Category Archives: Racing

Racing

Old Friends’ Upcoming Events, Gary Stevens Visits and the Final Hat

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Silver Charm – photo © Rick Capone.

The torrential rains over the past few weeks finally are giving way to sunshine and warmer temperatures. The good news is that the grass is greener than ever and all the retirees are having a ball. Last Tuesday, jockey Gary Stevens, along with his wife Angie and daughter Maddie, had a wonderful reunion with Silver Charm – Gary’s favorite horse. They really appreciate what these great athletes have done to improve all of our lives. The reunion was shot by a crew from NBC and will be part of their Derby coverage so everyone can see how much it meant to Gary. Once again, thanks to Mr. Matsuda, the JBBA, Beverly and Jeff Lewis and Sandy Hatfield at Three Chimneys Farm for allowing us to care for my favorite racehorse.

Thanks to Lovely Maria, winner of the Ashland Stakes for Larry Jones, Kerwin Clark and one of our best friends, Brereton C. Jones. A few days before the race, Brereton called and told me that if she won the Ashland, he would donate $20,000 to Old Friends. The check arrived this week.

Game On Dude has thrown me over for his new paddock pal, Yankee Fourtune. He would always come when I called and energetically devour a handful or two of carrots and a Jolly Rancher candy. Now, I’m like the ex-wife. I’m sure Dude is really looking forward to seeing Bob and Jill and Bode Baffert in the coming weeks.

The spring has also brought new and old friends to the farm to see our new and old retirees. Thanks to all of them and to all of our supporters whose generosity helped get us through this tough winter. I wish everyone could visit and see how your donations are directly reflected in the health of the horses.

The You and I hat!

Another gorgeous and original hand crafted chapeau by Sally Steinmann of MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS®. Sally’s hard work and generosity has raised over $24,000 for our horses! Auction ends April 11th 8PM EST.

hatThe seventh hat up for bid in our auction series honors the Florida-bred multiple graded stakes winner, You and I. You and I is perhaps best remembered for his 1995 Metropolitan Handicap (Grade 1) victory. He is also the sire of millionaire filly, You. This nearly jet black son of Kris S. went on to sire 14 other stakes winners who earned a total of $12 million.

As always, many many thanks to Shea and Julien for their support!

A very special thank you goes to Matt and Wendy Wooley of Equisport Photos for their photo shoots and videos. Thank you as well to Bella Rose Clothing Boutique, Lexington, Kentucky for furnishing the stunning dresses for the photo shoots.

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

Community/Charity, Racing

James Messenger Donating Iconic Symbols of Horse Racing to International Museum of the Horse

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LEXINGTON, KY – Emmy Winner and two-time Academy Award nominee James R. Messenger is donating two iconic symbols of horse racing to the International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park – Secretariat owner Penny Chenery’s ticket to the 99th Kentucky Derby and a rose from Secretariat’s “Blanket of Roses.” To this day, Secretariat’s 1:59 2/5 seconds “Run for the Roses” in 1973 remains the all-time Kentucky Derby speed record, and he was the first horse to run the Derby in less than two minutes.

“Role model excellence – some consider Secretariat the greatest of all athletes – begets excellence,” said Messenger, “and the chance for young and old to connect with such a champion directly should prove inspirational for others.”

Mr. Messenger is making this gift to the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation in the name of NFL Quarterback Tom Brady, who also serves as an athletic role model through his achievements at the highest level of human effort in sport – and who also is a big fan of the Kentucky Derby.

Bill Cooke, director of the International Museum of the Horse, stated, “These two pieces of memorabilia are a wonderful addition to our existing Secretariat exhibit, which includes three of Secretariat’s Triple Crown trophies.” Ms. Chenery’s ticket and the rose will go on display at the museum prior to the 2015 Kentucky Derby.

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, fulfills its mission to enhance, expand and improve the Kentucky Horse Park by fundraising within the private sector. This partnership between private donors and the support of the Commonwealth of Kentucky is what has enabled the incredible success of the Kentucky Horse Park. Since its inception in 1985, the KHP Foundation has raised more than $25 million, which has funded critical improvements such as new facilities, research projects, new horses, landscaping ventures, and much more.

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+ and Instagram.

Laura Klumb
Kentucky Horse Park Foundation
859-255-5727
laura.klumb@khpfoundation.org

Associations/Breeds, Racing, Racing Sources

Jayson Jackson Joins AQHA Team

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American Quarter Horse Association, April 3, 2015 – Many people in the American Quarter Horse industry know his voice, whether it’s from his many hours at the microphone during the American Quarter Horse Association world championship shows or while reading racing pedigrees at racing auctions. But now people in the American Quarter Horse racing industry will get to know Jayson Jackson as he helps them market their farms, stallions, racetracks and other interests by joining AQHA as an outside account executive.

“We are really excited to have Jayson team with our many racing properties and help us sell their value to the people involved in American Quarter Horse racing,” said AQHA Manager of Business Development Doug Hayes. “Jayson’s outgoing personality and his love of racing will help him promote our products and help our members market their interests in American Quarter Horse racing through AQHA’s properties.”

Jackson was born in central Texas and now resides in Bixby, Oklahoma with his wife, Becky, and their four children. Growing up in rural Texas, it was natural for Jackson to develop a love for the horse industry. His family vacationed in Ruidoso, New Mexico, home to the All American Futurity, which helped develop his appreciation for sprint racing.

In addition to his gigs behind the mic, Jackson has trained, bred and sold horses throughout his life. He reads pedigrees at Heritage Place Sale Co. in Oklahoma City and at many other major horse sales across the country.

Today Jackson still trains a few horses, manages a group of stallions and mares, and understands the value of good marketing.

“I hope to demonstrate to people that AQHA’s line-up of digital and print products for racing are great ways to reach existing and new customers,” Jackson said. “I am excited to really get to know people in the racing industry and help them with their advertising and marketing needs.”

Jackson, who will work from the road and from his home in Bixby, will begin calling on customers immediately.

For more information on American Quarter Horse racing, visit www.aqharacing.com.

American Quarter Horse Association
1600 Quarter Horse Drive
Amarillo, TX 79104

Racing

Grade 1 Winner Ogygian Dead at 32

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PHOTO: Ogygian at Old Friends, by Connie Bush.

GEORGETOWN, KY – MARCH 15, 2015 – Ogygian, the oldest pensioner at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement facility in Georgetown, KY, was euthanized Saturday, March 14, due to complications from colic. The son of the great Damascus was 32.

The Florida-bred Ogygian was the last of Old Friends’s trio of flagship stallions that were returned to the United States from Japan in the early days of the organization. These include Sunshine Forever, who passed away in 2013, and Creator, who succumbed to colic on February 28 of this year.

Ogygian was repatriated in 2005 along with Breeders’ Cup Champion Fraise, courtesy of Fraise’s owner, Madeleine Paulson-Pickens.

Ogygian (Damascus – Gonfalon, Francis S) was considered one of the fastest runners of his generation. As a 2-year-old, he was unbeaten in three starts, including a stunning victory over champion sprinter Groovy in the 1985 Belmont Futurity (G1). As a 3-year-old he vanquished the competition in the Riva Ridge Stakes, the Dwyer Stakes (G1) and Jerome Handicap (G1).

Trained by Jan Nerud, Ogygian won seven of his 10 starts and was undefeated in Grade 1 company. He retired with earnings of $455,520.

A homebred for Tartan Farms, Ogygian began his breeding career at Claiborne Farms in 1995 before relocating to East Stud in Japan. He sired 23 stakes winners, including such North American graded winners as D’Hallevant, Dice Dancer, Ramblin Guy, and Fly’n J Bryan.

A significant broodmare sire, he is the damsire of international juvenile champion Johannesburg, multiple Grade I winners Street Boss and Gygistar and multiple Grade II winner Friendly Island.

“When Ogygian first arrived, I received an unexpected phone call from turf writer Russ Harris,” said Michael Blowen, president and founder of Old Friends. “He said to me, ‘I saw Secretariat and Seattle Slew and all the big races for several decades, and you, sir, have the greatest horse I ever laid eyes on.’ I couldn’t agree more.

“We are honored that Ogygian allowed us to care for him for these past 10 years,” Blowen added. “He was one-of-a-kind.”

For additional information, contact Old Friends at (502) 863-1775.

About Old Friends

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: Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Publications/Media, Racing, Racing Sources

Q-Racing Video Upgraded with Crisper Image

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American Quarter Horse Association, March 13, 2015 – Q-Racing Video has gotten an upgrade to its live-streaming service.

Q-Racing Video is a one-stop shop to watch every live American Quarter Horse race in America, and its video experience has just gotten better. Roberts Communication Network, which provides the video service, has upgraded its hardware and increased bitrates for all devices. The increased bitrates will make live video on smartphones and tablets dramatically clearer. It will also make desktop viewing on larger monitors a better experience.

This crisp viewing experience is available only on Q-Racing Video and Racetrack Television Network and is available immediately.

Q-Racing Video offers every live Quarter Horse race in America on multiple viewing platforms, including computers, tablets and smartphones. It also offers access to years of race replays, searchable by track, date or horse name. With RTN Q-Racing Video, the races go wherever you do. The service costs $8.95 per month, and can be found at www.qracingvideo.com.

In the coming months, high-definition video will also be added to the video service.

American Quarter Horse Association
1600 Quarter Horse Drive
Amarillo, TX 79104
www.aqharacing.com

Community/Charity, Racing

Graded-Stakes Winner Williamstown Dead at 25

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Williamstown at Old Friends. Photo by Rick Capone.

GEORGETOWN, KY – FEBRUARY 26, 2015 – Graded-stakes winner Williamstown has died. The 25-year-old son of Seattle Slew was euthanized on February 25 due to complications caused by the neurological disease EPM.

Williamstown had been pensioned at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, KY, since 2007. Michael Blowen, founder and president of Old Friends, made the announcement of his passing this morning.

As a racehorse, Williamstown (Seattle Slew – Winter Sparkle, Northjet) scored his biggest win in the 1993 Withers Stakes (GR2) at Belmont Park in track-record time of 1:32.79 for owner Peter W. Willmott. It was considered one of the fastest miles in racing history.

Williamstown’s three-year career included wins in other stakes, and seconds in the Jerome Handicap (G1) and King’s Bishop (G2), among others. In all, Williamstown won five of his 24 starts and earned $360,884. He was also successful as a stallion, siring 15 stakes winners, including graded winner Vinemeister.

Williamstown was pensioned from stud duty in 2007 after proving infertile. The Central Kentucky insurance firm Aubrey Insurance took possession of the horse and tried to place him in an equine program at University of Minnesota, but he did not fit their needs. Plans to euthanize Williamstown were underway when an employee at Aubrey decided to contact Blowen at Old Friends.

“I’ll never forget the day, nearly eight years ago, when a woman named Lisa called from Frank Aubrey Insurance and asked us if we had room for a horse named Williamstown,” recalled Blowen. “I was thrilled. I had visited Williamstown years earlier at Saratoga when Peter Vestal trained him. Over the years, his kind owner Peter Willmott visited Williamstown many times and was a generous supporter.

“Like his sire, Seattle Slew, Williamstown knew he could be very imperious,” Blowen added. “But he earned it, and he’ll be missed.”

For additional information, contact Old Friends at (502) 863-1775.

About Old Friends

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 Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Community/Charity, Racing

Multiple Graded Stakes Winner Kiri’s Clown Dead at 25

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Kiri’s Clown at Old Friends. Photo by Rick Capone.

GEORGETOWN, KY – DECEMBER 23, 2014 – Millionaire and grade 1 winner Kiri’s Clown has died. The 25-year-old stallion, who had been pensioned at Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY since 2006, was euthanized December 22 at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital due to complications following colic surgery. A full necropsy is pending.

Michael Blowen, founder and president of Old Friends, made the sorrowful announcement this morning.

The son of Kentucky Derby Champion Foolish Pleasure, out of the Kris mare Kiri, Kiri’s Clown was one of Old Friends’s flagship retirees. He was donated to the farm by owners Bob and Mary Sullivan and was soon paddocked next to his old track rival Awad. The two faced off in several editions of the grade 1 Sword Dancer with Kiri’s Clown claiming victory by a neck in 1995 when he set a track record on the Saratoga Oval.

Trained by Phil Johnson and ridden by Mike Luzzi, Jean Cruguet and others, Kiri’s Clown raced for six seasons. His wins include the grade 3 Knickerbocker Handicap at Aqueduct as well as back-to-back editions of the grade 3 New Hampshire Sweepstakes at Rockingham Park in 1994 and 1995, where he set a course record each time.

In 62 starts the dark bay stallion had 16 wins and careers earnings of $1,005,469.

Kiri’s Clown stood stud for nine seasons at various farms in Kentucky before retiring from the breeding shed in 2006. His daughter, Foolish Gal, produced the grade 1 winner Get Stormy.

“I like all of our retirees, but there are a handful that I love. I loved Kiri,” said Blowen. “I’ll never forget the day he set the track record in the Sword Dancer at Saratoga in 1995 where I couldn’t get a seat.

“He was very intelligent and had the good fortune to be bred, raced, owned and retired by Mary Sullivan,” Blowen added. “We appreciate Dr. Scott Hooper and everyone at Rood and Riddle for doing their best to extend Kiri’s quality of life.”

For additional information, contact Old Friends at (502) 863-1775.

About Old Friends

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 Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Community/Charity, Racing

Fun & Fashion at the Cheltenham Festival

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Horse racing and eventing fans benefit from something very few other sports can truthfully claim: there is no real off-season. However, while there are professional racing events that happen during the winter, the next couple of months will bring about at a slight decline in the interest that is paid to the sport. This means that the next big events on the horse racing schedule will start to occur in the spring. Among these, the Cheltenham Festival in England is in many ways a starting point for the year to come.

For starters, the Cheltenham Festival is one of the best celebrations in racing because of its length and the balanced quality of its race day schedules. At many similar events (such as the Grand National a month later in Aintree), everything is a sideshow compared to the main event on the final day. Yet, while Cheltenham does have its own Gold Cup event, it is also designed in such a way that each day has a main event, which helps to keep the action engaging throughout. This sort of scheduling over a four-day period makes for one of the most unique and enjoyable events on the world racing calendar.

It also makes for a very busy, and thus entertaining, betting scene. Any major horse racing festival will be alive with betting activity, but with four full days of racing and four “main events,” so to speak, Cheltenham can thrill even casual fans who want to place a few light bets here and there. Beyond a chance at winning money, race betting also offers a good excuse to learn a little bit about the various competitors and odds. It’s a little early right now to be seeing much more than straight betting odds for the Cheltenham races, but in the coming months you’ll be able to view Cheltenham tips here to get a feel for the various horses expected to do well. Then, if you feel so inclined, you can be ready to make a bet or two if you attend the races (or simply track them from abroad).

Perhaps even more than the general festivity of a four-day event or the excitement brought on by a busy betting scene, it’s the fashion of the race-goers that gives Cheltenham its flavour. As is the case with many major races, spectators take the opportunity to have some fun. They try out different outfits while experimenting with gaudy and amusing, but somehow stylish, looks that are popularly associated with horse racing culture. But on Ladies Day at Cheltenham (the second day of the festival), race day fashion is taken to a whole new level. You can click here for a beautiful look at some of the photos and styles that stood out from 2014’s Ladies Day, but here are a few general tips for fashion at the festival based on past years.

  • There Are No Colour Restrictions – Sometimes people dress for the season when it comes to colour, but at Cheltenham that won’t be necessary. To begin with, the event takes place in mid-March, placing it almost between seasons anyway. Besides that, spectators in the past have come in all manner of colours, some electing to take a rustic approach and others bursting with the bright colours of summer. The idea is expression.
  • Oversized Hats Are Still Key – Oversized hats are often associated with horse racing culture, and nothing has changed in this regard. If there’s one thing you do to prepare for Cheltenham fashion, you may want to make it about selecting the perfect hat for the occasion!
  • Wear Florals & Feathers – Mind you, this doesn’t mean floral and feather patterns; it means literally wear flowers and feathers! Whether it’s a feathered ornament on your oversized hat, a brooch that resembles a flower, or even some manner of corsage, this is a popular way to accessorize for the festival.
  • Consider Fur Linings – One dilemma that spectators sometimes face at Cheltenham is wanting to go with light, bright clothing but needing to dress for cooler weather. This may change year to year, but one way around the problem is to look for accessories, light jackets, or even scarves with fur linings. It’s simply a nice, fashionable, and noticeable way to stay warm without changing your whole outfit as if you were dressing for winter.

Follow those tips and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the festival!

Community/Charity, Fundraisers, Racing

Shea and Julien Leparoux Join Old Friends’ “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby”

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GEORGETOWN, KY – November 20, 2014 – Jockey Julien Leparoux and his wife, Shea Leparoux, recently participated in a photo shoot with Shea modeling a handcrafted, one-of-a-kind Derby hat honoring the life of Old Friends’ retiree Clever Allemont.

“Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby” is an online fashion auction fundraiser that benefits Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Central Kentucky. This is the sixth consecutive year that Old Friends has joined with acclaimed milliner Sally Faith Steinmann of the Massachusetts-based Maggie Mae Designs® to auction six handcrafted Derby hats between November and April, each inspired by one of the non-profit organization’s 150 retired racehorses. To date, this unique fundraiser has earned over $21,000 for Old Friends. This “Clever Allemont” chapeau is up for bid as a special holiday addition to the fundraiser and is auctioning November 17th through the 27th (not the 23rd as previous information stated).

The photo shoots, done by EquiSport Photographers Matt and Wendy Wooley, match Steinmann’s beautiful hats with beautiful dresses from Lexington’s Bella Rose Boutique.

Eclipse-Awarding winning Julien Leparoux is one of horseracing’s leading jockeys, having just captured his 2,000th win at Churchill Downs in October. The France-born rider has earned titles at Churchill, Keeneland and Turfway Park and in 2009, his banner year, Leparoux became only the second jockey in history to win three Breeders’ Cup races in a single year.

Shea Leparoux is the daughter of West Coast conditioner Mike Mitchell and has spent her life around horses and the race track. She also loves musical theater and has worked as an entertainer at Disneyland and in various stage shows. These days you can hear her as the voice of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s new promotional video “All about the Horse.”

About the horse: 1984 Rebel Stakes winner Clever Allemont was rescued from a kill pen in 2008. Clever Allemont was retired to Old Friends in 2009 through the efforts of an amazing team of people who wanted to ensure his safe retirement. He enjoyed over five years as a beloved member of the Old Friends family before passing this year. In tribute, MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® has created a very special millinery design to celebrate his life. Michael Blowen, president and founder of Old Friends, states, “Clever Allemont was such a great asset to Old Friends. He was the kindest, friendliest stallion on the farm. He inspired deaf people because he was deaf, visually impaired people because he enjoyed life though he’d lost an eye, indeed anybody who knew what it’s like to overcome hardship. People call Clever Allemont a ‘rescue,’ but it’s really the horses who rescue us.”

About the hat: The “Clever Allemont” is a fascinator with an oval base fashioned out of “raw sienna” brown dupioni silk. The underbrim is lined with coppery brown metallic taffeta and edged with a delicate mocha braiding. Despite having vision in only one eye, Clever seemed to view the world straight on. To reflect his attitude, the entire base of the fascinator is secured to the headband at a jaunty angle. The rose is framed by a layer of chocolate organza bow loops with green organza and chocolate silk leaves beneath it. The orange netting is dotted with white buttons to reflect Clever’s racing silk colors of orange with white polka dots. Five black silk organza “feathers” provide a playful finishing accent to the centerpiece while beautifully framing the face.

The “Clever Allemont” chapeau is up for bid as a special holiday addition to the fundraiser from November 17th through the 27th. Interested bidders can go to the Old Friends website at www.oldfriendsequine.org and follow the link.

For a video of Julien and Shea’s photo shoot, visit vimeo.com/111938834.

For additional information, contact Maggie Mae Designs® at sally@maggiemae.com.

For more information about Old Friends, see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org or call the farm at (502) 863-1775.

Maggie Mae Designs Custom Millinery offers magnificent hats for all occasions, from glamorous racing events such as the Kentucky Derby and the Royal Ascot to stunning bridal wear and handsome cocktail fashions. Every hat is carefully handcrafted by milliner Sally Faith Steinmann from her home base in South Harwich, MA. Salons of her fashions can be seen on her website at www.maggiemaedesigns.com.

About Old Friends
Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 115 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.

Racing

Max A Million 2000-2014

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This weekend we were saddened by the loss of Max A Million. On Saturday morning Max showed colic symptoms. Dr. Bryan Waldridge quickly administered treatment and Sallee generously spared a van from their full sales schedule to rush Max to the hospital. Max A Million did everything right. No horse could have tried with a steadier, more cooperative determination to survive. Though horse and humans worked hard together, the efforts to save his life did not succeed.

Max A Million, a 14 year old gelded son of Jules out of King’s Sweetest by Rollicking, was stakes placed. He ran third in the 2004 Florida Thoroughbred Charities Stakes and held his own on the track for years. When his racing days were over, Topcat Stables and Francis Vitale did right by the horse who had campaigned his whole career for them and ensured his future. Max A Million came to Old Friends in 2008. He lived at the main Kentucky farm.

Max was a compact bay, not flashy, not big, but handsome. He came as close to the perfect resident as it gets. Max A Million was always kind, always willing and beautifully behaved. Oh, one time he was a little bad when he joined his best buddy Discreet Hero in pestering A. P. Slew. Just once in all his six years with us. Day in and day out, Max a Million was a sociable citizen of his herd and a pleasure to be around.

He and Discreet Hero were always fast friends, and when Max colicked it was Discreet Hero who stood by him until help arrived. Hero is not the only one who will miss Max. In his many good days of retirement and in his final hours, Max A Million showed unfailing heart and kindness. We will all miss him.

About Old Friends

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: Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org