Spendthrift begins construction of the B. Wayne Hughes Visitors Center

Spendthrift Farm has broken ground on an 8,000-square-foot tourism facility that will be named the B. Wayne Hughes Visitors Center in honor of the Lexington, Ky., farm's 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-and-law of the late B. Wayne Hughes. “It’s only fitting to name the new visitors center 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 spring or summer of 2022, the B. Wayne Hughes Visitors Center 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 experience opportunities for horse racing fans and the general public.

The two-story visitors center will contain a trophy room, gift shop and entertainment and office space. It will have such features as 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 artifacts, a famous horses memorial and interactive history elements throughout.