Mary Thomas had the pleasure of touring historic Calumet Farm this week. Dating back to 1924, this scenic farm was built on the Calumet Baking Powder empire of William Monroe Wright, who originally started the farm to breed and race Standardbred horses. When Wright’s son, Warren, stook over he developed the farm into the Thoroughbred racing success that we’ve come to know. From 1941’s Derby winner Whirlaway to the 1990 America’s Leading Sire, Alydar, this farm has woven itself into the rich tapestry of Thoroughbred history.

Picturesque view from Calumet’s Stallion Barn
Calumet’s Derby Winners
Original Photo of Calumet’s 1948 Derby winner, Citation.

Calumet, like many historic farms, has seen its fair share of trials and tragedies but successful businessman Henryk de Kwiathowski, was able to bring the pristine beauty of Calumet back to life. Though Henryk de Kwiathowski passed away in 2003, the farm is still owned by his family as a group of trustees. Their stallions are well sought after and Team Equistaff’s very own She’s Peachy Keen is sired by Calumet’s Keen Ice, whose most notable accomplishment was defeating American Pharoah in the G1 Travers, making him the only horse to cross the wire ahead of the reigning Triple Crown Champion.

Equistaff President, Mary K. Thomas with Calumet’s Keen Ice. Multiple Graded Stakes Winner defeating American Pharoah, Shaman Ghost, Frosted, etc.
Calumet’s English Channel. Champion Racehorse with lifetime earnings of 5.3 Million Dollars and 6 Grade 1 Wins, including the Breeder’s Cup Turf.
Calumet’s Bal A Bali (BRZ). Multiple Grade 1 Winner in the USA and Winner of the Brazilian Triple Crown while shattering two track records!