all in Horse Country

Alice Chandler has a life motto that has served her quite well.

“Take care of the horse, and it will take care of you.”

Those words surely describe Chandler’s life, especially in the years since 1962 when she founded Mill Ridge Farm and built it into one of Kentucky’s leading breeding farms.

Coolmore Stud is arguably one of the two most important international Thoroughbred owner/breeder entities in the sport over the past half-century, along with Darley Stud. The multifaceted business originated in Ireland during the mid-1970s and through the years has exerted influence in every major racing jurisdiction to one degree or another while also revolutionizing the breeding and sales sectors of the industry.

Keene Ridge Farm lies in the heart of central Kentucky’s picturesque Thoroughbred breeding region, close to Keeneland Race Course. The 170-acre farm opened for business in 1994, and owner Ann Bakhaus has seen Keene Ridge grow through the subsequent quarter century into a respected operation that epitomizes small business savvy, astute breeding strategies, and a commitment toward caring for retirees.

Hermitage Farm became an important Thoroughbred stud farm nearly 100 years ago, its name associated with a long list accomplished racehorses and high-priced yearlings. Today, it still has a prominent place in the horse industry, and has become successful in other areas as well.

Blackwood Stables in Versailles, Ky., epitomizes the sort of small, versatile, well-run business that has made the central Bluegrass region of Kentucky the epicenter of the Thoroughbred breeding industry.

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