Paris, Ky. — Hotel Thoroughbred in Paris, Ky. celebrates the equine culture of Bourbon County & the Bluegrass every day. The façade of the building features Jaime Corum’s stunning depiction of the 1989 Horse of the Year Sunday Silence winning the Kentucky Derby. The building, originally built in 1891, was restored to current glory by owners Chris Poynter and Andy Embry, Jan and Joel Moncivaiz, Darrell and Debbie Poynter.
The lobby features a wall with paddock fencing from Claiborne Farm as well the “Heritage of Champions” wall. Researched by Margaret Lyton of Loch Lea Antiques, this wall honors the 25 Kentucky Derby winners with Bourbon County roots. The owners worked with local artisans throughout the hotel, from restoration work starting with the custom doors by David Puryear of Bourbon Millwork with bronze bit handles by artist Stephen Johnson. As you open your room with the custom key chains from Quillin Leather, you are welcomed by the beautiful large-scale photography by Bobby Shiflet of Frames on Main and custom vases by local potter Dennis Varney and wake up to Caffe Marco coffee.
There is a Keeneland Collection along the historic grand staircase as the “walking gallery” curated from the Keeneland Library, featuring historic photos of Bourbon Countians and legendary Black jockeys Isaac Burns Murphy and Isaac Lewis, also Paris natives.
Horse fans will be delighted by equine theme around every corner – Penny Chenery’s Victory Julep Cups are on loan from Anne and Mike Gresham. Pat McDonogh’s “While You Were Sleeping” exhibit features stunning photography from the backside of Churchill Downs. Also not to be missed is the life-size bronze of Secretariat in the park as well as two more equine murals of Secretariat and Curlin.
Hotel Thoroughbred is now open for booking at hotelthoroughbred.com.
— Edited Press Release
