This past weekend, GoHorseShow’s Senior Writer, Laura Gilmer, had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tour one of the most storied thoroughbred farms located in Lexington, Kentucky. After a day of judging, Laura Gilmer, Brent Maxwell, and Rick Stevens were invited by the wife of the manager of Calumet Farms to attend a private tour of the famous farm.
“It was an amazing experience to know that I was able to visit a farm that has had the most Kentucky Derby wins (8) than any other operation in U.S. racing history. As well, Calumet Farm is both the leading breeder and owner of Preakness Stakes winners with seven each,” says Gilmer, who was in complete awe of the historic facility. “It was recently sold for $36 million to billionaire, Brad Kelly, who lives in my hometown of Franklin, Tennessee. Kelly is a self-made man who sold his tobacco company, Commonwealth Brands to another company for a billion dollars.”
The 87 year old farm has nearly 800 acres with white fences and a signature red entrance gate that outlines the property. The farm was also home to the most famous racehorse in history to never win a major race. Alydar was second in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont behind Affirmed in all three legs of the triple crown. He was also a successful sire with his offspring being such greats as Easy Goer and Alysheba.
“What was also interesting to find out was that the distinctive red and white barns used as the Ontario horse farm in the movie Seabiscuit was actually Calumet Farms,” Gilmer states. “We stayed and played with the mares and foals and saw some of the stallions, one that was a full brother to Barbaro. Since the farm is now closed to the public, I can say that my involvement with AQHA and horses have opened so many doors for me that I probably would have never had the chance to tour this amazing farm without my connection to these amazing animals.”
CLICK HERE to view a slideshow of pictures of the farm.
