Ryanair Co-Founder's Historic Kentucky Equestrian Estate Lists for $58 Million

A sprawling 951-acre Kentucky equestrian estate, once home to champions including the 1896 Kentucky Derby winner Ben Brush, has been listed for $57.5 million. The property, known as Castleton, is located in Lexington's horse country and was co-founded by the late Irish billionaire Tony Ryan, who also co-founded the ultra-low-cost airline Ryanair.

The estate, with a lineage tracing back to 1793, features a 13,500-square-foot Greek Revival mansion built in 1840. The mansion has seven bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms. The grounds include ornate ironwork gates, 16 barns with a total of 268 stables, staff quarters, a guest house, a covered bridge, and an equine cemetery.

Castleton has a rich history associated with notable Thoroughbred champions such as Eclipse Award winner Gio Ponti, Grade 1 victors Jack Christopher and Gormley, and Longines Test Stakes winner Chi Town Lady. The Standardbred harness racing horse Bret Hanover also stood at stud at Castleton after his racing career concluded in 1966, becoming one of the most successful stallions in history.

The property was also featured in the 2005 Disney film “Dreamer,” starring Kurt Russell and Dakota Fanning. Tony Ryan acquired the site in 2001 for $14 million and initiated subsequent upgrades before his death in 2007. His son, Shane Ryan, has managed the farm as a horse-breeding operation since then.

Shane Ryan is now selling the historic farm because he spends most of his time in Europe and his children do not share his passion for equestrian life, according to listing agent Ken Donworth of Bluegrass Sotheby’s International Realty. If the property does not sell on the open market, it will be auctioned on October 28 as the final lot of the invitation-only Keeneland Championship Sale, preceding the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.