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N o matter the time of year, it’s always Equine Season in the Horse Capital of the World: Lexington, Kentucky. Playing host to Keeneland Race Course—a track that’s home to some of the world’s best Thoroughbred racing and periodic sales where you can purchase a future Kentucky Derby contender— Lexington, Kentucky is also the site of the Bluegrass State’s most historic horse farms. visitlex.com There’s no better way to get the true equine experience than with Lexington’s own Visit Horse Country program. Enjoy tours of many of the world’s most distinguished farms and meet-and- greets with famous horses and their parents. Visit champions of A CONN E C T I CU T YANK E E I N A K E N T UC K Y COUR T
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stallions, and the Wild Turkey Distillery.The Fit for a Royal tour is worthy of Duchess Meghan herself, taking fans to Darley Stud–the famed farm owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and to the sumptuous Kentucky Castle, which is as decadent as it sounds. Historic spots like Claiborne Farm, Secretariat’s post- retirement home; Darby Dan Farm, an industry pioneer; and Calumet Farm, which produced two Triple Crown winners, offer a time machine into racing’s glorious past, while furthering the industry’s bright future. Book your tour today by visiting visithorsecountry.com The sprawling, green grounds of Keeneland not only play host to the races and the sales, but to many beautiful private events. Its pastoral surroundings are a perfect spot for an equine-inclined couple to get married or celebrate a major birthday. Those looking for a bit more info on horse history can pop on over to the Keeneland Library, the elegantly-appointed repository of treasure troves of information from the greatest owners and breeders in three hundred years of racing history, alongside priceless mementos from immortal runners of years gone by. keeneland.com But there’s far more to Lexington as a dynamic destination than all things equine. From distilleries brewing up the finest bourbon in the world to modern
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yesteryear like Silver Charm at Old Friends Farm. The friendly, welcoming staff will guide you behind the gates and you’ll be able to see Thoroughbred aftercare at work (caring for these precious animals after their retirements). To help visitors plan their trip, Visit Horse Country suggests recommended itineraries on their website, meant to guide you on building a comprehensive trip featuring the best of the Bluegrass. With the Spirit of the Bluegrass itinerary, trek along the Bourbon Trail to experience the finest in horses and bourbon, including visits to WinStar Farm, home to some of the industry’s leading
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