Historic 951-acre Kentucky horse farm listed for $57.5 million

A 951-acre landmark farm known as Castleton, located at 2469 Iron Works Pike in Lexington, Kentucky, has been listed for $57.5 million by Bluegrass Sotheby’s International Realty. The estate, which once housed 1896 Kentucky Derby winner Ben Brush and famed sire Domino, features an 1840 Greek Revival mansion spanning 13,500 sq ft with seven bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms. Its extensive facilities include 16 barns offering 268 stalls, staff quarters, a guest house, a covered bridge, ornate iron gates, and an equine cemetery.

Castleton has produced notable Thoroughbreds such as Eclipse Award winner Gio Ponti, Grade 1 winners Jack Christopher and Gormley, and Longines Test Stakes victor Chi Town Lady, and was the stud location for Standardbred legend Bret Hanover after his racing career. The property belongs to the family of the late Irish billionaire Tony Ryan, who bought it in 2001 for $14 million; his son Shane Ryan is now selling it as he spends most of his time in Europe and his children lack interest in horse breeding. If a private sale does not materialize, the farm will be auctioned as the final lot of the invitation-only Keeneland Championship Sale on Oct. 28, just before the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.