Feeling the earth shake as a mass of thundering hooves goes barreling down the stretch during a horse race is one of the quintessential Kentucky experiences.

 

Each May, more than 150,000 fans gather at Churchill Downs to attend the most famous horse race in America: the Kentucky Derby. Other races held at Churchill Downs are equally beloved by Kentuckians, including Thurby and Kentucky Oaks. Keeneland, a National Historic Landmark in Lexington, holds world-class thoroughbred races in the spring and fall, as well as some of the most prestigious horse sales in the world. Throughout the year, the public can watch racehorses run through their early morning workouts, followed by breakfast at the Track Kitchen – an intimate experience that will make you feel like you’re part of a special club. 

 

Another exciting form of horse racing is harness racing. Instead of sitting on top of the horse, jockeys ride in a two-wheeled cart, or sulkie, behind the horse as it trots or paces around an oval track.

 

Kentucky is home to three harness racing tracks. Red Mile Gaming & Racing in Lexington first opened in 1875, making it the second oldest harness racing track in the world. Oak Grove Racing in Oak Grove, where you can watch the races from a palatial 13,000 square-foot grandstand. The Mint: Cumberland Run in Corbin is a new facility that made its debut in October 2023. 

 

If you’d just like to learn about the sport's inspiring horses, trainers and jockeys, the Kentucky Derby Museum and the International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park will give you a deeper appreciation for the animals and the sport.
  

Trip Inspiration

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A Historic City That is Always Open to Progress

Founded in 1792, Mount Sterling is a small, friendly city steeped in the history of early Kentucky. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and Bluegrass Region, many sites and buildings can be found on state and national historic registers. The city has a strong heritage with doors open to progress.


There is something for everyone in Mount Sterling. Whether it is a walk through the award-winning historic downtown or a visit to The Gateway Regional Arts Center that offers new art exhibits and daily performances. 

 

Gateway Regional Arts Center

 

No one can pass up a tour to Ruth Hunt Candy Company. Check out a sampling of their famous bourbon balls and Blue Monday candy bars. Their store carries a wonderful selection of Kentucky gifts and souvenirs. 

 

For those more interested in the natural beauty of Mount Sterling, visitors can choose a day at Townsend Sorghum Mill, Two Sisters Pumpkin Patch or Hickory Springs of Montgomery Daylily Farm. A driving tour of the “Clothesline of Quilts” provides travelers with an enchanting journey along the beautiful back roads dotted with colorful quilt squares on highly visible barns.

 

Ruth Hunt Candy Company

 

Court Day is Kentucky’s oldest festival with visitors from all over the country. During the four day event, visitors partake in many different arts and crafts, music, and food. Each year, the festival is held the third Monday in October and the weekend prior.

 

Many new shops and restaurants have opened with the recent revitalization of the downtown district. The award winning new downtown park is a perfect place to take a “selfie” along with the delightful art installation and mural known as “Umbrella Alley”.  

 

Spend a day or two in Mount Sterling and find yourself in a place that is easy to get to, but hard to leave.

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