The Lane Report -- Equine


	Equine and Horse Farms Known as the Horse Capital of the World, Kentucky is the setting for one of the most regal businesses -- horse industry. Visitors are spellbound by the multitude of gorgeous horse farms that include stately historic homes and miles of stone walls or white fences. While horses bring pleasure with their grace, beauty and speed, they also bring considerable economic benefit to the area. The horse industry contributes more than $5 billion annually to the state economy -- about 7.5 percent of the entire state gross business revenue, according to a study conducted by the Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce and the University of Kentucky's Center for Business and Economic Research. The equine industry also contributes about 75,000 jobs to the Kentucky economy. However, no dollar figure can be placed on the pure joy horse enthusiasts receive from spending a day at one of the six racetracks located in the state. Live harness, quarterhorse, thoroughbred as well as simulcasting give fans several options. Kentucky owes a great deal of its horse racing tradition to Churchill Downs, located in Louisville, primarily because it is the home of the Kentucky Derby -- the first leg of racing's Triple Crown and arguably the best-known horse race in the world. Keeneland, located in Lexington, is another racetrack that is highly regarded in the racing community. Not just a racetrack, Keeneland is a combination Thoroughbred race course and sales company. Keeneland seasonally plays host to the biggest names in the Thoroughbred community as trainers and owners come together to purchase the latest and greatest prospects. During almost any weekend, horse lovers can find an equine competition in progress at Lexington's Kentucky Horse Park. April brings the Rolex Kentucky three-day Event at the Park, one of only four elite competitions in the world with Olympic-caliber status. The annual Junior League Horse Show brings in the finest Saddlebred horses from around the world to compete in show events. So if it is horses that interest you, then Kentucky will certainly flood your appetite. Web Links Tracks Turfway Park Churchill Downs -- Home of the Kentucky Derby Keeneland Racetrack The Red Mile Magazines Blooodhorse Magazine Thoroughbred Times Daily Racing Form Organizations KY Thoroughbred Association Inc National Thoroughbred Racing Association Glencrest Farm, Midway KY Wayward Wind Farms, Henderson KY Albatroz Bloodstock Thoroughbreds, Lexington KY Fasig-Tipton Equibase Company The Lane Report Articles September 2005: Who Cares About Horses? UK's effort to get back in touch with Kentucky's equine industry February 2000: Anees Tops Experimental Free Handicap October 1999: Shades of the 1980s: Keeneland sale records encouraging numbers August 1999: Quality Not Quantity April 1999: Boxed In? Prominent Thoroughbred industry, community and gaming leaders candidly discuss marketing, VLTs and the heritage of the Sport of Kings Lemon Drop Kid is the Play: As Kentucky Derby 125 rapidly approaches, The Lane Report analyzes the prime contenders March 1999: Turfway Unveils New Logo; 1999's Leading 3-Year-Olds February 1999: Keeneland Teams Up to Purchase Turfway Park November 1998: Jockey Club Releases 1997 Breeding Stats October 1998: Cox to Disperse Breeding Stock September 1998: Breeding Success July 1998: Vinery Sells Major Interest

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