Journey to the Center of the Equine Universe in Lexington, Kentucky

"Can he win the Triple Crown?"

"How many records do you think he'll break?"

All talk at Church Hill Downs centers around the magnificent steed standing valiantly in the Winner's Circle. Most of the excited fans contemplate the glorious future that awaits the victor.

Only a few spectators ponder the horse's past.

Chances are good that his road to fame began in Lexington, 68 miles to the east.

Dreams of the Kentucky Derby are born on Lexington's prestigious farms. In a few years the fragile colt, hiding timidly behind his mother, could be standing proudly in the winner's circle at the Kentucky Derby. Lexington is home to 14 of the 20 living Kentucky Derby winners. Champion horses are born, sold, trained, retired, buried, and become legends at its world renowned facilities.

Visitors are choosing to enhance their appreciation of the phenomenon that occurs each May in Louisville by first visiting Lexington.

Many of Lexington's farms welcome guests to come meet their champions.

Claiborne, Kentucky's largest horse farm, has been producing winners for over 83 years. Its tidy white barns with gold trim and hanging baskets of gold flowers are home to some of the world's greatest Thoroughbreds including Derby winners, Go for Gin and Unbridled.

The cemetery at Claiborne holds the remains of famed stallion, Secretariat. His grave receives a daily parade of visitors who leave flowers, carrots and other mementos

The friendly relaxed atmosphere and easy access to favorite equine heroes makes Claiborne the third most visited attraction in Kentucky.

Other notable farms include Gainesway, home of Winning Colors. This 1,500 acre breeding facility, with its steep pitched red roofs, white barns and black iron gates, appears to have been plucked from a tranquil European countryside. Gainesway is great place for witnessing the controlled breeding process and also for viewing newborn fouls.