The Largest Horse Farms in Lexington, Kentucky by Acreage (and Some History)
Unscrupulous acquisition tactics. Unsolved murders. Land grants passed down from presidents. Overnight success into bankruptcy. For generations, big personalities and quiet modesty have completed for a slice of equine paradise: Kentucky's Bluegrass. These are some of the largest horse farms in and around the Bluegrass, along with some history behind these stone walls and rolling hills.
Calumet Farm, Lexington Kentucky. Image: Alain Le Garsmeur
If you’ve ever spent time in Lexington, Kentucky, you’ll know it’s impossible to not encounter a horse farm or two during your tour. Banked by pristine fencing, stone walls, and perfectly manicured trees, roads like Bowman’s Mill and Old Frankfort Pike are the Rodeo Drives and 5th Avenues of horse world, playing host to the vast breeding and training grounds for some of the most legendary thoroughbred horses in history, granting Lexington, Kentucky a powerful moniker of “The Horse Capital of the World”.
These farms, many of them pieced together over generations of successes (and losses) all enjoy the rare soils and grasses considered essential for the nutrition of racehorses. With the historic and vibrant city of Lexington in their enormous backyards, here, the “Horse Farm” is a real estate class in itself where horse-related amenities and structures are just as important as the ones designed for humans. Some firms, such as Justice Real Estate, specialize in the sale of properties of this type.
Good to know.
Regardless of how big a farm is in total, a single horse should have 1-2 acres of pasture to be happy and healthy. This means even smaller farms can compete against larger ones on a basis of horse density.
While many horse farms are owned (and often personally operated) by horse enthusiasts, other farms are owned by serial landowners who see property in the Bluegrass as a trophy. Period-preserved mansions, significant equine burial sites, and other priceless features often dot these properties, adding to their beguiling allure. For many horsemen, winning races is only part of the appeal in the sport. With owners ranging from fifth-generation horsemen to self-made billionaires, horse farms are unique enterprises in that financial success is often second to the pleasure of the sport and curation of the land.
With that, we share with you some of the largest horse farms in Lexington, Kentucky by acreage, along with a few interesting facts and their current known owners. We also make mention of three special farms that have been lost to time.
Note on qualifying farms
You’ll notice some legendary farms like Airdrie Stud and Claiborne are missing from this list, despite large holdings. Only farms with a “Lexington, KY” mailing address were included.
The Largest Horse Farms in Lexington, Kentucky
Calumet Farm: approximately 762 acres
Calumet Farm. Image: PointSearch
Owner: Calumet Investment Group, leased to Brad Kelley since 2012
Acreage: approximately 762 acres
Address: 3301 Versailles Rd, Lexington, KY 40510
Details: If you’ve ever driven to Keeneland Race Track from Downtown Lexington, flown into Blue Grass Airport from the northeast, or even driven along Lexington’s New Circle Road, you’ve encountered the legendary Calumet Farm with its white fences and green-roofed outbuildings. Calumet is currently leased to one of the preeminent landowners in Kentucky (and the United States), Brad Kelley.
Calumet Farm. Image: Calumet Farm
Founded by William Monroe Wright in 1924, Calumet has a famously rich racing history, with countless winners including Coaltown, Oxbow, Whirlaway, and Citation, but also a legacy complicated by financial woes and the controversial saga of Alydar (which is summarized by Skip Hollandsworth for Texas Monthly). Poor performance and bad press followed the farm until its bankruptcy and subsequent sale in 1992, when businessman Henryk de Kwiatkowski paid $17,000,000 (equivalent to $37 million in 2023) for Calumet, restoring it completely until his passing. Brad Kelley, a racing enthusiast in his own right and owner of local farms including Bluegrass Hall and Hurricane Hall (for sale for $11,000,000) began leasing the farm from a group of trustees.
Good to Know
Dispersal of horses does not mean the horses go free into the wild. They are often sold at public or private auction, or otherwise distributed privately to interest parties who buy the property the horses live at.
Jonabell Farm: approximately 800 acres
Jonabell Farm. Photo: Alt 32
Owner: Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (since 2001)
Acreage: approximately 800 acres
Address: 3333 Bowman Mill Rd, Lexington, KY 40513
Jonabell Farm Master Plan. Image: Alt 32
Details: Though John A. and Jessica Bell’s Jonabell Farm was founded in 1946, Jonabell’s relocation to its present Bowman Mill took place in 1954. Sold by the Bells in 2001 to Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Jonabell became the centerpiece of his Darley Stud American division and was overhauled with exceptional structures and landscaping.
Architecturally characterized by its post-modern brick and stone barns by Alt 32, today it continues to be the center of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s thoroughbred operation in North America.
You can read a thoughtful exploration of Jonabell Farm as written by Katie Warren for Business Insider. Jonabell is, among other notable facts, the final home and resting place of Triple Crown winner Affirmed. It sits across the street from another substantial farm, Mill Ridge Farm.
Overbrook Farm: approximately 850 acres
Overbrook Farm Stallion Complex. Image: Overbrook Farm
Owner: The Young Family
Acreage: approximately 850 acres
Address: 2525 Delong Rd, Lexington, KY 40515
Gazebo at Overbrook Farm. Image: Pieter Ersterson
Details: In a case of witnessing history in real time, it was the 1972 purchase of 110 acres by Lexington native William T. Young, whose fortune came from peanut butter, that started one of the most successful horse racing operations in the history of the sport. With four Breeders’ Cup victories, a Kentucky Derby win, and many other successes, the quality of horses that came from Overbrook Farm remains remarkable, as especially demonstrated by the astounding stud fee of Storm Cat, which at one time reached $500,000 per live foal.
At least after 1996, Overbrook Farm grew to be a 2,400-acre thoroughbred breeding operation before the 2004 death of the elder Young. The children of Young inherited the farm but due to a lack of passion for horsemanship, ceased its operation in 2009 and dispersed its horses by 2010. Now, Overbrook Farm leases its holdings to a variety of parties, and has recently contemplated further division for development purposes.
Mill Ridge Farm: approximately 900-1,100 acres
Mill Ridge Farm. Image: Mill Ridge Farm
Owner: Headley/Bell Family
Acreage: approximately 900-1,100 acres
Address: 2800 Bowman Mill Rd, Lexington, KY 40513
Details: Among the most influential women in horse breeding, Alice Headley Chandler founded Mill Ridge Farm in 1962 with the 286 acres and four mares bequeathed to her by her father, Hal Price Headley. The late Headley, who was essential in the founding of Keeneland and the first President of the racetrack, owned the expansive Beaumont Farm (mentioned below) prior to his passing.
Perhaps most remarkable about Mill Ridge was the 57-year-long relationship the farm maintained with the Queen of England. In 1986, the Queen would send five mares to Mill Ridge for boarding and breeding with their American stallions. Her goal was to use American stallions for their speed and durability and weigh in on the trend spreading throughout Europe. The Queen would regularly return to Mill Ridge Farm to inspect her mares at the farm.
Over time, Mill Ridge has expanded from the initial 286 acres to around 1,000 acres in its particularly fertile corner of Fayette County. Alice Headley Chandler passed away in 2021 at age 95, but her sons Headley Bell and Mike Bell continue to manage Mill Ridge Fam.
Castleton Lyons: approximately 1,000 acres
Castleton Lyons. Image: Castleton Lyons
Owner: Declan, Cathal, and Shane Ryan
Acreage: approximately 1,000 acres
Address: 2469 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY 40511
The 1840 mansion at Castleton Lyons. Image: Scott Frances
Details: Another deeply historic farm, Castleton Lyons exists today as a portion of Cabell's Dale, which was established in 1793 by Virginia native John Breckinridge, who purchased 2,467 acres. Breckinridge would go on to serve in Kentucky's legislature and the U.S. Senate before becoming U.S. Attorney General under Thomas Jefferson. Breckinridge started a Thoroughbred breeding operation, mixing English and American bloodlines. Upon the marriage of his daughter Mary Ann to David Castleman, Breckinridge gifted the couple a portion of Cabell's Dale which they renamed Castleton Farm and they built a lavish Greek Revival mansion which still stands today.
Sold to a particularly skilled horseman, James R. Keene, the farm grew into a world-class stud and Castleton owned or bred 113 stakes winners between 1893 and 1911. Poor documentation and rapid expansion left Castleton Farm without clear boundaries and evidence of improvements. Sold to New Yorker David Look and then to Frances Dodge Johnson (of Dodge automobile manufacturer), the farm stayed with the Dodge/Van Lennep family until 2001, when it was sold to the late Dr. Tony Ryan, the owner of Ryanair.
Good to Know.
As a woman in the 1920s, Elizabeth Daingerfield was made responsible for the stud career of Man o’ War, which was highly unusual for the time. However, having grown up at Castleton Stud, she would eventually run Castleton, manage Haylands Farm, and lease her own Hinata Farm, making her one of the most the experienced women in the business.
Ryan immediately improved the farm, planting more than 2,000 trees, installing a timber-framed covered bridge over a lake on the property and had a disused water tower clad in stone. In 2004, he relaunched the farm as a thoroughbred operation with a new name: Castleton Lyons. Now Castleton Lyons is owned by Ryan’s sons and primarily managed by Shane Ryan.
Dixiana Farm: approximately 1,000 acres
Dixiana Farm. Image: John O’Hagan
Owner: William & Donna Shively
Acreage: approximately 1,000 acres
Address: 1301 Dixiana Domino Rd, Lexington, KY 40511
Details: Few farms have had a more unpredictable journey through time than Dixiana. Bearing witness and participating in over 140 years of horse racing history, the vast Dixiana Farm was first known as Hamilton Stud before it was purchased in 1877 by Major Barak G. Thomas. Dixiana was named after Thomas’ favorite broodmare, Dixie. A series of great stallions including Himyar and Domino led Dixiana to gain an early reputation as a significant breeding operation. Eventually, Thomas was forced to sell the farm due to outstanding unpaid debts and between 1890-1924, Dixiana would change hands at least three times, eventually making up a portion of James Ben Ali Haggin’s monstrous Elmendorf Farm (mentioned below) and even functioned as a tobacco farm. It was not until 1924 would Dixiana return to the thoroughbred scene when it was purchased by racing enthusiast James Cox Brady.
Dixiana’s “Big Barn” in 2009. Image: Dixiana
By 1929, the farm had changed ownership again, this time entering a period of growth as a saddle horse operation under the hand of Charles T. Fisher. The daughter of Charles, Mary V. Fisher took over the farm after his passing, continuing to find success with runners such as Red Cross, Fulvous, and Fulcrum. As a female, Mary represented a key aspect of farm ownership in the Bluegrass: the fact that several of the largest farms have been managed by women, including Mill Ridge Farm’s Alice Headley Chandler, Ramsey Farm’s Sarah Ramsey, and Stonestreet Farms’ Barbara Banke.
Dixiana remained intact until 1947 when Fisher sold about half of the acreage to Royce G. Martin, who then launched Woodvale Stud. That property was resold several times and later became Domino Stud. After another trade by Mary Wibel (who went so far as to lease land that was once Dixiana property), It was William Shively who not only purchased Dixiana, but in 2009 also purchased back the land lost to Domino Stud, restoring Dixiana to its original tract size once again.
As a final testament to the pride in history and preservation, the Shively family planned a comprehensive restoration of the original Dixiana farm house and guest house. However, even this was subject to complication when a two-day fire ravaged the 1812 structure, leaving only the entry columns preserved. Instead, they built new from the remaining columns of the original house.
Ramsey Farm: approximately 1,200-1,619 acres
Ramsey Farm. Image: Ramsey Farm
Owner: The Ramsey Family
Acreage: approximately 1,200-1,619 acres
Address: 6915 Harrodsburg Rd, Nicholasville, KY 40356
Details: Straddling the historic Harrodsburg Road, this active farm has been owned by the Ramsey family since 1994. Already the site of five generations of horse breeding (most of that exclusively by the original land grant holder, the Knight family) and formerly known as Almahurst Farm (which a residential street name in front of the farm commemorates), Ramsey Farm is steeped in history (even being the site of an unsolved murder, explored in this article by Myra Lewyn for The Paulick Report) and has celebrated countless wins and star bloodlines (particularly the Kitten bloodline, started by Kitten’s First, a Lear Fan filly purchased as a 2-year-old by Sarah Ramsey). As a partner with her husband, Sarah had won more races in the state of Kentucky than any other owner in the history of the sport. Sarah Ramsey died in 2022.
Historical Marker at Chaumiere Des Prairies. Image: Duane and Tracy Marsteller
It’s unclear the exact acreage of Ramsey Farm as of 2023, but it is known that at the time of the Ramsey acquisition in 1994, the property was 378 acres, down significantly from the 2,100 acres once amassed by various Knight family members.
But since the Ramsey’s initial purchase, a 2013 New York Times article with primary commentary from Ken Ramsey places farm’s holding at 1,450 acres. The farm has continued to expand since that article was written, with the most recent acquisition being a 2015 purchase of the historic La Chaumiere du Prairie and its 169 acres. As an interesting aside, the octagonal room at La Chaumiere du Prairie was designed to accommodate the Marquis de Lafayette, but he never arrived due to muddy roads around Catnip Hill. Nonetheless, Fayette County is named so in his honor.
Spendthrift Farm: approximately 1,200 acres
Spendthrift Farm. Image: Keeneland Magazine
Owner: Eric and Tammy Gustavson
Acreage: 6,100 acres in 1970, 1,200 acres today.
Address: 884 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY 40511
The manor house at Spendthrift Farm. Image: Keeneland Magazine
Details: Spendthrift Farm was founded in 1966 by Leslie Combs II and named for the excellent stallion Spendthrift, the great-grandfather of champion Man o' War. Originally only 126 acres of land just north of Lexington, Spendthrift grew to be among the most legendary breeding operations. As for structures and accommodations, perhaps most unique to Spendthrift is the Nashua Motel, named after another legendary horse who lived in the U-shaped barn for 25 years.
Other longtime residents included Triple Crown winners Seattle Slew and Action This Day. Combs maintained Spendthrift until his death in 1990 where then it was sold and bounced around a variety of owners. Spendthrift has the distinction of being the first publicly traded breeding farm on a stock exchange as well as being subject to a highly-visible bankruptcy in 1988. As for acreage, Spendthrift Farm enjoyed a height of 6,100 acres, now down to a still-formidable 1,200.
It was not until 2004 did Spendthrift Farm find an appropriate suitor who could respect its legacy. Arguably the most consequential custodian of Spendthrift Farm was the late B. Wayne Hughes. As the billionaire founder and CEO of Public Storage, Hughes’ 2004 purchase and restoration of the historic Spendthrift Farm was pivotal for the farm, restoring Spendthrift as a certifiable contender in the horse racing community and making the farm a destination in itself.
For its Fall 2020 issue, Keeneland Magazine conducted an in-depth profile of Hughes’ Spendthrift, which you can readhere in PDF format. As a clear demonstration of his progressive and inclusive operating style, Hughes opened the farm for tours and equine encounters and used Kentucky Derby winner Authentic to support a new fractional horse ownership company,MyRacehorse.com. Hughes died in 2021 but the farm continues to be owned by the daughter and son-in-law of Hughes, Tammy and Eric.
Mereworth Farm: approximately 1,200 acres
Mereworth Farm. Image: Mereworth Farm
Owner: Susan S. Donaldson Foundation
Acreage: approximately 1,200 acres, historically up to 3,200 acres
Address: 4985 Bethel Rd, Lexington, KY 40511
Details: Though the name Mereworth may not have the brand recognition of Calumet or Claiborne, at its height, Mereworth was no weakling, playing an integral role in the development of commercial horse breeding in the area. Established in 1918 by New York real estate mogul Walter Salmon Sr. (responsible for iconic buildings like 11 West 42nd Street and 500 Fith Avenue), Mereworth’s success came from the business approach applied by Salmon, centered on diversification and scrupulous attempts at minimizing expenses— the same principles applied to his building leasing practice in New York City.
Situated between Lexington and Midway, Mereworth’s 1,200 acres were highly functional with every acre optimized for production, not only producing horses of several breeds, but also other types of agriculture. Mereworth grew corn, wheat, and a special low nicotine variety of tobacco during the Salmon administration. Particularly enthusiastic about leasing land as a way to save money, Salmon Sr. had around 3,200 acres under his name at the time of his death before the holdings were reduced to the present day 1,200. Some things do not change, however, as Mereworth continues to lease portions of its property to foundations that support aging racehorses and other unwanted creatures.
Mt. Brilliant Farm: approximately 1,400 acres
Mt. Brilliant Farm. Image: William Esarey
Owner: Greg Goodman
Acreage: approximately 1,400 acres
Address: 3865 Russell Cave Rd, Lexington, KY 40511
Details: Of truly exceptional legacy and still growing today, Mt. Brilliant seemed nearly destined to be of equestrian and social significance from the start. In 1774, Thomas Jefferson gifted 2,000 acres of land to General William Russell in recognition of his late brother Henry's service in the French and Indian War. Stewards of the land, the Russells added 800 acres to their holdings (including the legendary cave that serves as the name for the road this farm sits on).
However, the name Mt. Brilliant comes from the house that in 1905, James Ben Ali Haggin (of Elmendorf Farm) gave to his grandson, Louis Lee Haggin. With the house and land received as a wedding gift, Louis established a pedigree operation with his wife, Emma Jackson. By 1995, Mt. Brilliant was separated from Elmendorf Farm and purchased by the Goodman family, who own it today and have made improvements including a rehabilitation of the famous carriage house, completed by John Blackburn and interior designer James Gehrmann.
In 2023, Mt. Brilliant purchased Man o’ War Farm, originally part of Faraway Farm, adding an additional 100 acres to the spread and acquiring another historic geographic artifact: the site where legendary runner Man o’ War was buried. Landscape work was done by William Esarey.
Gainesway Farm: approximately 1,500 acres
Stallion Barns at Gainesway Farm. Image: Gainesway Farm
Owner: Antony Beck
Acreage: approximately 1,500 acres
Address: 3750 Paris Pike #1, Lexington, KY 40511
Details: In 1774, John Floyd was sent to handpick two 1,000-acre parcels along Elkhorn Creek — one for John Preston, a wealthy military colleague of George Washington’s, and another for Preston’s brother-in-law, John Howard. Howard’s 1,000 acres would ultimately make up the bulk of Gainesway farm, but not before intrepid horseman James Ben Ali Haggin would acquire 554 aces of it to his own Elmendorf Farm.
Site plan of Gainesway Farm. Source: A. E. Bye papers via Penn State University Libraries.
Over time, various pieces of the original Elmendorf and Howard holdings were still in operation. Parts of them, on the east side of Paris Pike, were eventually turned into the modern Gainesway Farm. South African Graham Beck purchased Gainesway in 1989 and acquired adjacent properties to form a 1,500-acre breeding farm, whose holdings include the former Greentree and Whitney farms.
Needless to say, Gainesway Farm has a remarkable race history and retains a very successful stallion, Tapit, who has sired 31 Grade 1 winners. Gainesway has been home to 1915 Kentucky Derby winner Regret, 1931 Kentucky Derby and Belmont winner Twenty Grand, and 1942 Kentucky Derby and Belmont winner Shutout.
Special mention must be made to the farm structures that dot Gainesway Farm. Designed by Theodore Ceraldi, the National AIA Award-winning work included stallion barns, breeding sheds, a lunging ring complex, guard houses, and more. Thanks to modernist principles applied to vernacular American architecture, Gainesway Farm feels more like a site-specific installation conveying the idea of a breeding farm, with Ceraldi respecting the functionality of the buildings and beauty of the landscape in tandem. Thanks to over five-hundred species of plants on the property, Gainesway Farm has been granted Aboretum II status by Arbnet.
Stonestreet Farm: approximately 1,800 acres
Stonestreet Farm, Yearling Division. Image: Stonestreet Farm
Owner: Barbara Banke
Acreage: approximately 1,800 Acres
Address: 3530 Old Frankfort Pike, Lexington, KY 40510
Details: Established with the 2005 purchase of the 469-acre Buckram Oak Farm, Kendall-Jackson Wines founder Jess Stonestreet Jackson was becoming the steward of already-hallowed land. Located where Col. Edward R. Bradley built the Idle Hour Farm in 1906 and acquired the famous mare La Troienne in 1931, Stonestreet has continued a story of intelligent and patient breeding operations with plenty of award-winning horses. Just last year, Dreaming of Julia (A.P. Indy) was the Kentucky Broodmare of the Year, slotting into Stonestreet’s list of award-winning horses including Curlin, the Horse of the Year in 2007 and 2008, and Rachel Alexandra, the 2009 Horse of the Year.
Jess passed in 2011, but his widow, Barbara Banke, has maintained and expanded the family operation while continuing to advocate for the spirit of the sport.
Juddmonte Farms: approximately 2,500 acres
Juddmonte Farms. Image: Juddmonte Farms
Owner: The Estate of Prince Khalid bin Abdullah of Saudi Arabia
Acreage: approximately 2,500 acres
Address: 3082 Walnut Hill Rd, Lexington, KY 40515
Deed (detail) between Brownell Combs, II and Juddmonte Farms, Inc. Source: Fayette County
Details: The story of Juddmonte Farms is one of personal passion and breathtaking success. Within five years of Prince Khalid bin Abdullah of Saudi Arabia’s purchase of his first horse in 1977, Juddmonte expanded globally and established its Bluegrass presence with the acquisition of Belair Stud. After this initial purchase, Juddmonte continued to expand through the 1980s. A particularly interesting series of trades between Juddmonte and Brownell Combs, II took place in 1987 and 1989. The timing is worth noting as Combs’ newly-public Spendthrift Farm (mentioned above) would file for bankruptcy in 1988, but not before the farm sold significant holdings such as these plots in Fayette County. Juddmonte would eventually assemble 2,500 acres around the lush Walnut Hill and Delong Roads south of Lexington.
Although the Prince passed in 2021, his family has committed to maintaining the award-winning operation. Should Shadwell Farm (see below) be sold off in portions, Juddmonte has a legitimate claim to be the largest farm by acreage with a Lexington, KY mailing address.
What is the Largest Horse Farm in Kentucky? Shadwell Farm: approximately 3,400 acres
Shadwell Farm: approximately 3,400 acres
Shadwell Farm. Image: Shadwell Farm
Owner: Estate of Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, former deputy ruler of Dubai
Acreage: approximately 3,400 acres.
Address: 4600 Fort Springs Pinckard Rd, Lexington, KY 40513
Details: Shadwell Farm is the largest horse farm in Lexington, Kentucky, with around 3,400 acres under claim as of 2023. The land buying effort was launched in the late 1980s with the mandate to “find the finest undeveloped land in Central Kentucky” on behalf of Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, former deputy ruler of Dubai. Today, it is owned by the estate of the late Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who was highly influential in the international thoroughbred racing scene for over four decades and known for his loyalty and personal enthusiasm for the sport. The farm foaled and raised such horses as champion Nashwan, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Sakhee and Epsom Derby victor Erhaab.
As a demonstration of how quickly Shadwell’s land holding grew, original research for this writing shows that in 1986, Shadwell pieced together an initial 350 aces of land primarily from the holdings of the Burrier family who had been settled at the site of Shadwell Farm since at least 1878. In 1989, Shadwell bought a further 258 acres from the Burrier family (Fayette County Clerk). More acquisitions took place in 1994 and 1996, with 219 acres and 204 acres acquired respectively, with both plots coming from the Kelly family. Counting the substantial Nashwan Stud, all of these acquisitions and more have lead to the 3,400 acre tally.
Even with portions of Shadwell Farm being sold off ( $17,750,000 for 839 acres of Shadayid Stud, and $12,000,000 gets the 523-acre Erhaab Stud), it is still an impressive spread of land with a Lexington, KY ZIP-Code. Primarily colonizing both sides of the scenic Parker’s Mill and Ft. Springs Pinckard roads, Shadwell is one of the most well-maintained and lavishly landscaped farms in the world. And fortunately, Ft. Springs Pinckard Road goes directly through the heart of Shadwell Farm, offering a picturesque drive under massive shade trees and along rolling lands dotted with horses and fencing.
Updated May 5, 2024: Both Shadayid Stud and Erhaab Stud have sold for $15,000,000 and and $10,000,000, respectively. Without these holdings, Shadwell Farm is approximately 2,069 acres, placing Juddmonte Farms as the largest farm in Lexington, KY by acreage.
Historically Large Horse Farms near Lexington, Kentucky
Historical Mention: Beaumont Farm: approximately 4,000 acres
Beaumont Farm. Image: Lexington Herald Leader via Kentucky's Famous Racehorses by Patricia L. Thompson
Acreage: approximately 4,000 acres (until sale at 1992)
Address: Southcreek Office Park and Sullivan University (Harrodsburg Road at New Circle Road)
Details: Beginning with its purchase by George Washington Headley in 1880, which was then passed down to his son Hal Petit Headley. Eventually it was passed to Hal Price Headley. Hal Price Headley played a pivotal role in making the dream of Keeneland Race Track a reality. Serving as President of Keeneland from its inception in 1936 until 1951, Headley dedicated himself to the farm's operations and solidifying Keeneland's prominence in thoroughbred horse racing, becoming the inaugural President of the Thoroughbred Horse Association.
Beaumont Farm being redeveloped into Beaumont Center, a shopping area and business park, 1992. Image: Charles Bertram via Lexington Herald Leader
Headley’s death in 1962 was consequential for his daughter Alice (who would start Mill Ridge Farm from land gifted to her) and for the city of Lexington- the vast majority of the Beaumont Land became fully developed into suburb space. Beaumont Farm was just one of Headley’s holdings in Lexington, as he (according to Alice Chandler Headley) also had Picadome Golf Course and areas near Richmond Road in his name.
Good to Know
If you’re in the market for a high-quality horse, the primary auction houses for horse sales in the Bluegrass are Fasig-Tipton, established in 1898, and Keeneland Sales, established in 1935. Both host at least two auctions per year for different classes of horses.
Historical Mention: Elmendorf Farm: at least 8,900 acres
Exterior of Elmendorf Farm Mansion
Acreage: approximately 8,900 in 1908, up to 13,000 acres. 500 acres in 2023.
Address: 611 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY 40511
Details: Elmendorf Farm has a rich and storied history that spans centuries. Although the land that Elmendorf sits on had been settled for centuries, it wasn’t until the 19th century that the farm began work in horse breeding. It began with Milton H. Sanford, who established the farm as an extension of Preakness Stud. The name "Preakness" holds significance as it was inspired by Sanford's renowned horse, Preakness, who lent his name to the prestigious Preakness Stakes (G1). In 1881, the farm changed hands when Daniel Swigert acquired it and decided to rename it Elmendorf in honor of his wife's grandmother, Blandina Elmendorf Brodhead.
However, it was under the ownership of James Ben Ali Haggin that Elmendorf Farm truly flourished. Haggin was an astute horseman who understood the art of horseracing and breeding, transforming it into a highly social and public affair. He invested a substantial sum of around $2 million at the time, expanding the farm to an impressive 8,900 acres (with one measure reaching 13,000 acres when including leased land) with an astounding 2,000 horses. Elmendorf Farm became a focal point along the Paris Pike, boasting over five miles of road frontage. This made Elmendorf Estate more than four times larger than any other similar establishment in the region, solidifying its status as a premier equine haven along with premier dairy facilities.
To demonstrate how quickly Elmendorf grew under Haggin’s administration, here is a mere sampling of sales according to deed books from 1897-1902, assembled by Amber Fogle Sergent as part of her fascinating 2012 study, “The Pastime Of Millions”: James B. Haggin’s Elmendorf Farm And The Commercialization Of Pedigree Animal Breeding.
| Year | Seller | Acres | Deed Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1897 | C.J. Enright | 544 | 112 |
| 1898 | Thomas Muir | 614 | 114 |
| 1899 | George and Ann Muir | 273 | 117 |
| 1899 | W.M. Kenney | 276 | 118 |
| 1900 | Alice M. Smith | 149 | 120 |
| 1901 | George H. Whitney | 1,240 | 120 |
| 1901 | A.B. Leach | 152 | 120 |
| 1901 | Jas Kerr II | 543 | 123 |
| 1901 | R.R. Early | 567 | 122 |
| 1902 | David Harp | 267 | 162 |
Over the years, Elmendorf Farm became closely associated with Greentree Farm, owned by Helen Hay (Mrs. Payne) Whitney. Helen, daughter of John Hay, President Abraham Lincoln's secretary turned Ambassador to Great Britain and Secretary of State, married Payne Whitney in 1902. The Whitney family, with their prominent name in horse breeding and ownership, perpetuated their legacy through generations, with Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney carrying it forward.
Despite changes in ownership, Elmendorf Farm retained its prominence. Today, the 500-acre historic farm remains under the ownership of the late Dinwiddie Lampton Jr. family's American Life and Accident Insurance Company. It continues to focus on Thoroughbred operations while accommodating coach horses, dairy cattle, and laying hens. The farm is currently leased to Sancal Racing and Stone Columns Stables.
Historical Mention: Manchester Farm: now approximately 200 acres
Manchester Farm. Image: Manchester Farm
Acreage: approximately 1,400 acres in the 1700s, now approximately 200 acres.
Address: 611 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY 40511
Details: Few things encapsulate the charm and regal beauty of the Bluegrass quite like Manchester Farm’s famous barn, situated atop a hill, where its sharp series of steeples prod the sky. Built in 1984 by Mike Rutherford, it is one of the most photogenic points in all of Kentucky and serves as a visual calling card for horse country. But it is worth noting that Manchester Farm’s beauty is backed by a remarkable legacy.
Named after the creek that crosses its boundary, Manchester Farm is one of Lexington’s oldest farms, dating back to the late 1700s. Tied to the Keene family since the beginning, Manchester Farm would eventually grow to 1,400 acres over the course of five generations. Originally named Manchester Springs Plantation, buffalo were known to gather at the creek, as noted by Col. Robert Patterson, one of the founders of Lexington. The southern portion of the land eventually became the iconic Keeneland Racetrack and in late 2022, Keeneland Racetrack announced the acquisition of the legendary farm, restoring Manchester Farm to something of a historic whole.
