Lexington, Kentucky, December 17, 2025
The Player, a prominent Thoroughbred racehorse trained by William ‘Buff’ Bradley, has officially retired from stallion duty and is looking for a new home at the Kentucky Horse Park. Known for his unique personality and racing triumphs, including a notable win in the Grade 2 Hagyard Fayette Stakes, The Player is a fan favorite. His retirement symbolizes a larger commitment in the racing industry towards ensuring the well-being of retired racehorses. The Kentucky Horse Park is considered an ideal location for his next steps, providing care and preservation for horses post-racing careers.
Lexington, Kentucky – December 15, 2025
The Player, a notable Thoroughbred racehorse trained by William “Buff” Bradley, has been retired from stallion duty and is now seeking a new home at the Kentucky Horse Park. This decision follows a series of events that have marked the end of his racing career and the beginning of his retirement.
After standing for five seasons at Crestwood Farm, The Player was gelded and retired from stallion duty. His owner, Buff Bradley, hopes to find a new home for the horse, nicknamed ‘Angus,’ at the Kentucky Horse Park. The Player, known for his eccentric tendency to sit on his haunches, has been a fan favorite and beloved by Bradley in retirement.
Throughout his racing career, The Player achieved significant milestones, including a victory in the Grade 2 Hagyard Fayette Stakes at Keeneland in 2017. This win was particularly special as it marked jockey Calvin Borel’s first Keeneland stakes win since 2011.
Trainer Buff Bradley, who co-bred The Player with his father, Fred Bradley, and longtime partner Carl Hurst, has expressed a desire to see the horse enjoy a comfortable retirement. The Kentucky Horse Park, known for its dedication to the preservation and care of retired racehorses, is considered an ideal location for The Player’s next chapter.
The Player’s retirement reflects a broader trend in the racing industry, where the well-being of retired racehorses is increasingly prioritized. The Kentucky Horse Park continues to play a pivotal role in providing a dignified retirement for these athletes, ensuring they receive the care and attention they deserve after their racing careers.
For those interested in visiting The Player, the Kentucky Horse Park offers a unique opportunity to interact with retired racehorses and learn about their contributions to the sport. The park’s commitment to equine education and preservation makes it a valuable resource for horse enthusiasts and the general public alike.
As The Player embarks on this new chapter, his legacy in the racing world remains significant, and his story serves as a testament to the enduring bond between horses and their human connections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is The Player’s racing history?
The Player achieved significant milestones during his racing career, including a victory in the Grade 2 Hagyard Fayette Stakes at Keeneland in 2017. This win was particularly special as it marked jockey Calvin Borel’s first Keeneland stakes win since 2011.
Why was The Player retired from stallion duty?
After standing for five seasons at Crestwood Farm, The Player was gelded and retired from stallion duty. His owner, Buff Bradley, hopes to find a new home for the horse, nicknamed ‘Angus,’ at the Kentucky Horse Park.
What is the Kentucky Horse Park?
The Kentucky Horse Park is a facility dedicated to the preservation and care of retired racehorses. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to interact with retired racehorses and learn about their contributions to the sport.
Key Features of The Player’s Retirement
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Retirement from Stallion Duty | The Player was gelded and retired from stallion duty after five seasons at Crestwood Farm. |
| Seeking New Home | Owner Buff Bradley hopes to find a new home for The Player, nicknamed ‘Angus,’ at the Kentucky Horse Park. |
| Racing Achievements | The Player won the Grade 2 Hagyard Fayette Stakes at Keeneland in 2017, marking jockey Calvin Borel’s first Keeneland stakes win since 2011. |
| Fan Favorite | Known for his eccentric tendency to sit on his haunches, The Player has been a fan favorite and beloved by Bradley in retirement. |
| Kentucky Horse Park’s Role | The Kentucky Horse Park is dedicated to the preservation and care of retired racehorses, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to interact with them. |
Now Happening on X
- @ABC36News (December 12, 2025, 7:53 PM) Lexington activates its winter weather plan with expanded shelters and free rides as temperatures plunge; city leaders urge residents to stay warm and avoid roads when possible. View on X
- @LEX18News (December 14, 2025, 7:30 PM) Lexington police urge drivers to slow down after overnight ice formed on roads, leading to dangerous conditions and multiple accidents. View on X
- @heraldleader (December 13, 2025, 12:50 AM) A Lexington man is accused of throwing a rock at an ambulance, injuring the driver. View on X
- @FOX56News (December 11, 2025, 5:00 PM) Lexington’s Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention activates emergency winter weather plan from December 10 through 15 to support those in need. View on X
- @ABC36News (December 12, 2025, 9:35 PM) Lexington braces for dangerous icy roads tonight as temperatures drop sharply; schools are closed, shelters expanded, and officials advise staying home if possible. View on X
- @LEX18News (December 12, 2025, 4:30 AM) Lexington officials hold a press conference to emphasize weather preparedness during colder months, highlighting the need to keep families safe amid winter conditions. View on X
- @WFMY (December 10, 2025, 1:06 PM) A fire in Lexington displaced five people and injured one man; firefighters contained the blaze quickly, with the cause under investigation. View on X
- @heraldleader (December 16, 2025, 11:00 AM) A Lexington man faces charges for throwing a rock at an ambulance and injuring the driver. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Kentucky’s Recent Leadership Changes Signal Growth
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
