PROSPECT, Ky. — Kentuckians will have a chance to get up close and personal with retired racing thoroughbreds at the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) Sanctuary Farm at Chestnut Hall. The beautiful 25 acre farm will serve as the forever home for 11 retired racehorses.

The horses will serve as ambassadors for thoroughbred aftercare to educate racing fans and the community at large about these equine athletes and the importance of providing a soft landing for each of them to transition to the next chapter of their long lives when their racing carers are done.

Prospect neighbors admire some of the horses at the TRF sanctuary.

“The horses on the farm aren’t retired. Their job is to be ambassadors for all the other horses out there that aren’t on the farm that need funding in order to find them a good home,” said Bill Carstanjen, the CEO of Churchill Downs.

Carstanjen bought the land and selected TRF to run the sanctuary. TRF Director Kim Weir said that the horses at Chestnut Hall will engage in educational programming to help people learn more about the lives racehorses lead after being done on the track.

“It is critically important for an industry that loves the horses to get the word out that these horses are taken care of for the support of the community,” Weir said.

Chestnut Hall is actually nestled next to some residences in Prospect. Neighbors were ecstatic when they heard the gallops of the thoroughbreds when they arrived at the farm.

“When they ran out that gate, I was like the horses are here and we ran outside. We were so excited and we love them so much,” said Tammie Wagner.

The TRF Sanctuary Farm at Chestnut Hall is not open to the public. Visitors are welcome by private appointment only. Public tours will be available through Visit Horse Country starting Mid-May 2021.