Many consider wide grassy plains of Kentucky the best place to raise and breed horses. Horses have been a part of Kentucky's history since the early frontier settlers came to the area and developed a tradition of racing them for sport. Today, Kentucky is the home of the famous Kentucky derby horse race, the Preakness, and the Kentucky Oaks, one of the most prestigious horse races in America. In fact, the state is the birthplace of thoroughbred horse racing. Horse farms flourish in the state and the Bluegrass region has become a horse-breeding hot spot. The farms there have produced a number of outstanding Kentucky Derby winners, including Easy Goer, Barbaro, Street Sense and Charismatic. Kentucky is also home to many thoroughbred farms, which are where the top horses in the country are bred.