Spendthrift Farm to open tourist centre named after B. Wayne Hughes

Spendthrift Farm has broken ground on a new 8,000 square-foot tourism facility that will be named the B. Wayne Hughes Visitors Center in honour of its late founder.

"We take it on as our responsibility now to continue to build on the vision Wayne had for Spendthrift and the sport of horse racing," said Eric Gustavson, owner of Spendthrift and son-in-law to the late B. Wayne Hughes, who died last month at the age of 87.

"It's only fitting to name the new visitor centre after him because it largely represents his love for the industry and desire to share it with people. That's what we look forward to doing."

Scheduled to open next spring or summer, the B. Wayne Hughes Visitors Centre will be located in the heart of the historic farm, directly between Spendthrift's stallion complex and main office.

The facility will become the focal point for Spendthrift's plans to enhance tourism and create experiences for horse racing fans and the general public.

The two-story visitor's centre will feature a trophy room, gift shop and entertainment and office space.

Key attractions will include a life-size statue of the late Malibu Moon at the entrance, Authentic's 2020 Kentucky Derby trophy and blanket of roses, Beholder's Breeders' Cup and Eclipse Award trophies, Into Mischief artefacts, a famous horses memorial, and interactive history elements.

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