Game On Dude in retirement at Old Friends (Photo by EquiSport)
GEORGETOWN, KY – APRIL 21, 2016 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, is happy to announce the launch of its new “virtual tour” video collection.
Sponsored by a grant from the Binky Foundation and produced by Matt and Wendy Wooley of the Lexington-based EquiSport Photos, each 3-4 minute virtual tour will feature one of the horses retired at Old Friends and will be presented by Old Friends founder and President Michael Blowen.
The videos intermingle live footage with still photographs, backstories, and memorable career highlights.
Each video is viewable on a desktop computer or mobile device and can be accessed via the Old Friends Facebook page and on the Old Friends YouTube channel, a link to which is available on the website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.
The inaugural video, released April 3, featured 1997 Kentucky Derby and Preakness champion Silver Charm (CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO). It will be followed by the release of a visit with three-time Santa Anita Handicap winner Game On Dude. To view the just released Game On Dude Virtual Tour, CLICK HERE.
Additional videos to be released in the coming weeks will feature Super Derby star Wallenda, Eclipse-Award winning mare Hidden Lake, and Kentucky Derby and Preakness Champion War Emblem. The farm expects to produce 10 virtual-tour videos in all.
“We have been blessed with thousands of fans visiting the farm who enjoy an up-close-and-personal experience with our wonderful retirees,” said Blowen. “But we know there are people who can’t travel or may never have the opportunity to come to Kentucky. For those people, these virtual tours are the next best thing to being here.
“Wendy Wooley is an incredibly talented videographer and, more so, she has a great feel for what we do here at Old Friends,” Blowen continued. “These videos really echo the live-tour experience.”
“Matt and I have always enjoyed our visits to Old Friends,” said Wendy Wooley. “It’s very exciting for us to be a part of a project that allows so many fans to not only get a behind-the-scenes look at the retirees on the farm but also hear Michael’s colorful anecdotes!”
Old Friends also extends its thanks to the Binky Foundation, a private charitable organization dedicated to the protection of domestic and wild animals, for their support with this project.
Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 160 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