2019 SPORT HORSE NATIONALS
Colonel Matt Winn, the owner of the historic Churchill Downs, visited Illinois in the 1920s and saw an opportunity grow the race industry there. Illinois, however, needed a great venue to showcase racing and Winn was determined to bring his vision to fruition. Soon, Winn purchased 1,050 acres in Crete, Illinois, with some of his colleagues. Against the backdrop of a sea of Kentucky bluegrass growing in the fields, Winn installed red Spanish tile roofs on the facilities and spring-fed lakes were dug in the infields. In 1926, the first horses raced at the beautiful facility for the first time.
“This is one of the sweetest, kindest stallions. As his owner and breeder, I am extremely proud of him and his accomplishments. I
