCK, FORMER GRAYSON CHAIR
“We have designed a lubricin that has passed safety tests and is well tolerated,” Reesink said. “Lubricin is a naturally occurring lubricating anti-infammatory protein found in joint fuid. Our lab has developed an equine-specifc version, and we are now testing it. We should know by early summer whether it will result in improvement in clinical parameters relating to lameness and pain threshold.”
to promising investigators.
Te Storm Cat award, coupled with her other Grayson grants, has allowed Reesink to help perpetuate the whole feld of equine veterinary science.
“Grayson does a great job of supporting the next generation of equine researchers,” Reesink said. “My awards have allowed me to support veterinary trainees interested in going on to surgical residencies or doctoral
programs. I think these are meaningful byproducts of the grants.”
Reesink was at Cornell University for 16 years, initially in residency and PhD training followed by eight years on the faculty before accepting the professorship at UC Davis this March. Te Grayson-funded research she began at Cornell moved with her to California. Tat includes her Reesink Lab, a university-connected function that allows her to market her research programs and attract new students and funding.
Te value of advanced imaging technology to detect problem areas and help prevent injury to horses has become more apparent in recent years. Te challenge has been fnding an efcient way of using this preventive technique, given the cumbersome protocol of bringing a horse to a facility for general anesthesia, followed by a time-consuming examination.
With the help of a Grayson grant, Dr. Chris Kawcak, DVM, professor of surgery, Department of Clinical Sciences at Colorado State University, is working to meet that challenge. He is perfecting a small stall-side computerized tomography (CT) device that requires only mild sedation and markedly shortens the scanning time, bringing the
science to the horse instead of vice versa. It is now in the beta-testing stage.
“Most every bone injury in a racehorse is due to a preexisting small crack,” Kawcak said. “Te horses that break their legs, it’s usually not a bad step, not an acute problem, but a chronic fatigue problem. Te small cracks get bigger until the bone fractures.
“If we can fnd those problem areas early, owners and trainers can give the horse active rest and then recheck in three to six
months. Other options include an operation to insert a screw across the crack and maybe stimulate healing, or sending the horse of to a diferent career as a sporthorse.”
Te foundation’s support allowed Kawcak to bring the latest AI (artifcial intelligence) capabilities to bear on his device. “AI can look at the scans and identify diferences in bone shape, density patterns, and other things to determine if a horse is prone to fracturing,” he said.
Te research Kawcak is doing is closely related to pioneering work begun in 2015 at UC Davis, also supported by the foundation. Te goal there was to bring positron emission tomography (PET) scanning technology to the equine world.
“From 2015, where we had never PETscanned a horse, to the end of 2024, we now have 14 machines in use at racetracks,” said Haydon. “Under light sedation, all four limbs of a horse can be scanned in 45 minutes.”
Kawcak explained that CT scans and PET scans, while diferent in nature, can be complementary and even overlaid with the data combined for more context.
“Te PET scan system is designed to look at metabolic bone activity but not so much the structure of the bone. A CT scan is very good at characterizing the architecture of the bone and can reveal a lot of those very small cracks. Both of these technologies are rapidly evolving.”
Tat preventive beneft of research and its connection with the actual world of horses were summarized by Resia Ayres, operations manager for the foundation.
GRAYSON-JOCKEY CLUB RESEARCH FOUNDATION
“You have the researchers and veterinarians over here and the owners, breeders, and trainers over there. I think of Grayson as being a bridge between those two worlds. And then you have our donors who helped us build that bridge.”
Te research that Grayson-supported veterinary scientists perform must be equine centered, but it doesn’t necessarily end there. Ofen there are crossover benefts for human health. Colorado State has formalized that aspect with its Translational Medical Institute, and Kawcak has seen the payof from that.
“My colleagues have done work with stem cell therapy to try to help with osteoarthritis in horses,” he explained. “A lot of that research has translated into the human medical feld. I spend a lot of my time working with that institute.”
Another aspect of the scientists who are given foundation grants is that, in addition to their necessary laboratory work, they must have a connection with the real world of the horse and do research that will have an impact. “Tese people are not in a silo, stuck behind a microscope,” Haydon said. “Tey are practicing veterinarians seeing horses in their clinics.” Many own horses and are experienced riders.
Reesink, for example, is a surgeon with considerable experience operating on horses. “I specialize in orthopedics and spent about 25% of my time at Cornell as a practicing surgeon,” she said.
Adam owns a pleasure horse and has worked as a trainer assistant. “All the people who do research on horses, we live, eat, breathe, and sleep it. A researcher in another feld once told
me, ‘I work with mice because they’re a tool for research. You work with horses because you like them.’ ”
With racetrack safety having become an increasingly important topic, the foundation teams with Te Jockey Club to coordinate and underwrite the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit. Tis gathering began in 2006 and is now hosted every other year by Keeneland.
A wide cross-section of the breeding, racing, and veterinary community come together for the two-day workshop. On-track injury reporting, shoeing and hoof care, and racing surfaces are among the topics covered at past summits.
Te foundation traces its roots back to 1940 when it was created as the Grayson Foundation, named aferAdm.GaryGrayson,aprominent horseman who was the personal physician to President Woodrow Wilson and chairman of the American Red Cross. Its founding mission, as it remains today, was to support equine research for the betterment of horses of all breeds.
Te Jockey Club created a research foundation in 1984 and fve years later the two organizations merged to form the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. Keeneland is a corporate partner of the foundation.
Today Grayson is not the only foundation in the world supporting equine research, but it occupies a preeminent position in that realm.
“Grayson is the key funding source for the work that gets done in horse health,” Kawcak said. “I’ve been supported by various sources, but Grayson, time and again, is the worldwide leader in funding for the horse.”
Out of the tragedy of a champion racehorse’s sudden death came a remarkable commitment to equine research aimed at saving lives in the future.
Dell Hancock recently stepped down as chair of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation after 20 years in that role. She will continue serving on the board, which she began doing in 1984 just after the event that prompted her interest in research for the betterment of the horse.
“We had a horse named Swale who died of a heart attack just after winning the Belmont Stakes,” she said, referring to her Claiborne Farm’s champion colt who also won the Kentucky Derby that year. “I started supporting Grayson after that and joined the board. I feel so strongly that the foundation is the best funding source for this vital work.”
Hancock has seen many changes during her board tenure in areas the foundation’s funding is directed toward. “As things become more apparent and are on everybody’s mind, we reacted to that.We’ve done a lot of
research on racetrack surfaces and fetlock injuries as well as sudden death. On the other hand, there is arthritis, an age-old issue, and our research there is especially good for the older horses.”
Hancock’s dedication to horse health was recognized in 2022 when she received the Dinny Phipps Award, named for the prominent owner and breeder who was a longtime chairman ofThe Jockey Club and a Grayson board member.The award recognizes dedication to equine health.
As she looks forward to her continuing role as a foundation board member, Hancock realizes that everything Grayson does begins with its donors.These include individuals, corporate sponsors, and grants from other organizations, which include Keeneland, a corporate partner.
“We would not be able to do things we have done without the people and organizations that have been so supportive of the foundation, and that includes Keeneland. I think it’s the best thing you can do for all horses regardless of breed.”
Swale’s untimely death spurred Dell Hancock, below, to support the foundation. She became a board member and eventually the chair.
Kevin Lavin, a partner and senior equine risk adviser at Sterling Tompson Equine Insurance and the son of Dr. A. Gary “Doc” Lavin, moved up from his vice chair position to assume his new role as chair of the foundation’s board of directors. Supporting Lavin as vice chair is Geofrey Russell, retired director of sales at Keeneland.
Lavin looks forward to building on Hancock’s legacy.
“Te welfare of the horse has benefted tremendously from Dell Hancock’s leadership as chair and will continue with her board membership,” Lavin said. “I have
served on the board for 15 years and have had the opportunity to learn from the industry’s best, including Dell.”
As he takes over the top spot, Lavin points to the strength of the foundation and his enthusiasm for the job ahead.
“Tis year we will fund over $3 million in grants, an all-time record. My goals include expanding awareness of our mission and continuing to broaden our donor base beyond the Toroughbred community. I am ready for the challenges ahead and both excited and optimistic about the future of the foundation.”
For more information visit www. grayson-jockeyclub.org
Editor’s Note:
Edward L. Bowen, former president of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, was instrumental in arranging interviews and providing other assistance for the creation of this article. He passed away on Jan. 20 of this year. Te editors of Keeneland magazine are grateful for his assistance with this article and for his many years as a highly valued contributing feature writer. KM
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