Headed to Kentucky next weekend, any suggestions?

[vallygirl927]

I'm headed to kentucky with a friend of mine. Arriving friday night and leaving tuesday morning. This is both of our first time visiting. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what and where to visit? We are flying into Lexington....We have already decided to go to the horse park....any other suggestions?? I'm so excited!!

[Toccet02]

Call Walmac farm and Adena Springs for tours/ a chance to just drive around the grounds.
Strolling the Lexington city streets is a must; really like the shops and there's an olde-time pharmacy complete with apothecary jars and lunch counter somewhere near triangle park . . . . Also visit folk art shops; the woodwork and creativity is amazing.
Enjoy!!!

[jagger]

Since it is breeding season, many of the farms will allow you to attend a breeding session. The folks at Lane's End are very nice and probably have the largest stallion roster including A. P. Indy. You might get to see a $250,000 copulation.

There are many Bed and Breakfasts in and around Lexington and the hosts are extremely knowledgeable about local color.

Not much going on at Keeneland this time of year but the gift shop might be open .

Woodford Reserve distillery is only about 1/2 hour away depending on your original point. It is a very nice tour and my favorite Kentucky Bourbon. Nice gift shop too . There are other distileries but Woodford might be the closest.

LOTS of nice places to eat. For very casual, you can't beat Wallace Station near Midway. Very common to see stallion managers, riders, owners and breeders there. Also, for a great, simple meal, it is hard to beat Ramsey's. There are 3 locations I think. I like the one on Harrodsburg Road. Have the fried green tomatoes for an appetizer and Derby pie for desert. Yum Yum. My wife attacked John Ward at his table for his autograph there a few years ago. I was so embarrased.

Shaker Village is a very nice 45 minute drive. Very scenic.

It is always beautiful in Lexington. Someone on this forum has a mantra that goes something like....if I could be anywhere..at any time... it would be Lexington in the spring. 'Nuf said.

Have a wonderful trip and post about your adventures when you get back.

[Joltman]

There's no bad time of the year to visit Lex. Last time I was there with my wife we went to the Horse Park and set up a farm tour shuttle from there. Van driver was very enjoyable and pretty knowledgeable. Great way to just relax, enjoy the countryside and leave the driving to someone else. Once you see a number of horse farms you might want to follow up with the ones of particular interest.

Jalapenos Mexican is tops in my estimation - my all time favorite top shelf marguerita. Always a good sign when the local farm guys show up there speaking espanol.

Some really nice gift shops - especially Keeneland. The Marriott Griffin Gate has a nice one too. There are some other places to get really good artwork (esp. photos and prints).

I like the Lex trots when they are running and by all means go to Churchill Downs. Plan to go early to spend time in the museum. Its only a little over an hour from Lex.

have fun - reminds me I can talk my wife into going back soon.

jm

[CountRaja]

I believe the High Hope Steeplechase is at the horse park on the 17th!

Also, if you're into tours call Rood & Riddle. They give tours M-F.

[Timber]

Besides the early morning workouts at Keeneland, visiting the many stud farms, the Kentucky Horse Park, Old Friends, etc., --- (remember your digital camera) -- if it appeals to you and you have time Mary Todd Lincoln's home is downtown, Daniel & Rebecca Boone are buried in the Frankfort cemetary and there's a chocolate factory downtown. We try to include a noontime very slow ride down the peaceful Pisgah Pike Road in front of Winstar Farm until you get to Old Frankfort Pike Rd. Take a left and eat a lunch sandwich at the old place on the right, called Wallace Station. Homemade bread, pies, etc. Then go back and visit Tiznow, Distorted Humor and Speightstown at Winstar. I never leave Lexington without having a steak dinner at Malone's (and my wife enjoys their seafood). Hmm, time to get down there again, can you get too old for Lexington?

[AscotStud]

there is still action going on at Keeneland in the morning (I think I have workers on Fri and Sat) and Calumet is within a mile so you could call and try to arrange a tour there. If you want to watch a breeding Ashford has the best viewing area for that, call to see if they are offering tours. If you're into a cool/relaxed atmosphere try The Dish on South Ashland www.thedishlexington.com , a friend of mine is part owner, they have a great wine list and modern/ecclectic american food.

[vallygirl927]

Since I am still in the market for a racing prospect, do you guys recommend taking a look at some of the babies at the farms of stallions that interest me (Seattle Fitz & Doneraile Court)? Do the farms typically offer some for private sale or do they wait to sell them at the sales? Do they sell the weanlings or wait until they mature to yearlings? I don't want to bother the farms if they wait to do the latter but I want to take advantage of being in Lexington (could be years before I return) and possibly find a good deal (under $5,000) on a foal to take back to california when it is weaned.

[NorthStar]

Since I am still in the market for a racing prospect, do you guys recommend taking a look at some of the babies at the farms of stallions that interest me (Seattle Fitz & Doneraile Court)? Do the farms typically offer some for private sale or do they wait to sell them at the sales? Do they sell the weanlings or wait until they mature to yearlings? I don't want to bother the farms if they wait to do the latter but I want to take advantage of being in Lexington (could be years before I return) and possibly find a good deal (under $5,000) on a foal to take back to california when it is weaned.

It sounds like you need a little more experience before buying a racehorse. A trainer with a good reputation for honesty, sound advice and a willingness to tell you the truth is what you need before buying a foal. Weanlings are not generally weanlings until about 6 months. THIS IS MAY.

Where will the horse be raised? If you have good farm connections, there would generally be a good insight there, unless they are trying to sell you their culls. Some of the best deals come out of Florida, not Kentucky, IMO.

[vallygirl927]

I think you miss understood my post. I know what a weanling is. Been around horses all my life. Have several trainers that are friends. I'm an aspiring bloodstock agent, so I'd like to pick up a horse on my own and have my friends train it in the so cal or arizona circuit. Does anyone have a connection at Buckpond where Seattle Fitz stands? I've been looking for a foal by him and I haven't been able to find anything, thus my reason for checking with the farm.

[smeehan]

I have worked with Beth Kinane at Buckpond. We have a Seattle Fitz 2-year- old colt, and she was my contact for that season. She's still at the farm, and you'll find her very helpful.

[Turn-To Fan]

Lucky you, in the market for a Seattle Fitz! I really like his babies. If you wouldn't mind, post some pics when you get back. Hope you find a good one.

[Bunty Lawless]

Someone needs to tell Buckpond that their website is down. Got this message when I went to the link from TB Times stallion directory:

Buckpond.com

"This Account Has Been Suspended
Please contact the billing/support department as soon as possible. "

Gosh, I hope that isn't a bad sign for other things there.

[vallygirl927]

Bunty,

I was wondering the same thing. I hope everything is ok. I emailed the farm at their general email on the ttimes stallion directory but I have not heard back and the website is still down.

[Turn-To Fan]

Maybe someone just forgot to pay the bill...here is a video of Seattle Fitz at Buck Pond on April 30:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tauL_Ge_ ... annel_page