Lexington, KY – Spendthrift Farm opened the doors to its new B. Wayne Hughes Visitors Center on Tuesday, Nov. 1 as part of the lead-up to the Breeders' Cup World Championships.
Named in honor of the farm's late founder, the 7,000 square-foot, two story facility will serve as the home for Spendthrift's tourism. The building is located between the farm's stallion complex and main office and features a trophy room, which showcases Spendthrift's collection of trophies, artifacts and racing memorabilia, as well as a gift shop.
Spendthrift owners Eric and Tammy Gustavson led the grand opening and credited Tammy's father Hughes for his vision behind the facility.
“He loved this farm, he loved the horse industry, and he grew to love the idea of tourism,” Eric Gustavson said. “He recognized its value and its ability to draw in fans and potential owners. He was always trying to grow the game. Tammy and I are honored to name the visitors center after him and to have this be a small part of Wayne's legacy and his impact on our industry.”
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Gustavsons were joined by VisitLex President Mary Quinn Ramer and Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton.
“In the Thoroughbred business, Spendthrift has made history over and over again,” said Gorton. “Some of the best have roamed these fields…Today we're dedicating this beautiful new visitors center, a place that will welcome tourists. It is places like this that make Lexington special and unique. This reminds us how important it is to protect our Bluegrass countryside.”
Senator Damon Thayer and Congressman Andy Barr were also present for the event.
The newly-unveiled Malibu Moon memorial statue stands in front of the visitors center and portrays the farm's foundation sire facing his old paddock. Read more about the making of the bronze sculpture from the artist himself, Douwe Blumberg, here.
“Malibu Moon was vitally important to this farm,” Gustavson said. “Wayne had a tendency to speak very simply, and very simply he said that Malibu Moon started Spendthrift Farm. And it's true. We were a fledgling farm and Malibu Moon was a perennial leading sire. He put us on the map and gave us legitimacy. It was the start of something that became what we are now.”
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