Favorite horse farm to visit....

largo1 · #1 03-20-2010, 08:44 PM

Hello DerbyTrailers,
I'm planning on (finally) visiting Churchill Downs this year, sometime during the spring meet. I won't have much time there. We'd like to take a farm tour and then spend the rest of the day at the races. Which farm would you recommend we visit? I know some are only available for tours on certain days/times and for some you need to make a reservation. Because of the time constraints we don't want to go too far away from Louisville. I'm traveling with 2 non horse-people, but they are willing to accommodate me. Also, what is a cheap hotel very close to the track? Once we get to the track we will be partying hard and need to be able to get a cab to our hotel/motel. What time do the races start at Churchill and what time do they end?
Thanks guys!!
Suzanne

Indian Charlie · #2 03-20-2010, 08:53 PM

I had a great experience at Claiborne, back in 2000. They had a much more interesting stallion roster back then, but still, they were very nice and gave us access to most of the stallions.

You might want to go to Airdrie to see Indian Charlie too!

DerbyCat · #3 03-20-2010, 09:01 PM

I recommend you contact Shadwell Farm - they are awesome! They don't do group tours, you get one on one with their stallions. I had a chance to meet and photograph Invasor and Jazil. Very memorable experience. Three Chimneys was also very good, if it's breeding season you may get to see a staliion cover a mare... another memorable experience ;-)

South Beach Luv · #4 03-20-2010, 09:10 PM

Adena Springs was very nice and seeing Ghostzapper was just awesome, they also gave us all kinds of free stuff

philcski · #5 03-20-2010, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by largo1

Hello DerbyTrailers,
I'm planning on (finally) visiting Churchill Downs this year, sometime during the spring meet. I won't have much time there. We'd like to take a farm tour and then spend the rest of the day at the races. Which farm would you recommend we visit? I know some are only available for tours on certain days/times and for some you need to make a reservation. Because of the time constraints we don't want to go too far away from Louisville. I'm traveling with 2 non horse-people, but they are willing to accommodate me. Also, what is a cheap hotel very close to the track? Once we get to the track we will be partying hard and need to be able to get a cab to our hotel/motel. What time do the races start at Churchill and what time do they end?
Thanks guys!!
Suzanne

Adena Springs is great to visit. It's 60 miles from Churchill, though- as are all of the farms.

As for the track, there are several hotels not far away. On Priceline, look in the airport/fairgrounds area and you will find plenty. Let me know when you are coming in and I might be able to guide you a little.

Sightseek · #6 03-21-2010, 07:50 AM

Shadwell is definitely the best - very personalized and you can see the Indomitable Jazil! If you go, bring lots of treats for Invasor.

I'm not sure who is there anymore, but I went to see Bellamy Road at Hurricane Hall last summer and the stallion manager was really great.

I think the smaller farms are generally more enjoyable.

Old Friends is also a little closer to Louisville than some of the stallion farms.

Revidere · #7 03-21-2010, 09:05 AM

All of the farms are very cordial. If you plan on Three Chimneys you are probably out of luck since they book very early. Darley is terrific as is Shadwell. The Horse Park is a must and if you could get over to Old Friends to help the cause that place is unbelievable

Here are some photos from each:

Darley
Street Sense, Hard Spun, Street Cry and Holy Bull

Shadwell

Kentucky Horse Park:

Old Friends

Sightseek · #8 03-21-2010, 09:11 AM

Wow, spectacular photos!

Especially the Hard Spun and Holy Bull.

South Beach Luv · #9 03-21-2010, 09:46 AM

Not sure if it was the norm but at Pin Oak we got to see the babies that year:

They also won't take any tips if you offer.

and nice pictures Rev!

Danzig · #10 03-21-2010, 10:01 AM

Claiborne and three chimneys were both fantastic. The groom brought a couple of the better behaved studs out of their stalls so we could pet them and take pics.

Revidere · #11 03-22-2010, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by South Beach Luv

Not sure if it was the norm but at Pin Oak we got to see the babies that year:

They also won't take any tips if you offer.

and nice pictures Rev!

Thanks.

We were lucky enough to watch War Chant cover a mare at Three Chimneys. Let's just say I felt a tad outclassed.

Riot · #12 03-22-2010, 08:31 PM

I always enjoyed Claiborn as much hasn't changed in the past 50 years - and the cemetery contains a great portion of the history of the TB in the US.

Merlinsky · #13 03-22-2010, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danzig

Claiborne and three chimneys were both fantastic. The groom brought a couple of the better behaved studs out of their stalls so we could pet them and take pics.

Who were the better behaved studs out of curiosity? I know stallions aren't all cuddly, but sounds like there's a scale where some TB are cuckoo for coco puffs and others are giant teddy bears (well, compared to other TB). I always love hearing who's a sweetheart. Was Invasor the one whose heart you could buy for a peppermint? I guess that doesn't indicate he's sweet so much as he's got a sweet tooth.