Behind the Scenes Thoroughbred Tour
Overview
The Thoroughbred Center's Behind the Scenes Tour offers an exclusive look at the training and stabling of thoroughbred race horses. Encompassing over 230 acres of prime Kentucky Bluegrass, this unique horse farm has the ability to accommodate over 1,100 horses. During morning training hours you will get to see horses up close while they workout on the track as well as walk through a barn where horses are stabled. Come see for yourself why trainers say The Thoroughbred Center is one of the best places in the world to train a horse. Minimum numbers are required to run this tour.
What's Included
- Transport by air-conditioned minibus
- Small-group tour (no more than 24)
- Driver/guide
- Drinks
- Gratuities
Meeting Location
Lexington
Kentucky, United States
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Each tour starts at our main office which is located at the corner of Paris Pike and Johnston Road. Check in at the front desk and our tour guide will bring our mini bus around to pick you up.
At 9:00am the bus departs from the main office. The first barns you come to are the two largest and original barns on the property and can house up to 300 horses each. This is where you will likely see the horsemen hot-walking, grooming or bathing their horse. It's all part of the daily activity. You will then pass two training tracks and then get off of the bus to stand rail-side watching morning workouts. It is likely an outrider or exercise rider will approach the group so if you've ever wanted to ask them a question, this is your chance! The group spends 20 to 30 minutes rail-side before getting back on the bus to travel to the backside.
While on the backside you will see our training gate where horses learn to break from the gate, paddocks where horses spend their afternoons, hay and feed stores and more barns. As often as we can we will walk through Barn 28 and talk with trainer Mike Cameron if he is available. We spend about 30 minutes in the barn talking about the horses we see, how they are identified, what factors make central Kentucky the Horse Capital of the World and a myriad of other racing-related topics. He may even choose to pull a horse out of its stall! There is nothing quite like standing next to a 1,000-pound horse. So if you've ever wanted to have a Q & A session with a horse trainer, this will be your favorite part of the tour.
Depending on the time of year, size of the tour group and amount of time left, the next stop may be a short walk through a gate to our neighbor, Mill Iron Farm. They have a swimming pool for horses! Trainers will sometimes choose to send their horses to Mill Iron for a quick swim rather than taking them to the track. As you head back to the main office, notice the plank wood fences that are all around you. Nowhere in the world will you see as much of this iconic fencing as you will in Central Kentucky.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately (Umbrellas are not permitted)
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Behind the Scenes Thoroughbred Tour?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-28716P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.25 out of 5 stars based on 16 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
B&C Private Bourbon Trail
Our VIP Experience offers the perfect way to explore Kentucky's bourbon culture with comfort, style, and personalized service. This exclusive experience includes visits to three...
$549.99
Are you a sportsman looking for a full day of fun? Our Clay Pigeon tour starts with trapshooting clay pigeons at the Blue Grass Sportsmen's...
$199
Looking for unique access to the best of Kentucky's thoroughbred horse culture? Go behind-the-scenes with this one-of-a-kind intimate tour experience. Our professional guides are long...
$59
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Discover why Lexington, Kentucky is known as the Horse Capital of the World on this 3.5-hour narrated tour with transportation provided on a comfortable 14-person...
$45
Looking for unique access to the best of Kentucky's thoroughbred horse culture? Go behind-the-scenes with this one-of-a-kind intimate tour experience. Our professional guides are long...
$59
Walking Food Tour Downtown Lexington
Learn about downtown Lexington's captivating history as we take a culinary cruise to five delicious stops all in one afternoon! Discover award-winning eateries, unique foodie...
$105
Discover one of America’s most fascinating first ladies! The Mary Todd Lincoln House was the family home of the wife of 16th president Abraham Lincoln....
$16.35
Frequently Asked Questions (6)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).
- Transport by air-conditioned minibus.
- Small-group tour (no more than 24).
- Driver/guide.
- Drinks.
- Gratuities.
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Behind the Scenes Thoroughbred Tour is as follows:
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Behind the Scenes Thoroughbred Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Transport by air-conditioned minibus
- Small-group tour (no more than 24)
- Driver/guide
- Drinks
- Gratuities
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately (Umbrellas are not permitted)
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
- Operated by a business
