When I was down in Kentucky for the Derby this year, I had the chance to go on a tour of Claiborne and Gainesway Farms near Lexington with Jane Dempsey and her Derby Junket tour. We spent an enjoyable day visiting the two farms, Thoroughbred Park in Lexington, and Keeneland along with lunch at Spindletop Hall. Here is a nice collection of photos from the day to give you a feel of what the trip was like. Click the small picture to see a larger version.
The stud barn at Claiborne Farm. The first stall on the left is now empty, but it was previously the home of Bold Ruler, Secretariat, Easy Goer, and Unbridled.
Here is the door to that stall and a close-up of the name plates on it.
One of the horses we met there was Pulpit, winner of the Fountain of Youth and Blue Grass Stakes. At stud he has had 15 stakes winners and 29 stakes horses and stands for a fee of $60,000. Farther down you will see his son Tapit at Gainesway.
2001 Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos stands for $25,000 and his first 2-year-olds will race this year. Notice how much lighter he is now than when he won the Derby (right). Why didn't I think to bet on the only gray horse in the Derby this year after just touching a gray Derby winner?
Monarchos displays typical studdish behavior by curling his lips, but he was actually quite calm and allowed us all to come and pat him and take pictures with him.
Seeking the Gold, multiple stakes winner at the track, stands for a hefty $125,000 stud fee. He has sired 67 stakes winners, 6 millionaires, and 5 champions including Dubai Millennium, Heavenly Prize, and Flanders. Here he is begging for a mint.
The graveyard at Claiborne is the resting place for many great horses including Secretariat and Mr. Prospector who lie next to each other.
Secretariat isn't the only Triple Crown winner buried here. You will also find 1930 Triple Crown winner Gallant Fox who is the only Triple Crown winner to sire another Triple Crown winner, Omaha in 1935.
One of the swans on the stream that runs through Claiborne Farm.
The trough fountain near the stud barns which is decorated with commemorative plaques for some of the best horses either bred at Gainesway or who stood at stud there. Some of the names include Stage Door Johnny, Key to the Mint, Cannonade, and Apalachee.
Tapit, winner of the Wood Memorial last year, on his way to the breeding shed. He had just got the scent of the mare and was posing for her at this point. Since this is his first year at stud, he stands for only $15,000. You saw his sire Pulpit earlier on this page.
Thoroughbred Park in Lexington has a life size race finish done in bronze by sculptor Gwen Reardon. There are seven horses driving for the finish next to a fountain. Also in the surrounding park are life size mares and foals.
Top Kentucky Derby Contenders - Here is my ongoing look at the top contenders for the 2012 Run for the Roses with profiles, photos, and lots of info for each horse. Updated weekly.
2012 Kentucky Derby and Oaks Ticket Prices - The advance sale prices for 2012 Kentucky Derby and Oaks tickets will remain the same as they have been since 2001, but prices at the gate will go up to $50 for the Derby and $30 for the Oaks.
Derby Contender Graded Stakes Earnings - ranks the top contenders by graded earnings. This is what determines who can get in the starting gate on Derby day. Includes earnings through 3/18.
Experimental Free Handicap - Ranks the top 2-year-olds for 2011 and determines the dual qualifiers for the 2012 Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby Future Wager - There will again be three future wager pools for the Derby on Feb. 18-20, March 11-13, and April 1-3. There will be a single pool for the Oaks on March 11-13.
Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1 - Wagering is now closed and the field wound up as the 3-2 favorite with Union Rags next at 7-1. Get the horses, odds, and free past performances here.
Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2 - Wagering is now closed and the field is the 3-1 favorite over Union Rags at 4-1. In the only Kentucky Oaks Future, the field is the 4-1 favorite. Get the horses, final odds, free past performances, and exact will-pay amounts here.
Injury Report - who is hurt or off the trail from the Road to the Roses contest
Fillies in the Kentucky Derby - a look at the 39 fillies who have contested the Run for the Roses and how they did. So far there have been 3 wins, 2 seconds, and 5 thirds.
DRF Kentucky Derby Special - Lots of good info like past winners preps, contenders, past performances, and latest news.
Review: Kentucky Derby Greatest Moments - Commemorative DVD from Churchill Downs with video from 27 different runnings along with interviews, photos, and historical info. Definitely recommended for any racing fan!
Review: Churchill Downs - America's Most Historic Racetrack by Kimberly Gatto. An entertaining and informative account of the history of the track and it's most famous race, the Kentucky Derby, with lots of photos. Definitely recommended.
