LouLife [1]

Lost to many Louisvillians within the recent ruins of suburbia is the legacy of Bashford Manor Farm - a farm that in its "hay day" was the first to claim the honor of breeding three Kentucky Derby winners. Now, local sculptor Bob Lockhart is busy commemorating the farm's illustrious past. Lockhart's relief sculpture, which will be cast in bronze, measures four-by-four feet and depicts the heads of Derby champs Azra (1892), Manuel (1899), and Sir Huon (1906). Beginning in March, the sculpture's home will be in the midst of a landscaped area with benches near the new Wal-mart on the site of the old Bashford Manor Mall.

Spelling relief for Bashford Manor Farm: artist Lockhart

The Bashford Manor Area Association was the catalyst behind the project to preserve and draw attention to the significance of Bashford Manor Farm, which was developed into commercial property in 1973. The Association approached Wal-Mart and secured funding for the sculpture and the park area. Lowe's has signed on as well to provide a bronze sign identifying the sculpture.

Lockhart believes the acknowledgment is important to the community. "It is taking an area that is lacked notice and reminding them of the dignity of their past," he says.

Bashford Manor Farm was turned into a nationally known racing stable in 1887 by George J. Long. Azra was the first horse bred on the farm to win the Derby, rallied to victory by 15-year-old Alonzo Clayton, the youngest jockey to ever win the Derby. Manuel and Sir Huron soon followed with wins in the next 14 years. Churchill Downs still pays homage to Long and his famous stable by running the Bashford Manor Stakes each spring meet. This spring you'll be able to catch both tributes - one in the flesh and one on the bronze.