You likely read on the prior page (Our People) that we will spend time in the Bluegrass of Central Kentucky and in the Racing Rich Mid-Atlantic States like Maryland, Virginia, and even New York.  Much fun will be had taking in historic farms, visiting training grounds, beautiful racecourses, local culture and more, like touring and tastings at a distilleries on the bourbon trail or seeing the birthplace of Secretariat.  But Central Kentucky and the Mid Atlantic aren't the only destination for Horse & Julep Club Owners.

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Racing Destinations

We know that much of our journey will involve following the horses to top training and racing destinations. Those destinations in addition to Kentucky may include: New York (Saratoga Springs & NYC),  Florida (S. Florida [Miami/Ft. Lauderdale] & Tampa), New Orleans, Maryland (Baltimore & D.C.),  NJ Shore, Chicago, Hot Springs (Arkansas), Toronto and for truly special events, Southern California, and even Europe or Dubai!  

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Early Training Destinations - South Carolina, Virginia, & Beyond (FL)

Our horse's early training destinations are fun locations outside of racing locals that we can't wait to introduce our owners to. 

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  South Carolina

South Carolina has a significant number of quality training facilities that hundreds of young thoroughbreds annually attend to learn the early paces of racing.  The list of options is fantastic.  It's headed by the quaint gem of Aiken, SC, just outside Augusta, GA of the Masters Tradition fame.  Here lies a gorgeous small town lined with streets canopied by live oaks, and many dirt streets used by horses in this town serious about their equine athletes. Aiken also has strong roots in racing.  It was the long time home of Cot Campbell's Dogwood Stable, the first to make racehorse ownership via partnership mainstream.  Aiken Training Track alumni include over 40 National Champions or Eclipse Award winning horses including millionaires since 2000 such as Congaree ($3.2M), Wando ($2.5M), Limehouse ($1.3M), Bob and John ($1M), Midshipman ($1.4M), Quality Road ($2.2M), It's Tricky ($1M), Alpha ($1.3M), Palace Malice ($2.6M), Curalina ($1.5M), and Concrete Rose ($1M) to name a few.  If training in Aiken, the owners could look to gather in Aiken once in the fall of their yearling year and the spring of their 2Y0 year for the Aiken Trials, which are non commissioned races just for locally based horses to put on a fun day of racing for the town and connections of the horses, while people dress and tailgate for the day. Club owners who choose to utilize the historic Willcox Inn for their stays in Aiken will not be disappointed. Named one of the top hotels in the world, it is truly a gem to behold, close to the Training Track, downtown for shopping, and great dining either at the hotel or off site. Not to be outdone, The Camden and St. Matthews Training Centers are all within 45 minutes of the capital of South Carolina, Columbia, and the latter is within 90 minutes of amazing Charleston, SC.  Camden is connected to numerous champions including the infamous Ruffian, and the area boasts a rich history of both Revolutionary and Civil War battle sites. St. Matthews Training Center has started the winners of a Kentucky Derby in each of the last 2 decades in War Emblem & Country House (2019).  A weekend in South Carolina seeing your horses, meeting partners, and enjoying the Palmetto State beauty will provide fantastic experiences, even before your horses get to the races.

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  Virginia

Not just for lovers, Virginia is for horse lovers as well, especially thoroughbred horse lovers!  Recent state programs that established a Virginia Certified Program have been met by great enthusiasm from owners, farms, and training centers alike.  Any horse that establishes residency in the state for a period of 6 months qualifies for the Virginia Certified Program, which allows the horse to earn a 25% bonus on all purses won throughout Mid-Atlantic race courses, including New York! This has made Virginia a very lucrative option to consider when starting a horse at one of the many training farms.  Proximity to towns like Richmond and Washington DC, and the history and culture to explore, both US and Racing (Virginia was were Secretariat was born and raised), make it a great opportunity for our owners to visit.

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  Ocala, Florida

The largest horse population of youngsters learning to becoming racehorses is Ocala, Florida. So much so, they like to fight for the title of Horse Capital of the World with Lexington, KY.  There are over 600 horse farms in proximity to Ocala, and the amount of skilled horsemen and women to go with it is staggering. Being 90 minutes from Tampa, 60 minutes from Orlando, or St. Augustine & the Atlantic Beach are the more great reasons to utilize and visit Ocala, Florida.

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