Old Frankfort Pike | Horse Racing Free Tips

One of the first horsemen I met when hired to cover the Thoroughbred industry full time in 1984 was Brereton Jones, who with his wife, Libby, owned Airdrie Stud on Old Frankfort Pike.

As journalists, we must always keep a distance from those we cover, in order to remain neutral in our coverage. But when reporting and writing about a specific topic day in and day out, you can't help but become friends with some of those you encounter.

Brere and I instantly became friends.

We had many on-the-record conversations, and, perhaps more importantly, many off-the-record as well. There are others with whom I cultivated similar relationships, but perhaps none whose ear I bent more when needing information or advice about a particular Thoroughbred industry topic.

When I heard a rumor he was considering a run for lieutenant governor, I phoned Brere and he told me, off the record, the rumor was true. I suggested he meet my late father, Herb, an attorney in Frankfort, Ky., who had worked in numerous Kentucky political campaigns, all the way back to Happy Chandler and his second term as Kentucky governor in the 1950s.

We met at the Frankfort Country Club and subsequently raised funds and courted voters for Brere's elections as lieutenant governor in 1987 and governor in 1991.

I have many stories, but a couple come to mind after he passed away Sept. 18 at age 84.

I recommended he hire Larry Jones to train for him and together they won two Kentucky Oaks, with Proud Spell (2008) and Believe You Can (2012). He always thanked me for the suggestion, and I have lilies from the blankets won by both.

One time I was in New Orleans for an important day of races, and walking down Royal Street late morning, I noticed a man getting his shoes shined. No one knew it was the former governor of Kentucky, and we chatted as the shoeshine man never broke stride.

I asked him once about rising stud fees, and he launched into a soliloquy about the “free enterprise system,” one of his favorite topics. I got the same speech when I once broached the topic of limiting books of mares.

It pleases me Airdrie will continue under the direction of Brere and Libbie's son, Bret, who had an excellent mentor and even better father.

I will miss our conversations, whether about horses and politics. And I will say, on the record, I will miss my friend.

The post A Brere Jones Remembrance: Letter to the Editor, by Dan Liebman appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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From the TDN Look

After following a roundabout encircling a giant bronze statue of Secretariat, a 16.9 mile historic road called Old Frankfort Pike twists and turns alongside ancient limestone rock walls and fenceline that holds some of the best Thoroughbred breeding stock in the country.

The byway connecting Lexington and Frankfort has been named one of ‘America’s Most Outstanding Scenic Byways’ and is often referred to as ‘Thoroughbred Alley’- a nod to the industry that has been a part of the area’s history even before Kentucky was admitted to the Union in 1792. Three Chimneys, Darby Dan, Darley America, Lane’s End, and Stonestreet are just a few of the imposing gates tourists often slow beside to take a snapshot, leaving the locals shaking their heads at the habitual delay.

About halfway between the two cities, just outside of Midway and past Three Chimneys Farm, sits an aged but well-preserved building, an antique in a postcard from a bygone century. For many that pass, it receives nothing more than a glance. But on a warm, sunny day, a line stretching out the door and around the corner indicates that the place is worth notice.

The building that is home to Wallace Station has received a spot on the National Register for Historic Places, but the restaurant itself has won the praise of both Lexington natives and world-renowned culinary professionals.

Wallace Station had its biggest claim-to-fame when it was featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, but most days, guests include various staff from nearby farms relaxing on their lunch break.

Owner Ouita Michel is world-renowned for the family of restaurants she has built in Lexington over the past two decades. Her businesses have been featured in the New York Times, Southern Living, and the Food Network. But Michel said she believes that the horse racing community is the heartbeat of Wallace Station.

Michel was born and raised in Lexington, but she said that her true introduction to the world of Thoroughbreds didn’t happen until she moved back to the heart of horse country after a stint in New York City and was introduced to a certain horse racing ambassador upon her return.

“To be honest, I didn’t know much about the Thoroughbred industry until I moved to Midway about 20 years ago,” Michel said. “I started learning the history from Michael Blowen, who owns Old Friends (equine retirement farm). Michael and his wife Diane moved to Midway the same year as my husband and I. They were some of our very first customers, and Michael gave me an education in Thoroughbred history. It was amazing to know right where we were living was where it all started.”

Michel grew up downtown on State Street. Her father was a professor at the University of Kentucky’s medical school. Michel would grow up to become a Kentucky Wildcat, making a name for herself on campus by winning the National Debate Tournament her senior year. From there, she made the move to New York City.

“My family really wanted me to go to law school,” she recalled. “But I got my first restaurant job in New York City, and the rest is history.”Michel honed her new trade for several years in Manhattan, working at various restaurants and attending the Culinary Institute of America. While there, she met her husband Chris.

“I came back to Kentucky to plan my wedding. My mom was so worried we were going to have a New York wedding. She begged me to come home,” Michel said with a laugh.

Upon her return, Michel said she knew immediately that Kentucky was where she belonged.

“Once I got back to Lexington, I just really loved it,” she said. “I loved how accessible everything was. I also had a strong feeling that when I owned a restaurant, I wanted to cook for people that I knew and loved, for my family and my friends.”

To read the rest of this story at the TDN Look, or to watch the video or hear it as a podcast, click here.

The post Wallace Station: A Savory Blend of Thoroughbed Hospitality and Culinary Acclaim appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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