KENTUCKY, USA - Louisville has the race; Lexington has the reason. Those who have been to Louisville's Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May know that until you've been to the Kentucky Derby you haven't fully experienced the most exciting two minutes in sports.

But, an important addendum is in order. It also must be said that until you go to Lexington, the city 68 miles east of Louisville, you haven't fully experienced the Derby. Lexington is where the world's top racehorses are bred, born, trained, officially registered, bought and sold, retired, and buried. It's been that way since before there was a Kentucky Derby.

For more than 200 years, horses have been part of Kentucky's rich tradition. Today, Central Kentucky's Bluegrass region is known as the Horse Capital of the World. There's no doubt about it, my trip to the 1,032-acre Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington is remembered with fondness and excitement. It's a fabulous place dedicated exclusively to horses and mankind's love of them.

One of the dramatic things I remember most was the statue of the legendary Man o' War. It overlooks the entrance to the Park. Sculpted by Herbert Haseltine, the statue stands over the remains of this great horse and welcomes every visitor who enters. The remains of Man o' War were buried at the park's entrance to symbolize the courage, strength, and magnificence of all horses.

An excellent way to begin one's tour is to start at the Visitor Information Center. Stay long enough to enjoy the wide-screen presentation of Thou Shalt Fly without Wings, a 25-minute film shown on the hour and half hour. The film pays homage to the horse and its importance in the world.

There are several ways to get around the entire park. The walking tour allows visitors to experience the day-to-day operations of a working horse farm. A horse drawn tour provides a narrated journey with stops at various park attractions. One of my favorite activities was the visit to the working horse farm. It's an inspiring tour that highlights many of the details of running and maintaining horse ranches.

Several other don't-miss options include:
The International Museum of the Horse which offers both the experienced horseman and the novice an opportunity to explore the many facets of man's continuing relationship with the horse. The Parade of Breeds presentation features horses and riders demonstrating their skills; and the Bib Barn, built in 1897 is one of the largest wooden barn structures in the world.

In addition, a dazzling array of entertaining horse shows, special events occur throughout the park. Those who love the fun of horseback riding may take a guided trail ride through some of the most beautiful areas of the grounds. Reservations are required and tickets may be purchased in the Visitor Information Center.

Campground

Kentucky Horse Park campground contains 260 campsites complete with electrical and water hookups, paved pads, fire rings, and picnic tables. This resort- style campground has its own grocery, gift shop, bathhouses, laundromat, and two sanitary disposal stations.

Practical Information

For information about traveling in Kentucky, call 800-225 TRIP. Lexington travel information is available from the Lexington Convention & Visitors Bureau, 301 East Vine Street, Lexington 40507-1513, 800-845-3959 or go on-line at www.visitlex.com.

For information, calendar of events, and camping details, write or call the Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pike, Lexington 40511, 606-233-4303 or visit their website at www.imh.org/khp/hp1.html.

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