by Ann-Phillips Mayfield

Lexington, KY — A fund raiser for historic Floral Hall, one of Lexington’s most unique landmarks, will be held Friday night, September 26, and a sports icon from the beginning of the 20th century will be remembered at the gala event that includes a special appearance by nationally known author and executive editor of Sports Illustrated, Charles Leerhsen.

Floral Hall, which is also known by some as the Round Barn, is located at the entrance of The Red Mile racetrack and is owned separately by the not-for-profit Stable of Memories Inc. The sole mission of Stable of Memories is to preserve and protect Floral Hall and make sure it remains a beautiful Lexington landmark. When construction on the round barn was completed in 1882, the total cost of the building was reported to be $5,000. Just this year it cost $44,000 to paint the structure.

This special event on September 26 will raise money to further the mission of Stable of Memories and help to continue to preserve this wonderful landmark. In addition, this year’s event will have a special added feature of helping remember a true racing legend that once visited Lexington and raced just a few feet away from Floral Hall.

Long before Seabiscuit, in 1905 a legendary horse named Dan Patch came to Lexington to set a new speed record for harness horses. He achieved the feat, turning in his world record performance over the same oval that today is known as The Red Mile. The old grandstand at the track is no longer there, but Floral Hall was standing vigil over the action on the track 103 years ago when Dan Patch set his record.

“Celebrate the History — Dan Patch” will relive the great horse’s world record appearance in Lexington and at the same time raise the funds so important to keeping the Round Barn as one of most unique buildings of the Bluegrass.

Charles Leerhsen authored Crazy Good: The true story of Dan Patch, the most famous horse in America, which was released earlier this summer by Simon & Schuster. Leerhsen will attend the special Floral Hall fund raiser and read from the book, which begins with the Lexington world record.

The Floral Hall Fundraiser will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a special bourbon tasting, courtesy of Constellation Spirits (formerly Barton Brands), Four Roses Distillery and Heaven Hill Distilleries. The evening will also include a silent auction, music, an open bar and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets and/or reservations are available at a cost of $75 by contacting Ann-Phillips Mayfield at (859) 619-7122.