Spendthrift to Build B. Wayne Hughes Visitor's Center

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Photo: Courtesy Spendthrift Farm
Artist's rendering of the new B. Wayne Hughes Visitors Center at Spendthrift Farm

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 honor 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 Aug. 18 at the age of 87. "It's only fitting to name the new visitor's 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 in the 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 create experiences for horse racing fans and the general public.

The two-story visitor's center 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 Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) 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.