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Visit the Bluegrass home of international breeding giant Coolmore, one of the largest global players in the bloodstock industry. Behind Ashford Stud's historic stone walls. find some of the most sough-after horses in the world as well as its storied history. You'll learn by Coolmore has the moniker Home of Champions - you might see a Triple Crown winner or two.

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See the Home of Justify, Ashford Stud Farm, On a Breeders’ Cup Week Tour

by Mint Julep Experiences | Sep 24, 2018 | Horses

Two of Mint Julep’s Breeders’ Cup week experiences will travel to Ashford Stud Farm, owned by Coolmore America, where the horse currently resides. On Thursday, Nov. 1, the Horse Country tour will visit Ashford Stud and Pin Oak Stud farms. On Sunday, Nov. 4, the Best of Kentucky tour will visit Ashford Stud and Buffalo Trace Distillery.

Not available this November? Request a private Justify experience with Mint Julep today.

Where is Justify?

As of Sept. 17, 2018, Justify resides at Coolmore America’s Ashford Stud Farm in Versailles, Kentucky. Justify will stand at the farm in 2019 for the first season of his stud career. His stud fee has been set at $150,000. Ashford Stud Stallion Manager Richard Barry, who also looked after Scat Daddy, Johannesburg, Hennessy & Storm Bird, is among the team of people there helping Justify feel at home.

Fellow Triple Crown champ American Pharoah also calls Ashford Stud home during the northern hemisphere’s breeding season. He will return to Kentucky in December 2018. This ‘home of champions’ will be your first chance to see two Triple Crown winners in one place starting this winter!

On any horse farm tour, staff will do their best to ensure you can meet stallions, however, there is no guarantee. Showings are dependent on the health and daily activities of each horse. Remember, these horses are at work! Tours are typically conducted rain or shine. Keep in mind that many stallions, including American Pharoah, travel to the southern hemisphere for several months of the year. Plan your visit accordingly.

For a full recap of Justify’s horse racing career and path to Coolmore America, read our article here .

Where is Ashford Stud Farm?

Ashford Stud Farm is the Kentucky home of international horse racing business Coolmore. It is located at 5095 Frankfort Rd. in Versailles, Kentucky. Horse farm tours are available.

Sister operations in Ireland and Australia are among the many facets of this massive global bloodstock company. Historic stone walls line the beautiful Kentucky stud farm, which has been home to many iconic stallions. Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus and record breaking sire Uncle Mo also call Ashford Stud home. The legendary facility has been in business since the 1982 breeding season, when its roster was headlined by Storm Bird. It continues to house many of the best sires in the world.

Current stallions at Ashford Stud for the 2019 breeding season (listed with stud fees) include:

• Air Force Blue ($20,000)
• American Pharoah ($110,000)
• Classic Empire ($35,000)
• Competitive Edge ($7500)
• Cupid ($12,500)
• Declaration of War ($25,000)
• Fusaichi Pegasus ($7500)
• Justify ($150,000)
• Lookin At Lucky ($17,500)
• Mendelssohn (TBA)
• Mo Town ($12,500)
• Munnings ($20,000)
• Practical Joke ($30,000)
• Tale Of The Cat ($25,000)
• Uncle Mo ($125,000)
• Vancouver ($15,000)
• Verrazano ($15,000)

Extend your Kentucky Horse Country adventure by booking a private custom experience with Mint Julep. See which horse farms are available and find out more here.

Book Breeders’ Cup Tours

Visit Ashford Stud for a tour with Mint Julep Nov. 1 or Nov. 4 for a chance to see Justify. Details on each Breeders’ Cup tour are below. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are likely to sell out. Book online or call 502-583-1433 today.

HORSE COUNTRY TOUR

Thursday, Nov. 1

Visit two of Kentucky’s finest horse farms in one experience! You’ll visit Coolmore Ashford Stud Farm and Pin Oak Farm. Depart at 9:00 a.m. and return at 4:30 p.m. Tour includes farm-fresh lunch.

$159 per person

BEST OF KENTUCKY TOUR

Sunday, Nov. 4

Immerse yourself in Kentucky’s iconic scenery and enjoy two of the Bluegrass State’s most intriguing industries (bourbon and horses) in one experience! This tour visits Coolmore Ashford Stud Farm and Buffalo Trace Distillery and includes lunch. Depart at 9:00 a.m. and return at 5:30 p.m.

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Thoroughbred Heritage Horse Farm Tours

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American Pharoah Tour

• Duration: 3 Hours (approx.)
• Location : Lexington, KY
• Product code: PHT1UH

The American Pharoah Tour is an exciting opportunity to see Coolmore stallions such as the last two Triple Crown winners, American Pharoah (2015 winner) and Justify (2018 winner). Coolmore also boasts other great stallions on their roster including: Uncle Mo, Practical Joke, Tiz The Law, Munnings, Mendelssohn, Maximum Security and others!  This is truly one of the most beautiful stud farms in Central Kentucky and a "must see" destination.

Prior to seeing stallions at Coolmore you will also visit Old Friends Farm, a renowned retirement farm for thoroughbred horses ranging from Hall of Fame champion Silver Charm (1997 Kentucky Derby winner) to Belmont winner Touch Gold (1997 winner) to thoroughbreds who earned no money on the track at all but still won the hearts of the people who know them.  What all of them have in common is a dignified, doted on retirement at a farm dedicated to their care.

NOTE: All stallions (including American Pharoah) are subject to availability.  Coolmore has every intention of showing American Pharoah on the tour but reserves the right to not show him in response to factors that may come up on the day.

These tickets are non refundable.   

No dogs, pets or other animals are allowed on the tour. The farms do not allow other animals on their farms.

Under Kentucky law, a farm animal activity sponsor, farm animal professional, or other person does not have the duty to eliminate all risks of injury of participation in farm animal activities. "There are inherent risks of injury that you voluntarily accept if you participate in farm animal activities." "By purchasing ticket/s you agree that Thoroughbred Heritage Tours is not liable for any injuries or death that may occur due to participating in a farm animal activity in Kentucky".

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American Pharoah

Jack Christopher

Maximum Security

Mendelssohn

Practical Joke

Tiz The Law

Scorching Second Stakes Winner of Weekend for Mo Town

Domestic Product Secures First G1 Win in Allen Jerkens

Mo Town Filly Adds G2 To Resume in Charles Town Oaks

Justify Colt Registers Fifth Stakes Victory

Long Neck Paula Romps in Debutante

€1 Million Justify Colt Breaks Maiden at York

City Of Troy Breaks Track Record in G1 Juddmonte International

Out On Bail First Stakes Winner For Tiz The Law

Fourth Stakes Victory for Forever Souper

Mendelssohn Filly Wins Susie O’Cain

Miss Saugerties Easy Winner for Tiz The Law

Showcase Leads Uncle Mo Exacta In G2 Saratoga Special

This two day itinerary visits some of the best horse farms, restaurants and shopping areas that Woodford County has to offer. Can’t make them all? Click here for the Woodford County Passport, courtesy of our friends at Reserve Woodford , for an inclusive list of the all things to eat, play and stay in Woodford County.

Note: This itinerary is a suggestion only and is based on a sample of what tours may be available in Fall 2022. Each Horse Country tour requires that guests be ticketed in advance . Tickets are available for purchase at www.visithorsecountry.com or by calling 859-963-1004. Though this info has been researched & is being shared in good faith, tour availability is subject to change.

May we suggest…   breakfast and coffee from the Amsden Coffee Club in Downtown Versailles.

WinStar Farm | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30  p.m.

This two hour tour allows guests to first see the stallions of the all-star roster and walk through the state-of- the-art stallion barn to get a glimpse of the day to day life of each of WinStar’s stallions. Afterwards, guests will climb aboard our electric shuttle and see all the beauty the rest of the farm has to offer.

May we suggest… visiting Downtown Versailles to shop, eat and sip. Check out Bluegrass Traditions for Horse Country merchandise & more!

Coolmore at Ashford Stud | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Visit Ashford Stud, international breeding giant Coolmore’s home in the Bluegrass. Come and see why Coolmore’s farms around the world have earned the moniker of the Home of Champions – and you may even see a Triple Crown winner (or two!).

Be sure to check out… Woodford Reserve or Castle & Key for a distillery tour, tasting or a stroll in the gift shop. 

May we suggest… dinner at the Stave , a casual eatery with views of Glenn’s Creek, ample outdoor seating, and an extensive bourbon list.

May we suggest… breakfast at Castle Farm at the Kentucky Castle on the Woodford/Fayette County line. This unique attraction emphasizes farm-to-table dining, and many of the ingredients are grown on property. Plus, where else are you going to see a Castle in the Bluegrass?

Lane’s End Farm | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Visit Lane’s End Farm for their Shuttle Experience and meet some of the famed stallions that call this farm home, including Belmont Stakes winner Union Rags. This tour will guide you through the ins and outs of an elite Thoroughbred breeding and sales operation, and includes a shuttle ride to see mares, foals and yearlings. 

May we suggest… lunch at Wallace Station on Old Frankfort Pike between Midway and Versailles. This famous diner features horse racing memorabilia and art – and even a few sandwiches with names that pay homage to famous horses and racetracks! Grab an Ale8, a Santa Anita Club and enjoy your lunch on their porch in the heart of Horse Country.

Gainsborough Farm | 2 – 4 p.m. 

Meet some of international breeder/owner Godolphin’s foals at historic Gainsborough Farm outside of Versailles. You’ll learn about the history of Gainsborough as well as the global scope of Godolphin’s thoroughbred operations, before hopping on the shuttle to see broodmares and their babies.