CALUMET FARM
We visited Calumet Farm in 1997. I had just read Anne Auerbach's thriller true story, WILD RIDE, and was eager to see the farm that practically defined Kentucky's horse culture. It is a great book that gives the whole story of Calumet, from its founding to its tragic end.
(Please disregard the dope in the orange cap)
The devil's red entrance to Calumet
Calumet was originally owned by the Wright family. Under the guidance of Warren Wright Sr., the farm had phenominal success.
This
is the Kentucky Derby monument at Calumet's cemetery. Calumet
owned or bred 9 winners, 
more than any other farm.
This monument has all the winners' names inscribed on the white marble.
A view of the Calumet cemetery. Most of the farm's champions are buried here.
BULL LEA
Bull Lea was a very influential stallion. He was purchased at auction in 1936 by Warren Wright.
Bull Lea sired CITATION, Calumet's 1948 Triple Crown winner. Bull Lea also sired such prominent horses as TWO LEA, HILL GAIL, ARMED, IRON LIEGE; in all, he sired 26 million-dollar winners.
ALYDAR
Alydar was Calumet's would-be 3rd Triple Crown winner. Would-be because he ran into only one horse at the wire during each of the three races: AFFIRMED.
Alydar is the only horse to run second in every Triple Crown race.
Alydar was a champion sire; some of his best offspring were: STRIKE THE GOLD, 1991 KY Derby winner; CRIMINAL TYPE; ALYSHEBA, 1987 KY Derby winner; DARE AND GO; EASY GOER; ALTHEA
Alydar died mysteriously in 1990.
Shortly after Alydar's death, the farm went bankrupt and was sold for $17 million to Henryk de Kwiatkowski. Kwiatkowski still owns the farm and generously opens it for tours.
This is a view of the Calumet Trophy exhibit at the Kentucky Horse Park. The trophy room houses all of Calumet's silver cups, plaques, and all 9 of its Kentucky Derby trophies.
In 1998-1999, the Horse Park was in danger of losing the trophy collection. Horse Park visitors took part in a huge effort to raise money to buy the collection. Charitable donations and support from the state of Kentucky helped secure the trophies. Today they can be viewed in the new refurbished exhibit hall at the Horse Park.
SECRETARIAT SHRINE>>>>>>>