CINNAMON TOAST CRUNCH won the inaugural three-year old Standardbred race at Highbramble Park Saturday, July 5. (Photo by Bill Caine)
THE DUST FLEW as the Standardbred races returned to Woodford County for the first time in 50 years. (Photo by Bill Caine)
CROWDS LINED THE FENCES as the Standardbred races kicked off July 5 at Highbramble Park. (Photo by Bill Caine)
For the first time in 50 years, Standardbred racing returned to Woodford County on Saturday as Highbramble Park hosted the Woodford County Fair leg of the Kentucky Proud Series.
The new training facility on Paynes Mill Road drew hundreds of spectators for its inaugural racing event, marking a significant milestone for the county’s equine industry. With live music from Kyle Eldridge and the Kentucky Cowhands along with George Molton, and barbeque served up from Opa’s Icehouse Meat Market and Biergarten, there was something for everyone. An estimated 2,000 spectators were in attendance and according to the Kentucky Harness Horsemen’s Association, it was the largest turnout since they began keeping track of attendance. The spectators were also online watching the live stream of the races.
“There has been a terrific response from the community and the horsemen who are here today,” said Michael Michalisin, one of Highbramble Park’s partners. “We wanted people to have a true county fair environment with live music, terrific food, and top-notch Standardbred racing.”
The facility represents years of planning and development by partners Alex Riddle, Michalisin, and horseman John Duer, among others. The trio identified a gap in the Standardbred training market and developed the property to address that need.
“The idea really came from Alex, and I was lucky enough to come on as a partner along with a horseman named John Duer,” Michalisin said. “We did a lot of research about the market for Standardbred racing and saw an opportunity because there aren’t many training facilities for that brand of racing.”
Saturday’s races featured two- and three-year-old Standardbreds competing for spots in the Kentucky Proud Series Finals at The Red Mile later this month. Cinnamon Toast Crunch won the inaugural three-year-old race after taking an early lead.
A 1976 Cadillac equipped with a starting gate paced the horses to the starting line, adding a distinctive touch to the proceedings.
Riddle, the facility’s visionary, said the racing program represents just one aspect of Highbramble Park’s mission.
“Fair racing is fun, but our core business is to train the best racehorses in the world,” Riddle said. “After the races are finished, our mission is to continue toward the goal of being the premier training center in the world.”
The facility currently operates four barns at full capacity, with six additional barns planned for construction. Riddle said the long-term vision includes another 10 barns to meet demand from horse owners seeking training services.
Tourism development represents another key component of the facility’s future plans, according to Riddle.
“Tourism is a huge part of where we see the facility being,” he said. “I want people coming and touching or seeing a horse for the first time, and that will be part of our phase two.”
The project aims to generate economic benefits for Woodford County through job creation, increased racing purses and tourism revenue. Riddle emphasized the facility’s community focus and its potential to reestablish Standardbred racing in the region.
“I want someone to say that was the first time I saw a Standardbred race, and I want people to say this is great for the industry and the community,” Riddle said. “Five years from now, I think people will see the grassroots approach taken with this facility.”
The track and barns were designed to withstand Kentucky’s variable weather conditions while providing modern amenities for horses and trainers.
The success of Saturday’s inaugural racing program positions Highbramble Park as a potential rallying cry for renewed interest in Standardbred racing throughout the region.
With plans for more barns, a tourism draw, and a world-class training hub, the facility promises to pump fresh revenue into Woodford County—new jobs for locals, bigger purses for races, and a chance to put Standardbreds back on the map. This wasn’t just a day of racing; it was an equine renaissance, ready to carry Kentucky’s horse country to new heights.