A towering new tribute to the Lexington’s horse heritage now stands in the heart of downtown, as VisitLEX officially unveiled a 12-foot-tall sculpture of “Big Lex” on March 24 in Gatton Park on the Town Branch.

Located at the corner of Cox Street and Manchester Street, the striking blue horse installation honors Lexington, the legendary 19th-century Thoroughbred widely regarded as one of the most influential sires in racing history.

City leaders and organizers say the sculpture is designed to serve as both a cultural landmark and a major draw for visitors.

“Cultural landmarks breathe life into a great urban space, and we are thrilled that Gatton Park will serve as the permanent home for this tribute to Lexington’s equine heritage,” said Allison Lankford, CEO of Gatton Park, during the unveiling ceremony.

The installation is part of a broader effort to celebrate Lexington’s identity as the “Horse Capital of the World,” while also boosting tourism ahead of major upcoming events. Councilmember Chuck Ellinger compared the sculpture to iconic photo spots in other cities, predicting it will become a must-visit attraction for travelers.

“When people travel, they love to take pictures and share where they’ve been,” Ellinger said. “Now in Lexington, it will be Big Lex at Gatton Park.”

Standing 12 feet tall and nearly 16 feet long, the sculpture is constructed from high-density sculpted foam with a reinforced steel frame and finished in a custom “VisitLEX blue” epoxy coating.

Tourism officials say the unveiling also marks the beginning of a busy season for the Bluegrass region, anchored by events at Keeneland Race Course, including the Spring Meet in April and the return of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships later this year.

“Big Lex is not only a tribute to our rich history, but also a nod to our energetic and vibrant modern city,” said Mary Quinn Ramer, president of VisitLEX. “It creates a place where residents and visitors can connect with the equine legacy that makes Lexington unlike anywhere else.”

The sculpture is now open to the public, with officials encouraging visitors and residents alike to stop by and snap photos with Lexington’s newest landmark.