Woodford County
Woodford County
Woodford County, Kentucky is as diverse in its agricultural pursuits as it is in its topography. Bordered largely by the Kentucky River with Versailles (pronounced VER-sales) as its county seat, Woodford County is, along with Fayette County, home to the most famous horse farms in the world.
Ashford Stud (Coolmore), Buck Pond, Diamond A, Gainesboro, Hurstland, Lane’s End, Stonestreet, Three Chimneys, and WinStar all call Woodford County their home, along with the Woodford Reserve Distillery. Woodford County has the luxury of interstate access, connecting Versailles and the village of Midway to Lexington, Louisville, or Cincinnati with ease. Recent years have brought an influx of sport-horse interests to Woodford County as well, thanks to the appeal of the location, the beauty, and the surrounding equine support industries.
Equestrian Idyll
Some famed horses with Woodford County origins include:
American Pharoah – American Pharoah, who won the Triple Crown in 2015, was foaled at Vinery Farms in Woodford County.
California Chrome – California Chrome, who won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes in 2014, was bred by Perry Martin and Steve Coburn at their farm in Woodford County.
Justify – Justify, who won the Triple Crown in 2018, was born and raised at Glennwood Farm in Woodford County.
Serena’s Song – Serena’s Song was a top racehorse in the 1990s, winning multiple Grade I stakes races. She was bred by Robert and Beverly Lewis at their farm in Woodford County.
A.P. Indy – A.P. Indy won the Belmont Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup Classic in 1992. He was bred by William Farish III at Lane’s End in Woodford County.