FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Legends of Bourbon County Thoroughbred Fund Announces Fourth Annual Festival Honoring Ruffian

Contact: Lauren Biddle, Chair
legendsofbourboncounty@gmail.com

PARIS, Ky. — The Legends of Bourbon County Thoroughbred Fund is proud to announce its fourth annual Legends of Bourbon County Festival, taking place September 26–27, 2026, in historic downtown Paris. This year’s celebration will honor the legendary filly Ruffian, one of the most brilliant and beloved racehorses in Thoroughbred history.

Established to celebrate Bourbon County’s deep-rooted equine heritage, the Legends of Bourbon County Festival has quickly become a signature event for both racing enthusiasts and visitors seeking an authentic Central Kentucky experience. More information about the festival and its mission can be found at Legends of Bourbon County Thoroughbred Fund.

Festival Schedule

Saturday September 26, 2026
Fall Meet Gala & Ruffian Mural Dedication
The weekend will begin with an evening gala at Hotel Thoroughbred and the official dedication of the Ruffian mural just one block away at Frames on Main Gallery. This highly anticipated event will celebrate the newest addition to downtown Paris’ equine art collection. Ticketing for the gala will open in May 2026.

Sunday, September 27, 2026
Downtown Paris Family Festival
The celebration continues with a free, family-friendly festival designed to attract visitors from across Central Kentucky. The event will showcase the expansive Thoroughbred industry in Bourbon County through interactive experiences, entertainment, and educational opportunities for all ages.

Celebrating Bourbon County’s Equine Heritage

“Paris, Kentucky has been historically well known for our Horses, History, and Hospitality,” said Betty Ann Allen, Tourism Executive Director of the Paris-Bourbon County Tourism Commission. “Our rich equine heritage is a driving force in, not only economic development, but also the tourism industry. Thousands of tourists visit Bourbon County horse farms every year. Claiborne Farm, for example, hosts an average of 11,000 visitors annually.

“Our historic downtown currently features three beautiful equine murals by artist Jaime Corum. Her first mural features ‘Big Red’ and towers above Secretariat Park. Curlin graces the building across the street, and Sunday Silence is high above Main Street on Hotel Thoroughbred. A walking tour of our downtown, with this addition of Ruffian, is the icing on the cake when you come for the day or stay for a weekend getaway.”

A New Mural Honoring a Legend

The 2026 Legends event will debut the fourth mural in four years (the third mural funded by Legends of Bourbon County) in downtown Paris, once again created by acclaimed equine artist Jaime Corum.

“I am beyond honored to be asked back to paint a fourth mural in beautiful downtown Paris!” said Corum. “This time I’m especially excited to paint the first filly of the group—the Mighty Ruffian! She is truly one of the great ‘Lady Legends’ of Bourbon County! Let’s hear it for the fillies!”

Honoring Ruffian’s Enduring Legacy

Born and raised at historic Claiborne Farm for breeders Stuart S. Janney, Jr. and Barbara Phipps Janney, Ruffian remains one of the most dominant fillies in racing history. Undefeated in her career, she was known for winning races by extraordinary margins and setting stakes records, captivating fans with her unmatched speed and determination.

“Few horses have ever possessed the brilliance of Ruffian,” said Walker Hancock, President and CEO of Claiborne Farm. “She ran with a rare combination of speed and grit that defined excellence. Although her career was unfortunately brief, her impact on Thoroughbred racing remains immeasurable. We are so happy that she will be celebrated and memorialized with a mural in downtown Paris.”

A Growing Tradition

Now entering its fourth year, the festival continues to grow as a premier event celebrating Bourbon County’s unique connection to the Thoroughbred industry.

“We are so excited to be embarking on our fourth year of Legends of Bourbon County, which was created out of a desire to bring equine enthusiasts and tourists to enjoy all that our quaint downtown has to offer,” said Lauren Biddle, Chair of the Legends of Bourbon County Thoroughbred Fund. “I can't believe how much we have done in four years.”

With a weekend of celebration, art, and community engagement, the 2026 Legends of Bourbon County Festival invites visitors to experience the very best of Paris—where horses, history, and hospitality come together.

The Legends of Bourbon County Festival  would not be possible without the generous support of the Thoroughbred industry. We are especially grateful to Claiborne Farm and Locust Hill Farm, whose early commitment made them the first donors toward the public art mural in Downtown Paris. Their leadership helps continue the equine mural gallery  and celebrate Bourbon County’s rich Thoroughbred heritage. Those interested in supporting the festival or taking part in the equine mural gallery are encouraged to email legendsofbourboncounty@gmail.com.

Visit www.legendsofbourboncountyfestival.com for more information and updates.