Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Historic Kentucky Horse Farm Listed For $57.5 Million
Castleton Farm is a very old property in Kentucky that has been connected to horses for generations.
It began in 1793 when John Breckinridge bought the land.
A large Greek Revival house was built there in the 1840s.
In the 1890s, James Keene turned the property into a major horse-breeding farm.
Famous horses such as Domino, Sysonby and Ben Brush were bred there.
Tony Ryan, who helped start Ryanair, bought the farm for $14 million in 2001.
His family later decided to sell because Shane Ryan spends more time in Europe and his children are less interested in the horse business.
The farm is now asking $57.5 million and will be offered at a Keeneland auction.
Castleton Farm in Kentucky traces its history to 1793 and includes a Greek Revival mansion built during the 1840s.
The estate became a major Thoroughbred breeding operation under financier James Keene in the 1890s.
Notable horses bred at Castleton include Domino, Sysonby and Ben Brush.
Ryanair co-founder Tony Ryan bought the 951-acre property for $14 million in 2001.
The estate is now listed for $57.5 million and includes 16 barns, 268 stalls, 10 homes and a 13,500-square-foot mansion.
- Who
- The Ryan family, including Tony Ryan and Shane Ryan, is offering Castleton Farm for sale.
- What
- A historic 951-acre Kentucky horse farm is being listed for $57.5 million.
- When
- The property is scheduled to be offered on October 28; Tony Ryan bought it in 2001.
- Where
- Castleton Farm is outside Lexington, Kentucky.
- Why
- Shane Ryan is spending more time in Europe, while his children have shown less interest in the family horse business.
- Asking price
- $57.5 million
- Previous purchase price
- Tony Ryan bought the farm for $14 million in 2001.
- Property size
- 951 acres
- Horse facilities
- 16 barns with a combined 268 stalls
- Residences
- 10 homes, including managers' residences
- Main mansion
- A 13,500-square-foot Greek Revival mansion
- Sale venue
- The final lot of the third Keeneland Championship Sale on October 28