VERSAILLES, Ky. (LEX 18) — With a watch on the success of Kentucky’s Bourbon Path enterprise, these related to the equine trade had an concept.
“How will we leverage this land,” Commissioner Mike Mangeot stated was a query ceaselessly requested by farm house owners throughout Kentucky.
The reply was comparatively easy: open the gates to the general public and cost admission for a tour.
“As I used to be rising up, you couldn’t try this, however now you’re capable of get in there. To have the ability to see a Triple Crown winner, or Preakness winner, or Belmont winner is de facto distinctive and provides lots to what we provide as a vacationer attraction,” he defined.
It additionally has the potential to draw new followers to the game, simply because the Bourbon Path would possibly’ve turned individuals on to that spirit.
“It actually introduced a brand new component to equine tourism. Folks will pair it with bourbon excursions,” he defined.
Outdated Associates Farm – the retirement dwelling to so many nice champion racehorses – in Scott County is credited with being one of many first to do that form of factor with visitors.
“Outdated Associates is only one of my favourite tales,” Mangeot stated earlier than noting that many different farms are providing alternatives to see the youthful horses of their breeding phases.
“All people loves infants, proper?” Mangeot acknowledged.
That’s part of what guests will see at Gainsborough Farm in Versailles.
“I like that the trade is embracing the vacationer and never simply the gambler,” stated Hallie Hardy with Go to Horse Nation.
Gainsborough is a 2,000-acre unfold with completely manicured grounds and one thing to see on nearly each acre.
“You’re going to get a very genuine, passionate expertise once you come out to those horse farms,” Hardy careworn.
As a enterprise, each Hardy and Mangeot stated there’s nonetheless a protracted approach to go earlier than the farm excursions catch as much as the path when it comes to reputation and profitability.
“Nonetheless in our early years, however we wish to have that influence,” Hardy stated.
Commissioner Mangeot believes they may.
“It’s solely been in existence for 10 years. We’re celebrating the 25th anniversary of he Kentucky Bourbon Path. So there’s nonetheless a protracted runway for them to develop, and I believe they’ll be very profitable,” Mangeot stated.
