Book Signing to Benefit Old Friends

Kimberly Gatto, Author of “Churchill Downs: America’s Most Historic Racetrack”

GEORGETOWN, KY – APRIL 12, 2010 – Author Kimberly Gatto will sign copies of her new book Churchill Downs: America’s Most Historic Racetrack (History Press) on Saturday, April 17 at the Circa 1840 Restaurant, located at 222 North Broadway in Georgetown, KY.

The book signing will be from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement facility in Georgetown, KY that was founded in 2002 by Michael Blowen.

Churchill Downs: America’s Most Historic Racetrack chronicles the history of the world’s most famous racing venue as it revolutionized the “Sport of Kings” and created the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, and Clark Handicap races. Fans will enjoy the tales of various horses, from the early triumph of Ten Broeck over Mollie McCarthy to the Derby victory of the heroic Barbaro.

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Tags: charity, Churchill Downs, equestrian community, ex-racehorse, Horse Care, Horse Racing, Kentucky Derby, Old Friends, Thoroughbreds

Last Chance! The Hats Off to the Horses Online Charity Auction!

Sunshine Forever Hat – Auction Ending April 11th

We offer our very heartfelt thanks to Sally Faith Steinmann of Maggie Mae Designs for her hard work and dedication in designing and donating these marvelous hats.  Each and every one has been more beautiful than the last.  Sally’s deep love for horses shines through in her creations.  Please read more about Sally and see her beautiful hats at maggiemaedesigns.com.

Click here for more info on Sunshine’s hat!

Click here to BID!

Book Signing to Benefit Old Friends! Kimberly Gatto, Author of “Churchill Downs: America’s Most Historic Racetrack”

Author Kimberly Gatto will sign copies of her new book Churchill Downs: America’s Most Historic Racetrack on Saturday, April 17 at the Circa 1840 Restaurant, located at 222 North Broadway in Georgetown, KY.

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Tags: auction, charity, Churchill Downs, equestrian community, ex-racehorse, Horse Care, Horse Racing, Kentucky Derby, Old Friends, Thoroughbreds

The Last ‘Derby Hat’ on the Auction Block Today

Online Fashion Auction Benefiting Old Friends Continues with Exclusive Derby Hat Honoring Eclipse Champion Sunshine Forever

GEORGETOWN, KY – APRIL 1, 2010 – There may be less than a month before the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby, but there is still time to get an exclusive handcrafted Derby Hat.

The online fashion auction “Hats off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby” continues today with “The Sunshine Forever,” the sixth and final hat on the auction block. Proceeds from the sale will benefit Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY.

In November 2009, Old Friends announced this six-month-long charity auction featuring a new custom-made Derby hat every month right up to the First Saturday in May. Each hat is inspired by one of the more than 90 retirees now pensioned with Old Friends and the benefit has so far raised nearly $3,500 for the non-profit organization.

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Tags: charity, Equine Protection, ex-racehorse, Horse Care, Horse Racing, Kentucky Derby, Old Friends, Sunshine Forever, Thoroughbred Retirement Facility

Old Friends Preps for the 2010 Kentucky Derby with Two Super Saturday Presentations

Aqueduct and Santa Anita events to support the Georgetown, KY Thoroughbred Retirement Farm

GEORGETOWN, KY – MARCH 30, 2010 – With only 32 days until Derby, Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Central Kentucky, is prepping for the run-for-the roses with two super Saturday events.

On April 3, The New York Racing Association (NYRA) and leading Thoroughbred owner Mike Repole will show support for Old Friends at the 86th running of the $750,000 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct Racecourse.

NYRA and Repole will award Old Friends with a generous $10,000 donation that will be presented to Old Friends founder and president Michael Blowen in the Wood winner circle following the race.

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Tags: equestrian competitions, Equine Protection, Horse Racing, Kentucky Derby, New York Racing Association, Old Friends, Thoroughbreds

Alysheba Memorial Statue to Be Unveiled

“America’s Horse” to be remembered at Kentucky Horse Park

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 12, 2010).  One year after the death of Kentucky Derby Winner Alysheba, the Kentucky Horse Park will unveil a memorial statue at his grave.

The famous son of Alydar had resided at the park for only five months when he was euthanized as a result of an accidental fall in March 2009.  The 25-year-old stallion was buried at the Hall of Champions.

The public is invited to the Alysheba Memorial Statue Unveiling, Friday, April 16, 2:00 pm.

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Tags: Alysheba, equestrian community, ex-racehorse, Horse Racing, Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Horse park