Dating back to 1867 and the turbulent years following the end of the Civil War, central Kentucky’s Runnymede Farm boasts a history that in many ways has evolved in tandem with the growth of the state’s signature Thoroughbred industry.
Pin Oak Stud, located near Versailles, Ky., is the epitome of a family-owned, startup Thoroughbred farm that built its way from modest beginnings to international success. Owner Josephine Abercrombie has been involved with horses for nearly her entire life, and she’s channeled that passion into operating a multi-service business known for its high standards in both breeding and racing Thoroughbreds.
WinStar Farm has been one of the preeminent multi-service Thoroughbred operations in the world over the past 15-plus years, and the Versailles, Ky.-based farm is currently in the midst of a four-year run of success that shows no signs of abating.
A horseshoe worn by 1973 Triple Crown winner and legendary Thoroughbred Secretariat in the Kentucky Derby sold for $80,736 in an auction conducted by Lelands.com on Aug. 16.
The price is a world record for a horseshoe, more than doubling the prior mark of $37,000, according to Lelands.com president Mike Heffner.
“A good farm to know” is the motto of Hurstland Farm in Midway, Ky. That’s been true for almost a century since the farm, owned by the Nuckols family throughout its existence, began breeding and raising Thoroughbreds.
