Kentucky Derby Week Tours Available for Booking
A visit to Lexington during Kentucky Derby Week would be incomplete without exploring the historic Mill Ridge Kentucky horse farm. Known for its significant contributions to horse racing history, Mill Ridge offers a chance to immerse yourself in the world of thoroughbred breeding. Here’s what you can expect from a visit you’re sure to remember for years to come:
Meet the horses. One of the highlights is the chance to meet and interact with the thoroughbreds, including mares, foals, yearlings, and three stallions standing stud, OSCAR PERFORMANCE, ALOHA WEST, and CASA CREED. This interaction allows you to appreciate the beauty and grace of these elite athletes up close.
Learn about breeding: The tour might explain the breeding practices that have produced numerous champions. You could learn about the science and strategy behind pairing sires and dams.
Snap as many selfies as you want. The farm’s picturesque setting in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass region offers stunning scenic views, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts or wannabe influencers.
Increase your trivia knowledge. For those keen to learn more about horse racing history, the Kentucky horse farm tour can provide educational insights into horse care, farm management, and the economics of running a thoroughbred operation.
Grab some swag at the gift shop. Typically, a tour might end with a visit to a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs or memorabilia related to Mill Ridge and its equine stars.
Learn About Horse Racing History
The farm’s origins trace back to Hal Price Headley, a visionary who founded Keeneland Race Track, catalyzing Lexington's status as a world-renowned racing hub. His passion for horse racing was inherited by his daughter, Alice Headley Chandler, who established Mill Ridge Farm on the inherited land of Beaumont Farm after her father's passing in 1962.
Under Alice’s stewardship, Mill Ridge Farm burgeoned into a breeding operation for some of horse racing’s most notable champions including Kentucky Derby winner GIACOMO. Alice Chandler's pioneering spirit broke barriers in a predominantly male industry, extending Kentucky’s horse racing legacy globally by connecting with clients across continents.
Her son, Headley Bell, and later her grandson, Price Bell, continued to expand on this rich heritage. Headley Bell’s establishment of Nicoma Bloodstock, the bloodstock agency division of Mill Ridge, further elevated the farm's reputation by recommending the matings of Kentucky Derby winners BARBARO and STREET SENSE, and Horse of the Year champions HAVRE DE GRACE and BRICKS AND MORTAR.
Today, Mill Ridge Farm continues to produce thoroughbred royalty and serves as a living museum where visitors can experience the Bluegrass region’s deep-rooted horse racing history. Embodying the spirit of both innovation and tradition, the farm serves a connection that has brought horse racing to the masses by making it more accessible and engaging for racing enthusiasts around the world.
Interested in learning more about broodmares, foals, weanlings, and two-year olds? Want to see how they are raised for yourself? Schedule a tour of Mill Ridge Farm today at www.millridge.com/visit