Lexington, KY - The most devoted fans in Thoroughbred racing can often be found craning over crowds at Churchill, or staking out a spot by the walking ring at Keeneland, cameras in hand, hoping for a glimpse of a favorite horse. In a sport where the athletes live primarily behind security gates during their careers and in remote pastures on retirement, it's rare for admirers to visit their idols up close.
Though Three Chimneys Farm began tours in the 1980s and Winstar Farm has opened its stallion facilities to the public by appointment, most Lexington farms simply aren't equipped to host large groups and have remained private except to potential clientele. Toward the end of 2011, however, racing devotees were given the chance to meet some of their favorites at normally private facilities.
"It's a big expense to open your doors and dedicate your staff for a full day to serving the public when you don't have a hospitality staff. I can understand why people don't do it," said Lesley Howard, director of administration at Stonestreet Farm.
Stonestreet is home to popular race mare Rachel Alexandra, who retired there in late 2010. Stonestreet hosted a series of three "See Rachel Alexandra" days, opening the farm to visitors by reservation.
"We were kind of amazed by the sheer interest in it; all three times we posted (the dates), Ö within 24 hours, all the slots were filled," said Howard.
The 2009 Kentucky Oaks and Preakness winner collected a large fan base among industry insiders and racing newcomers during her career, garnering mainstream press attention, and even appearing in her own Vogue photoshoot, as she broke records while beating top-quality males across the country. She was eventually voted Horse of the Year for 2009.
The fan mail hanging in the farm office is a testament to the kind of attention Rachel is accustomed to - even in retirement.
"People love to send her gifts. We laugh here at the farm, because she actually got more Christmas cards than we did," said Howard with a chuckle.
Attendees watched race replays and signed Rachel's guestbook before riding to her barn, where they had the opportunity to touch and take pictures with her. Rachel remained quiet and friendly as she greeted each of the estimated 360 people who came to meet her - possibly due to the volume of apples and peppermints visitors offered.
Stonestreet does not keep stallions and is less equipped to open their facility than larger private farms, but Howard said it was important to the late Jess Jackson, who owned Rachel during her race career, that the horse be shared with the public who loved to see her run.
Howard said farm management plans to host more "See Rachel" days after the mare has a chance to adjust to motherhood; she is due to deliver her first foal in early February.
In November, Vinery Ltd. hosted a visitation day with Havre de Grace, another female rockstar of the racing world. The four-year-old mare cruised to victories in the Apple Blossom and Azeri Stakes before beating male competition in the Woodward Stakes last year.
Victoria Keith of Fox Hill Farm estimates there were at least 200 people at the event, during which fans had the chance to visit Havre de Grace in her stall, and take a few photos of her outside on the training track.
Keith said that the filly was passing through Lexington for a post-racing season check-up with Dr. Larry Bramlage of Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital on her way to a winter vacation in Florida. She has since resumed training with Larry Jones in Louisiana in preparation to start her 2012 season.
"She obviously is a popular horse," said Porter. "Whenever a girl beats the boys, that always creates some excitement. We thought it would be a great idea to let fans come out and get a lot of pictures and have a little party."
Keith said that part of Havre de Grace's appeal to fans is the accessibility owner Rick Porter has given them to her. She maintains rockportharbor.com, where racegoers can log on for updates on the farm's roster of racehorses, purchase merchandise and view photos and videos of Havre de Grace and others.
Porter said that giving fans a chance to meet the big stars in the racing industry, whether they are horses are humans, is part of what keeps them coming back to the track - something that is critical for the sport during the economic downturn.
"I try to do anything I can to generate more interest in Thoroughbred horse racing," said Porter, who added that he still believes the industry is in trouble. "We're ruining our sport. The more interest I can create, the more I'm hoping the fans will have a minor revolution and maybe try and help us Ö I think the fans are the best ones to help us fix it."
Keith hinted that there will be another opportunity for Havre de Grace fans to visit the famous filly, but could not disclose details.
Lane's End Farm, home to popular stallions Smart Strike, Curlin, and Lemon Drop Kid among others, held its first "Fan Appreciation Day," which included a catered lunch and opportunity for fans to visit their favorite stallions free of charge on November 6. The farm was so overwhelmed with traffic that the front lawn of the stallion complex became a makeshift parking lot two hours in.
Howard and Keith agreed that they hope fan appreciation days like these will become more popular as time goes on.