The Kentucky Derby and the Triple Crown races shine the spotlight on Thoroughbred racing every Spring. Of course, there is way more to the sport than these three races. A deeper look into the commitment to horse racing within the State of Kentucky speaks volumes as to why the Commonwealth is leading the race for the sport of kings in the 21st century.
Thoroughbred Breeding Industry The Backbone For Success In Kentucky.
Thoroughbred breeding in the state of Kentucky has always ranked among the highest in the world in both quality and quantity. In the rolling hills of the Commonwealth are some of the finest horse farms known to man. On these farms, champions are born and raised. The Kentucky Derby normally plays host to the best three-year-old horses in the world and as an example, of the 152 winners, 117 of them were bred within the state. In 2025, 69% of all grade 1 race winners in North America were Kentucky born. Currently the leading exporter of Thoroughbreds in the world, Kentucky has long been dedicated to producing the finest race horses on earth.
“We have always had a focus on breeding,” says Chauncey Morris, executive director of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association. “Kentucky has always been a breeding state and we have maintained a focus on that aspect. A very strong emphasis on our broodmare (mother) population has allowed us to produce winners all over the world. The races run throughout the year for the females within the state are very important as we develop fillies and mares. Yes, the stallions (father) that stand are a big part, but we also understand the other part of the equation is having a good mother. We take great pride in sending our product all over the world as we have never wanted a captive product as far as breeding is concerned.”
The movement of these fine Kentucky-bred horses throughout the country and the world is partly possible because of the Keeneland Sales. Located in Versailles, Kentucky, Keeneland serves as the largest Thoroughbred auction house in the world. In existence as a sales facility since 1938, business is booming as 2025 was a record year that saw a sales total of $836 million.
“Our horsepower in Kentucky is about way more than just the equine aspect,” says Morris, who first got into the Thoroughbred business in 2002 as an exporter of Kentucky bloodstock to other countries. “Our human capital is equally strong as we have a tremendously dedicated group of people committed to doing this business better than anyone in the world.”
Commitment to the Kentucky Racing Product Has Elevated The Game
Kentucky has climbed the ladder in recent years as far as racing significance is concerned. As a sport that is contested year-round, there are many racing venues across the country. New York, California, Florida, Louisiana, and Arkansas are states where a lot of the major action takes place. In the past five or so years, the Bluegrass state has become the place to run. Churchill Downs and Keeneland have long been destination spots for horsemen and fans, but now other venues like Ellis Park, Turfway Park, and Kentucky Downs are luring in Thoroughbred teams and the people who follow the game. The two biggest factors in this racing renaissance have been money and cooperation.
The dollar has absolutely driven the sport into the fast lane towards success in Kentucky. Historical horse racing gaming machines were introduced at Kentucky Downs in 2011 and this hybrid slot machine has been a major plus for Kentucky racing. Using a revenue-sharing plan, the gaming machines lit the fuse and Kentucky Downs and others have witnessed the explosion. In 2025, this European-style track located just north of the Tennessee state line featured seven race dates with purse money totaling at just over $40 million. Those numbers equal the highest per race payouts to horsemen of any track in the United States. As is the case with any sport, show’em the money and they will come. The races at Kentucky Downs usually feature full fields and facility improvements have made it a September destination spot for folks from all over the world.
“It has been amazing to see the evolution of Kentucky Downs”, says Ted Nicholson, vice president of racing at Kentucky Downs since 2014. “We have enjoyed a lot of success and that has allowed us to offer up some big race purses while at the same time continue to improve our facilities for the horsemen and the fans.”
Because the increased revenue has been so tremendous and all the tracks are willing to cooperate, the entire state has benefitted. Purse money at Kentucky Downs is like a Luis Vutton store, but all the other tracks have also seen huge increases in the money offered. As was previously established, the horsemen will follow the money and in recent years the field sizes for all races at the Kentucky tracks have increased significantly. Attendance has increased as well as over $1 billion has been invested in facility improvements across the state and more fans naturally equals a higher betting handle as well.
“It has been a great situation for us at Kentucky Downs and we are thrilled to be able to help the Thoroughbred racing business thrive within the state,” says Nicholson. “I think we have been able to share $35 million with Ellis Park alone. We want Kentucky-based horsemen to be able to run here year-round and take great pride in helping the industry.”
“Kentucky Downs is a great example of how team work makes our dream work here in Kentucky,” adds Chauncey Morris. “People from different tracks are colleagues, not adversaries.
Thoroughbred Racing Success Is A Key to The State Of The State
The state of Kentucky has many things to offer besides just the Thoroughbred business, but those looking after the Commonwealth understand the importance. Making for friendly conditions and a conducive business environment are very important for a $6.5 billion industry that produces 60,000 jobs.
“Thoroughbred racing is kind of who we are here in Kentucky,” says David Osborne, speaker of the Kentucky state house of representatives since 2019 and a native of Kentucky. “The economic impact for us is immeasurable, but how the sport affects us is way beyond economic.”
Thoroughbred racing has become a very important part of the state in many ways. Partnership with the government in helping provide disaster relief withing the state’s borders and offering aid to communities in need are just some of the charitable aspects present. The ability to thrive is of course a key to being able to extend that helping hand and that is understood by the state government.
“It is incredibly important for the Thoroughbred industry and our government to work together,” says Osborne. “We have a proud history of horse racing within our state, but it is important to not take it for granted. It is a great source of pride for us to be leaders in the sport and we want to do the things necessary to ensure we continue to be in that position.”
