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Old Friends Receives ASPCA “Rescuing Racers” Grant

Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm at Old Friends (Photo by Laura Battles)

GEORGETOWN, KY – JULY 28, 2015 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, KY, has received a $15,000 grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA®).

Old Friends founder and President Michael Blowen made the announcement today.

The grant is part of the ASPCA’s “Rescuing Racers Initiative,” which was established in 2009 to support horses impacted by the racing industry. Old Friends received two previous grants under this initiative, in 2010 and 2011, which were used for run-in sheds and the construction of new paddocks.

These project funds will be also be used to construct new run-in sheds on Old Friends’ expanded Georgetown facility.

Old Friends supports more than 150 retired racehorses in all, including a dozen on its satellite facility in New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division.

Most recently Old Friends permanently retired Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Silver Charm, multiple Grade 1 winner Game On Dude and Breeders’ Cup Sprint Champion Amazombie. The organization will welcome a second Kentucky Derby champion, 2002 winner War Emblem, in the fall.

The farm is open to tourists daily by appointment.

“We are so grateful for this funding and for the continued assistance from the ASPCA,” said Blowen. “Our horses live out most of the time, and run-in sheds are crucial to their well-being. This grant will help us prepare now for the coming winter,” Blowen added. “We appreciate the support and confidence the ASPCA has in Old Friends to continue its mission.”

“The ASPCA is pleased to award Old Friends this grant to assist their efforts to offer sanctuary to so many of the Thoroughbred racing industry’s retired stallions – as well as others,” said Jacque Schultz, senior director of the ASPCA Equine Fund. “The equine rescues and sanctuaries that take in these retirees provide them with the professional services and time necessary to recover from the physical demands of life on the racetrack. We are grateful to have the resources to help them meet their goal of providing aftercare to retired racers.”

In 2014, the ASPCA awarded over $1.1 million in grants to support 169 equine rescues and sanctuaries across the country. The grants were primarily awarded as part of the ASPCA Equine Fund, which provides life-saving resources – including financial assistance, in-person and online training, and sharing of best practices – to support non-profit equine welfare organizations.

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

About the ASPCA®

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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

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