Category Archives: Racing

The Kentucky Horse Park Celebrates Breeders’ Cup Week

October 16, 2015 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Park to Offer Off-Site Wagering, Parking, Additional Activities Leading Up to Event Races

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 15, 2015) – With Lexington hosting the world championships of Thoroughbred racing for the first time, the Kentucky Horse Park will be offering simulcasting and off-site wagering for the 2015 Breeders’ Cup races along with additional activities to add to the week’s excitement.

Indoor and drive-through wagering will be available at the Alltech Arena during the CP National Horse Show Thursday to Saturday, Oct. 29-31. Simulcasting will be broadcast inside the Alltech Arena exhibition hall all three days with the Keeneland race card on Thursday, Oct. 29 and the Breeders’ Cup races on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30-31. Patrons can enjoy all the action from Keeneland while also enjoying world-class show jumping action at America’s most prestigious and longest-running indoor horse show. Off-site wagering will open one hour before racing begins and close 30 minutes after the last race at Keeneland each of the three days.

Admission to the CP National Horse Show is free on Thursday, Oct. 29 and free on Friday, Oct. 30 until 6 p.m. Admission is $5 on Friday night and $10 for all day on Saturday, Oct. 31. Children 12 and under are free. Park admission is not required and parking will be free of charge all three days for this Breeders’ Cup option. Food will also be available, including breakfast items, wraps, sandwiches and other pub fare.

The park will also be one of three designated Park-and-Ride Breeders’ Cup locations for ticket holders to be shuttled to Keeneland Oct. 29-31, and will be handicapped-accessible. For the Keeneland race event, Prelude to the Cup, on Thursday, Oct. 29, parking passes may be purchased online in advance for $15 per vehicle or onsite for $20. Breeders’ Cup parking passes on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30-31, may be purchased online in advance for $20 per vehicle or onsite for $25. Parking passes include complimentary shuttle service to and from Keeneland for all vehicle occupants, and free event programs each day.

In the week leading up to the Breeders’ Cup, the park will be engaged in numerous activities. Isaac Burns Murphy, one of the greatest jockeys racing has ever known and one of Kentucky’s most famous sons, will be honored on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 2 p.m., when the park will unveil a newly engraved headstone for Murphy, who is buried at the park, at the newly renamed Man o’ War – Isaac Burns Murphy Memorial, and pay tribute to this 19th century jockey and Kentucky’s African-American horsemen. There is no charge for admission.

Additional activities at the park will include:

“Equine Treasures of the Bluegrass” exhibition, International Museum of the Horse – through Nov. 1. Included in regular park admission.
Thoroughbred Makeover – Friday to Sunday, Oct. 23-25. Included in regular park admission. Admission is $15 for the Finale on Sunday, Oct. 25, 12-5 p.m.
Kentucky for Kentucky 5k Fun Run & Walk – Sunday, Oct. 25, at 2 p.m. Registration is $32.50 per person.
Cigar Memorial Statue Unveiling – Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 3 p.m. Included in regular park admission.
CP National Horse Show – Tuesday to Sunday, Oct. 27 – Nov. 1. Admission is free Oct. 27-29 and Oct. 30 until 6 p.m. Admission is $5 Friday night, Oct. 30 and $10 for each Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Children 12 and under are free.
HalloWhinny holiday show at the Breeds Barn – Saturday, Oct. 31, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Included in regular park admission.

For more information on the Kentucky Horse Park or any of the events mentioned in this release, call 859-233-4303 or 800-678-8813 or info@kyhorsepark.com or visit www.KyHorsePark.com to see the park’s full calendar of events.

The Kentucky Horse Park is open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Nov. 1. Admission is $16 for adults and $8 for children, and includes the Next Day Free. Admission includes the International Museum of the Horse, a Smithsonian Affiliate, and the “Showplace for Saddlebreds” – The American Saddlebred Museum & Gift Shop.

The Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm/theme park and equine competition facility dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse. The park is an agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and hosted more than 800,000 visitors and campers, as well as 18,400 competition horses in approximately 200 special events and horse shows in 2014. The park is home to the National Horse Center, which comprises more than 30 national and regional equine organizations. Located at Exit 120, Interstate 75, just north of Lexington, the Kentucky Horse Park is THE place to get close to horses. Information about the park’s programs and activities can be found online at www.KyHorsePark.com, and on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, and Periscope.

Lisa Jackson
Kentucky Horse Park
859-259-4224
Lisa.Jackson@ky.gov

Benefits, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Racing, Show Jumping, Washington Int'l Horse Show

Thursday Night at WIHS Has Something for Everyone!

October 14, 2015 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Margie Engle and Indigo in costume over the “Buck Breast Cancer” jump at last year’s WIHS. Photo © Alden Corrigan Photography.

Barn Night, Gambler’s Choice Costume Class, Shetland Pony Steeplechase Races, and Buck Breast Cancer Benefit Highlight Thursday Night at the 2015 Washington International Horse Show

Washington, D.C. – October 13, 2015 – The 2015 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) has an exciting schedule of events set for each night of competition throughout its six-day stay at Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C. WIHS Barn Night, presented by Dover Saddlery, draws a fantastic crowd of equestrian enthusiasts and will be held on Thursday, October 22. Full competition for WIHS runs October 20-25, 2015.

WIHS Barn Night, presented by Dover Saddlery, is a favorite with young riders, barn mates and horse lovers who attend in groups and have a chance to enter contests, win great prizes, and enjoy a fun, horse-filled evening. This year’s Barn Night is themed “Keeping Up with the Equestrians,” and features fun group contests for all barns, equestrian groups, teams and horse enthusiasts. The night also hosts fun activities along the concourse, such as a scavenger hunt and a Breyer Stablemates horse painting station.

Exciting new prizes this year include a group clinic with top international show jumper Brianne Goutal, a custom drape set thanks to Dover Saddlery, a custom barn jump courtesy of Swan Lake Horse Shows, a customized refurbished golf cart courtesy of United Metro Golf Cart and Dover Saddlery shopping sprees.

“We look forward to welcoming all of our fans for the 57th edition of the iconic Washington International Horse Show,” said WIHS President Victoria Lowell. “Thursday night is always fun as we see so many young horse lovers cheering on their idols. There is nothing better than watching the pint-sized Shetland ponies race around Verizon Center or seeing your favorite grand prix show jumper dressed up in a Halloween costume. I hope everyone comes out to experience Barn Night this year.”

*The WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Race is one of the most popular exhibitions! Photo © Shawn McMillen Photography*

Evening action begins with a High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper speed class. Young jockeys color the night with their rainbow racing silks competing over tiny hurdles in the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Race, presented by Charles Owen. Guided by their jockeys, youngsters age seven to 14, the traditional Shetland Ponies race over a course of mini hurdles.

World-class show jumpers then take the stage to show off their skills and fun attire in the Gambler’s Choice Costume Class, presented by the Winter Equestrian Festival. Horses and riders will be decked out in their favorite costumes for this unique and fun competition. Some of the riders will also stay for an autograph signing after the class so that fans can meet their favorite competitors.

Equestrian fans can also support a charitable cause Thursday night by attending the fourth annual Buck Breast Cancer Benefit, which will be held in the Acela Club beginning at 7 p.m. A portion of ticket sales will benefit Capital Breast Care Center. Guests are invited to think pink and celebrate the lives of survivors, friends and family! Tickets are $150/per person and include dinner and an open bar, and tables are also available. Visit www.wihs.org/social-events/ to purchase tickets.

The evening will also feature a special performance from the Maryland National Park Police Color Guard, featuring mounted park police officers.

The registration deadline for Barn Night is Wednesday, October 14. Visit www.wihs.org/barn-night to sign up today! WIHS tickets are available online at www.Ticketmaster.com. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more through Verizon Center Group Sales. Call 202-661-5061 for details. Get your tickets today and don’t miss this fun, unique night at WIHS!

About Washington International Horse Show, www.wihs.org
Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is one of the most prestigious equestrian sporting events in the U.S. More than 26,000 spectators attend the six-day show, which includes Olympic-level competition along with community and charity events. More than 500 top horses and riders come to D.C. from all over the globe to jump for more than a half a million dollars in prize money. Event highlights include the $125,000 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Washington, presented by Events DC, for the President’s Cup (Saturday night), The Boeing Company Puissance high jump competition on Military Night (Friday) and Kids’ Day (Saturday), a free, fun and educational community event. The Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. WIHS is an official USEF Heritage Competition and is recognized as a Top 25 Horse Show by the North American Riders Group. WIHS is rated CSI4*-W by the Fédération Equestre Internationale, the world governing body for horse sports.

Hunter/Equitation, Jump Media, Racing, Show Jumping, Washington Int'l Horse Show

2015 WIHS Regional Horse Show Offers Competitors a Chance to Qualify for WIHS

October 10, 2015 Associate Editor Leave a comment

The WIHS Regional Horse Show will host a qualifier for the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series. Photo copyright Alden Corrigan.

Washington D.C. – October 9, 2015 – The highly anticipated 2015 WIHS Regional Horse Show & USHJA Zone 3 Finals will be hosted at Prince George’s Equestrian Center (PGEC) in Upper Marlboro, MD from Friday, October 16, to Sunday, October 18, offering local and regional riders a final opportunity to punch their qualifying ticket to show at the world-renowned Washington International Horse Show (WIHS).

Entries for the WIHS Regional Horse Show & USHJA Zone 3 Finals close Friday, October 9. View the prize list for more information at www.wihs.org/wihs-regional/. The Washington International Horse Show begins Tuesday, October 20, and continues through Sunday, October 25, at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C., offering a week of elite equestrian competition showcasing the best of the hunter, jumper, and equitation disciplines.

Highlights of the WIHS Regional competition hosted at PGEC include the Maryland Horse Show Association Gittings Horsemanship Finals on Friday, October 16, beginning at 6 p.m. Grand championship honors will be awarded to the Children’s and Adult Hunters alongside the Children’s Hunter Pony division. The USHJA Zone 3 Finals will be held on Sunday, October 18, with special zone points being awarded to top place finishers.

Other highlights include the MHSA Children’s Pony Medal, presented by Oldfields School, Zone 3 Adult Amateur Hunter Finals 36 & Over, presented by the Linden Group at Morgan Stanley, and Zone 3 Large Children’s Pony Hunter Division, presented by The Saddlery.

New for 2015, the WIHS Regional Horse Show will host a qualifier for the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series, presented by Charles Owen. The Shetland ponies and their mini jockeys will compete in a race to earn their spot to compete in the feature events at Verizon Center. They will run in the indoor arena at PGEC on Friday, October 16, at 5:00 p.m. The top finishers will then compete in the finals at WIHS during its main week of competition on Thursday, October 22, and Saturday, October 24. An ice cream social will be held Friday night during the qualifying event. There will also be a pizza party on Saturday, open to all exhibitors, thanks to Buckeye Nutrition.

The fourth annual Laura Pickett Award for Excellence in Horsemanship will also be selected during the WIHS Regional competition, honoring and remembering local equestrian and trainer Laura Pickett, and will be presented to a rising adult or child rider alongside their respective trainer/s for exhibiting enthusiasm, dedication, commitment and a sense of style, bringing out the best of horse and rider combinations. The award, presented by WIHS President Vicki Lowell on Thursday night at Barn Night, will honor the many qualities for which Pickett is remembered. Nominees for the award will be asked to wear a pink armband and will be judged for their performances inside the ring and their conduct throughout the weekend. The winner will be notified by Monday, October 19, and will receive a pair of custom boots provided by Fabbri Boots.

Children’s and Adult hunters and jumpers will take center stage during the weekend, as final qualifying spots are up for grabs to compete in the WIHS Championship Finals as well as the Regional Hunter Finals at Verizon Center. The WIHS Championship Finals will feature the $10,000 WIHS Children’s Hunter Championship and the $10,000 WIHS Adult Hunter Championship on Tuesday, October 20. The $10,000 WIHS Children’s Jumper Championship and the $10,000 WIHS Adult Jumper Championship will both be held on Wednesday, October 21. Regional hunter combinations who earn a qualifying spot in the WIHS Regional Hunter Finals will compete at Verizon Center on Sunday, October 25.

All of the fantastic regional competition in Upper Marlboro, MD leads up to the 57th annual Washington International Horse Show, featuring many of the nation’s top horses and riders as well as some of the world’s best international competitors. For more information, please visit www.wihs.org.

Community/Charity, Racing

Make-A-Wish Day at Keeneland

October 2, 2015 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Photo Credit: Ginger Snaps.

October 08, 2015

Time:
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location:
Keeneland
4201 Versailles Rd.
Lexington, KY 40510

The thoroughbred industry and Keeneland are teaming up once again to help grant the wishes of local Kentucky kids through Make-A-Wish® Day at Keeneland!

This one of-a-kind event will take place on Thursday, October 8. As guests of honor, nine wish kids and their families will meet the Keeneland jockeys in the paddock, watch their sponsor’s race from the winner’s circle, and, at the end of each race, present the trophy for the race named after their sponsoring team.

Support Make-A-Wish and enjoy a day at the races by purchasing a Wishing at the Races Ticket Package* for $25, which includes a general admission ticket, reserved seating in the Grandstand, a Keeneland program and a limited edition t-shirt designed by a wish kid!

Tickets are available online and can be purchased here.

Don’t miss out on this incredible day at Keeneland to help make Kentucky wishes come true!

*65% of all ticket sales will benefit Make-A-Wish.

Art/Photography, Community/Charity, Racing

The Old Friends “Fall” Tee, Featuring Artwork by Daily Racing Funnies, Now Available

October 1, 2015 Associate Editor Leave a comment

GEORGETOWN, KY – SEPTEMBER 29, 2015 – In June Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, launched a quarterly Booster campaign offering seasonal T-shirts with artwork by Daily Racing Funnies.

The “Summertime” tee was a great success, and on Tuesday September 29 the “Old Friends Fall Edition T-Shirt” will be available via Booster.com, the online crowdfunding site for charitable causes that revolves around selling custom T-shirts directly to supporters.

This second seasonal shirt, “Fall”, will celebrate The Breeders’ Cup World Championships, which will be held this year at Keeneland Racecourse on Oct. 30 and 31st.

Old Friends is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that has retired more than 40 Breeders’ Cup winners or contenders over the years, many of whom are featured in the fanciful illustration done by Daily Racing Funnies.

The shirts will be available for two weeks only beginning September 29 and the goal will be to sell 50 tees. To order, go to https://www.booster.com/old-friends-fall.

In this ongoing campaign, a new shirt with a new seasonal design will be available again this winter and next spring.

In addition, the first Booster shirt, “Summertime”, is be back by popular demand. The “Summertime” tee will be available for a limited time only and can be ordered by following this link: https://www.booster.com/oldfriendsummertime2.

The unisex T-shirts are made of 100 percent Gildan Ultra Cotton and the designs are rendered in full color. The price is $20 with $5 for shipping and handling and all proceeds go directly to Old Friends. There is no additional shipping and handling on multiple orders.

The Lexington, KY-based Daily Racing Funnies has been creating whimsical horse racing-themed comics via its website, including humorous looks at such champions as Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome and Triple Crown winner American Pharoah.

To learn more about Rick and Marcy (Mel) of Daily Racing Funnies, visit their website at www.dailyracingfunnies.com or join their Fan Page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/drfmel.

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 110 retired racehorses. Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org or Sylvia Stiller, (502) 863-1775, sylvia@oldfriendsequine.org

Auctions, Community/Charity, Racing

Secretariat Festival Archive Auction – Sept. 19

September 14, 2015 Associate Editor Leave a comment

More details on the selection of premium auction items in the Secretariat Festival Archive Auction are now available on-line and what a line-up awaits! From the devoted fan to the serious collector, there is something for any level of racing interest. Highlighting the premium auction items is the elegant limited edition Ruffian Bronze as well as an authentic shoe from the heralded stallion Unbridled. We are also thrilled to offer an American Pharoah Commemorative Saddletowel honoring America’s newest Triple Crown winner. These three items are now available for bid via eBay. Other premium items offered as part of the Festival’s silent auction on Saturday include original halters representing a who’s who in the thoroughbred stallion world and a very special vintage Meadow Stable desk jockey.

For those of you coveting one of the auction items but unable to attend the Sept. 19 Festival events in Paris, Kentucky… no worries. Simply bid from the comforts of home by filling out our absentee Proxy Bid Form and we can do the rest. And best of all, proxy bidders will receive a complimentary token of appreciation by simply placing their bid, making every proxy bidder a winner in their own way. This is one special auction you won’t want to miss! Click here for more Auction Information and Bidding

Secretariat “Hoofprint in History” Commemorative Golden Shoe
This is your chance see history made… and take your own piece of it home with you! Receive this fabulous limited gold edition commemorative shoe, cast from one of the actual race-worn winning racing plate of Big Red himself, with the purchase of a VIP Admission Ticket to the Sept. 20 “Hoofprint in History” Secretariat Guinness World Record Largest Horseshoe Attempt at the Kentucky Derby Museum.

Produced in a total edition of 250 pieces specifically for the record attempt unveiling, these limited edition keepsakes are each individually numbered and accompanied by a special gold-foiled certificate hand-signed by Penny Chenery and Ron Turcotte.

For those who cannot attend the Derby Museum event, there still is an opportunity to acquire one of these collectible mementos. Secretariat.com will be taking a wait-list for our extremely limited inventory of commemorative golden shoes that will be available for purchase following the unveiling event on a first-come basis. Contact information@secretariat.com to register your name for the shoe wait-list. Click Here for More “Hoofprint in History” Information

Hop on the Big Red Bus Excursion with Charlie Davis
If you are planning on catching the Big Red bus excursion for the Secretariat world record largest shoe attempt or Churchill Downs races in Louisville, we are delighted to announce you will be traveling in style with Secretariat’s entertaining exercise rider Charlie Davis! Don’t miss this unique chance to Let Charlie regale you with his favorite Big Red anecdotes and stable tales during the 75 minute scenic drive departing the Kentucky Horse Park on Sat 11:15 am.

Tickets for those who wish to enjoy live racing at Churchill Downs on Sunday, Sept. 20 as part of their Festival experience are now conveniently available for purchase on-line. Choose from the option of reserved clubhouse seating or the famous Millionaire’s Row which includes a delicious lunch buffet. Click Here for Churchill Downs Race Tickets

Festival News Odds & Ends
The Secretariat Festival has now added a new special edition Authentic Bluegrass Turf Shirt to the selection of color options for the official Secretariat Festival T-Shirt. Take a little bit of Kentucky home with you with these unique shirts dyed with actual Kentucky Bluegrass. Click Here to Purchase Turf Shirt

Make your reservations now for any of the Secretariat Festival special events including Claiborne, Adena Springs and Darley Farm Tours. Availability is beginning to fill up, so don’t get left at the gate – make your reservations now!

Each year at the Festival, the demand for autographs from Penny Chenery grows. Guarantee your autograph from the “First Lady of Racing” and a place at the front of the line with the purchase of an Advance Signature. Limited to only the first 25 purchasers, this premium service is the perfect solution to take the worry and waiting out of your autograph experience. Click Here for Advance Signature Purchase

Click here for Complete Festival Information

Secretariat Autumn Racing Memories
It was 42 years ago this week that Secretariat furthered his legend in the September 15, 1973 inaugural running of the Marlboro Cup. The Secretariat Festival pays tribute to this event by displaying the original Marlboro Cup Flag which debuted over Belmont Park for the auspicious occasion. This amazing piece of racing history measuring an enormous 16 feet in diameter will proudly be unfurled once again, this time from the Secretariat Festival rafters in the main Exhibition Hall. Don’t miss seeing this interesting racing artifact on public display for the first time in four decades!

Secretariat’s track record victory in the October 8, 1973 Man o’ War Stakes was an impressive feat its own right. To win in track record time over a stellar turf field and older horses is downright amazing. To honor that achievement we are delighted by the new photo release entitled “Lasting Legacy” capturing Penny Chenery and Ron Turcotte together as they proudly lead the Meadow Stable champion into the familiar winner’s circle at Belmont. Click Here to Purchase Lasting Legacy Photo

Secretariat.com
P.O. Box 4865
Louisville, Kentucky 40204
United States

Auctions, Community/Charity, Racing

September 7th Is Old Friends Day at Belterra Park

September 4, 2015 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Photo by Tim Wilson.

GEORGETOWN, KY – SEPTEMBER 3, 2015 – Monday September 7th is Old Friends Day at the Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center in Cincinnati, OH.

The day will celebrate Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, that cares for more than 150 retired racehorses. There will be a silent auction of unique items and an opportunity to meet with Old Friends founder Michael Blowen.

The auction will take place on the outdoor terrace overlooking the track. It will start at 1:30 pm and conclude at 4:30 pm, the approximate start of the 6th race.

Among the items up for auction are Kentucky Derby photographs of American Pharoah and California Chrome, ladies jewelry, and a Silver Charm gift basket.

This year’s marquee item will be a collectible halter worn by three-time Santa Anita Handicap winner Game On Dude, who was retired to Old Friends in 2014.

Old Friends farm in Georgetown is home to over 100 of the non-profit organization’s 155 retirees, and star attractions include Hall of Fame Champion and 1997 Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm, Ohio hero Catlaunch, Breeders’ Cup Champions Gulch and Amazombie and 2002 Belmont stakes winner Sarava. The farm is open to the public daily by appointment. For tour times and information, call (502) 863 1775.

Belterra Park, located at 6301 Kellogg Road in Cincinnati, OH 45230, features live racing along the beautiful Ohio River. The 2015 racing season includes over 90 race days and is home to Ohio’s only turf race track. The River Downs Club features simulcast Thoroughbred racing.

Post time Monday for the first race is 1:45. For more information, contact the track (513) 232-8000.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org; Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Competitions, Racing

First “Old Friends Stakes” to Take Place at Kentucky Downs, Sept. 16

September 2, 2015 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Three-time Santa Anita Handicap Winner Game On Dude, now retired at Old Friends (Photo by Rick Capone)

GEORGETOWN, KY – September 1, 2015 – The inaugural running of the $150,000 Old Friends Stakes will take place on Wednesday Sept. 16, 2015 at Kentucky Downs, the historic oval located in Franklin, KY.

Sponsored by Tribute® Equine Nutrition, the race will honor Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY, that cares for more than 150 former racehorses.

Old Friends recently entered into a joint venture with Kentucky Downs, which now features five retired Thoroughbreds in its “Old Friends Exhibit” located on its grounds.

The $150,000 stakes (which includes $75,000 from Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund) is for three-year-olds and up, and is contested over one mile and 70 years on the turf. Nominations close September 5 and entries taken Sept. 13.

For this special event Kentucky Downs is offering a special seating option: an enclosed Old Friends tent In the Kentucky Downs Turf Club venue that will feature premier views of the races and be equipped with wagering windows, dining tables and include a buffet lunch. Admission will also include a special tour of the Old Friends live-horse exhibit hosted by Old Friends founder and President Michael Blowen.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the non-profit organization.

Tickets to the Old Friends tent are $50 and can be reserved in advance by calling (270) 586-7094 or by visiting www.kentuckydowns.com. Tickets will also be available at the door.

In addition to the Old Friends Stakes, every race on the card will be dedicated to a horse pensioned at the non-profit organization. Sponsorships to the races are available and interested parties can contact Old Friends’s Blowen for information at (502) 863-1775.

Currently, The Game On Dude is sponsored by Red Brand Horse Fence and the Williamstown is sponsored by Peter W. Willmott, who campaigned the graded-stakes winning son of Seattle Slew.

“This is such a milestone for the organization,” said Old Friends’s Blowen. “This represents enormous recognition from the racing industry, and I can’t think of a better way to honor our horses, so many of whom were stakes winners.

“Our thanks goes out to Kentucky Downs for all that they’ve done to support Old Friends and to Tribute® for their generous sponsorship of this race,” Blowen added. “I hope everyone will come out and spend the day with us.”

Tribute® is the official feed supplier of Old Friends.

“We are so proud to be providing great nutrition to these retired champions,” said Larry Belluscio, Tributes’s Director of Equine Business. “Quality nutrition is what we are all about and these horses give us so much so we need to be sure to give them something back,” Belluscio added. “We are honored to be associated with Old Friends.”

“We truly value this partnership,” said Kentucky Downs President Corey Johnsen. “We expect this stakes to have more nominations than any in Kentucky Downs history, so I am sure it will be a great race for an even greater cause.”

Located at 5629 Nashville Road in Franklin, KY 42135, Kentucky Downs’s five-day, live race meet begins Sept. 5, with full cards set for Sept. 10, 12, 16 and 19. Gates open at 10 a.m. on race days and parking is free.

Old Friends farm in Georgetown is home to over 100 of the organization’s 154 retirees, and star attractions include Hall of Fame Champion and 1997 Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm, three-time Santa Anita Handicap winner Game On Dude, Breeders’ Cup Champions Gulch and Amazombie and 2002 Belmont stakes winner Sarava.

About Kentucky Downs

Kentucky Downs is located in Franklin, KY. The track conducts a live turf racing meet each September on the only “European-style” race course in North America. The meet is staged in an informal festival setting and features the annual running of the Grade III Kentucky Turf Cup. Additionally, Kentucky Downs offers year-round simulcasting and an expanded Gaming Floor that now offers 390 Historical Horse Racing games. Kentucky Downs also serves as the site for numerous entertainment events in Franklin and Simpson County. For visitor information, call (270) 586-7778 or see their website at www.kentuckydowns.com.

About Tribute

Tribute® Equine Nutrition was designed and approved by Ph.D. Equine nutritionists with decades of experience and knowledge developing state-of-the-art, innovative equine diets. Its fixed formula products are based on the latest research and are manufactured under strict quality control standards. Tribute offers competitively priced products designed specifically for all horses, whether a backyard friend, broodmare, stallion, young and growing or performance horse, from show ring to elite race horse.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org; Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org; Rick Albright, (270) 776-3447, rickalbright@kentuckydowns.com

Auctions, Fundraisers, Racing

Old Friends Update and Event Tonight with American Pharoah Halter

August 3, 2015 Associate Editor Leave a comment

American Pharoah – Photo by Ronnie Betor.

Breaking News! Triple Crown winner American Pharoah’s authenticated halter will be up for auction at our cocktail party fundraiser tonight, Aug. 3, from 6-10 PM at Siro’s. Tickets available at the door!

From Michael:

All the horses are doing great.

The past few months have been great for Old Friends. From American Pharoah winning the Triple Crown and his trainer Bob Baffert donating $50,000 to Old Friends and three other worthy charities (the TAA, CARMA and the PDJF) to acquiring Genuine Risk’s son, Genuine Reward, it’s been quite a time. All the extra visitors coming to see Silver Charm and Game On Dude and, of course, Little Silver Charm, are putting a wonderful burden on our volunteers. And they’ve all stepped it up big time. Hall of Fame baseball player/manager, Joe Torre, came by to see Game On Dude and most of our other retirees.

But the future is where it’s at. We’ve got to work harder to get more room for more deserving retirees. With that in mind, we’ve signed leases with an option to buy on two additional, adjacent properties and an adjoining home. The properties increase our available acreage to more than 100. The home would allow us to re-open the bed and breakfast at Old Friends so people could stay at the farm.

Of course the big news is that the Yoshida family and everyone at Shadai Stallion in Japan have agreed to send War Emblem to Old Friends where the 2002 Derby-Preakness winner can be re-united with Sarava, who beat him in the Belmont. Like all the other great athletes we’ve brought back so they could be adored by all their fans, we need to raise the money for transportation, etc. In War Emblem’s case, and because they are so concerned with his health and safety, it would also involve transportation for his veterinarian and groom. And personally, I think this is a great idea. Instead of going after a mega-sponsor, we’d like this to be a grass roots effort. Here’s the deal: we are asking 300 supporters to donate $202. As a memento, each donor would receive a numbered certificate, signed by trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Victor Espinosa, designating them as a member of War Emblem’s inner circle. He or she would also receive a special invitation to join us at Old Friends for a special welcome home party. Let me know what you think.

There are some great activities planned in August for Old Friends. Tonight at Siro’s, there’s a great celebration for Old Friends at Cabin Creek led by jockey and Old Friends Board member, Rosie Napravnik. Tickets available at the door and are $100. On Aug. 7, at the resplendent Anne’s Washington Inn, we will present the annual Frankel Award at a cocktail party from 6pm to 8pm. Each year, this get-together attracts great old friends from Thoroughbred racing, including Todd Pletcher and his family, Javier Castellano, Angel Cordero, Jr., Cot Campbell, Sonny Taylor and many others. Special thanks to Kendall-Jackson wines, Mama Mia’s and, of course, Anne’s Washington Inn proprietor, Joe Bokan, for their generosity.

Make your plans to have a lot of fun at Old Friends Day at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 16. KD President Corey Johnson has designated the 1st Running of The Old Friends Stakes ($150,000) as the feature and all the other races will be named for other Old Friends past and present. We already have five retirees at Kentucky Downs, which is the first track in the nation to make room for retirees, all of whom are being cared for by the caring and capable, Lisa Salmon.

We’re working on more exciting news during the Keeneland meet and the highly anticipated Breeders’ Cup. Don’t forget our big celebration on Nov. 1 at the farm. We’re hoping that War Emblem and several other famous stallions will be ready to greet you.

New horses Genuine Reward and Archie’s Echo have settled in very nicely. Both are still in quarantine, but I hope you can visit in a few weeks when they are ready to receive visitors and have as much fun as we do every day. Personally, I want to thank everyone for allowing me to live a life that’s better than my dreams.

Vote for Michael

Vote for Michael Blowen for the “Rare Life Award”, presented by Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: http://eaglerarelife.com/content/michael-blowen.

It doesn’t cost anything; you don’t have to register or give any information. Just click “Vote for This Story” to be heard. You can vote once every 24 hours (on each device you may have, e.g. computer, cell phone, tablet), SO BOOKMARK THE PAGE AND VOTE OFTEN! Voting continues until January 1st 2016, and prizes are awarded in the spring.

Old Friends, 1841 Paynes Depot Rd., Georgetown, KY 40324
502-863-1775 www.oldfriendsequine.org
michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Old Friends at Cabin Creek Farm
The Bobby Frankel Division
483 Sandhill Rd., Greenfield Center, NY 12833
518-698-2377 www.oldfriendsatcabincreek.com
cabincreek4@hotmail.com

Community/Charity, Racing

Old Friends at Kentucky Downs Horse Exhibit Now Open

July 16, 2015 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Canadian Horse of the Year Thornfield is one of the Old Friends retirees now at Kentucky Downs.

GEORGETOWN, KY – JULY 16, 2015 – Old Friends at Kentucky Downs, the joint venture between the Georgetown, KY Thoroughbred Retirement Facility and the historic oval in Franklin, KY, will open its doors to the public on Friday July 17.

The new horse exhibit, located at 5565 Nashville Rd in Franklin, KY, will showcase five retired racehorses — including athletes with a history of running at Kentucky Downs — via tours coordinated by the Simpson County Tourism Commission.

The 30-minute tours will be offered at 11 am and 4 pm daily except Mondays. Reservations are strongly suggested and can be made by calling the Simpson County Tourism Office at (270) 586-3040 or toll free at (866)-531-2040. Tours are $5 per adult, children 12 and under are free. Group tours can also be accommodated by appointment.

Five Old Friends retirees are currently featured on the tour:

Ball Four, the 14-year-old son of Grand Slam who earned over $730,000 in his 31 starts. Ball Four has some distinct ties to Kentucky racing having won the Kentucky Cup and the Tejano Run Stakes at Turfway Park and the Fayette Stakes at Keeneland.

Rumor Has It won the Kentucky Turf Cup at Kentucky Downs in 2008. The son of Awesome Again, he captured over $300,000 in his 38 starts.

Sgt. Bert won the 2005 and 2006 Woodford Stakes at Keeneland, where he set a track record for 5½ furlongs. The bay son of Confide earned over $350,000 in his career.

Thornfield is a Champion from the North. The 21-year-old son of Sky Classic was Canada’s Sovereign-Award winner and Horse of the Year in 1999 and is best remembered there for his searing victory in the Canadian International at 19-1.

Tour of the Cat is a multiple graded-stakes winner of over $1.1 million. After a prestigious career he was found racing at bottom level at 11 years old. Concerned owner Maggie Moss claimed him in order to retire him at Old Friends in 2009.

Other equine retirees are expected to arrive in the fall.

In addition to the horse exhibit, an adjoining Visitor’s Center and an Old Friends gift shop, open from 10 am – 5 pm daily except Monday, will be housed in a newly renovated structure on the Downs stable area.

“We’re proud to be working with Kentucky Downs and the Simpson County Tourist Commission on this venture,” said Old Friends Founder and President Michael Blowen. “This is a great facility, and the best part is that we’ll be able to introduce these retired athletes to even more fans. This exhibit will offer people a way to maintain emotional ties to the horses, and it will also offer a new way to celebrate the history of horse racing in their community.”

“We are so pleased to be the first live racetrack to provide a home for these former equine athletes,” said Rick Albright, Racing Manager and Assistant Racing Secretary at Kentucky Downs. “This is a very unique layout that will allow them to enjoy their retirement in an environment they are accustomed to: a beautiful racecourse. Some of the paddocks even border the outer fence of the course,” Albright noted, “so the horses can look down the homestretch of a track they may have once won races on. That, to us, is a very exciting twist to the Old Friends at Kentucky Downs facility.”

Franklin-Simpson County Tourism Director Dan Ware also noted: “People everywhere associate Kentucky with horses, and visitors to our tourism log cabin are always asking, ‘Where can we see a horse?’ It’s great to finally be able to direct them to Old Friends at Kentucky Downs. There is no other tourist attraction like it anywhere along the I-65 corridor in Kentucky,” Ware added.

The joint venture is expected to help raise awareness of the need for Thoroughbred aftercare and to promote local attractions and increase tourism in Simpson County.

For additional information, contact the Simpson County Tourist Commission at (270) 586-3040.

About Old Friends

Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement farm in Georgetown, KY, conducts tours daily and attracts nearly 20,000 visitors annually. The farm is home to over 100 of the organization’s 150 retirees, and star attractions include Hall of Fame Champion and 1997 Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm, three-time winner of the Santa Anita Handicap winner Game On Dude, Breeders’ Cup Champions Gulch and Amazombie, and 2002 Belmont stakes winner Sarava.