Keeneland opens its 2012 sales year on Monday, January 9, with its January Horses of All Ages Sale. A total of 1,594 horses will be available for auction during the four-day event. Area stallion farms draw auction attendees out to the farm by scheduling open houses the same week.
Local stallion farms have traditionally held open houses to coincide with the Keeneland sale. Although the open houses are geared toward breeders, this is an opportunity for anyone—potential breeder or everyday fan—to get an up-close look at the farm’s stallions. This may be the only time a fan has the chance to see one of their favorite ex-runners. The farms generally offer snacks and refreshments.
The farms are in the Lexington area, so a road trip may be in order. Below is a list of the farms that will be holding open houses next week and some of the studs you can expect to see.
Adena Springs in Paris, Kentucky, open January 8 at 6 p.m. with stallion show at 7 p.m. Stallions of note: Awesome Again, Einstein, Ghostzapper, and Macho Uno.
Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky, open January 9 – 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Stallions of note: Cape Blanco, Dunkirk, Fusaichi Pegasus, Giant’s Causeway, Grand Slam, Henrythenavigator, Lookin At Lucky, Majestic Warrior, Munnings, Scat Daddy, Tale Of The Cat, Thunder Gulch, and Uncle Mo.
