A fire at Old Friends destroyed an 8-stall Hospital Barn. No horses were lost or injured.
GEORGETOWN, KY – JANUARY 28, 2016 – On January 24, 2016, fire destroyed a “hospital” barn at the Old Friends farm in Georgetown, KY. Old Friends is a retirement sanctuary for more than 150 Thoroughbreds, including such racetrack heroes as Silver Charm, Sarava, Alphabet Soup, War Emblem and Game On Dude.
Today, Old Friends founder and President Michael Blowen announced that Fasig-Tipton, through its subsidiary Blue Horse Charities, has donated $50,000 towards the rebuilding of this structure, which in the future will be known as “The John Hettinger Memorial Barn”.
“Blue Horse Charities was conceived and created by John Hettinger,” noted Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning, “during the time of his family’s ownership of the company. We are delighted that Old Friends will name the new barn in John’s honor.”
“John Hettinger’s commitment to caring for Thoroughbreds in retirement was unparalleled,” said Blowen. “I remember many years ago sitting on John’s porch in Saratoga discussing what we needed to do to protect these retired racehorses. I think he would have loved Old Friends as much as we love him. Blue Horse’s $50,000 donation is like hitting the Pick 6 without even buying a ticket!”
Blowen noted that all of the donations received will go to re-building a new, fire-safe hospital barn and also to updating and fire-proofing the larger, main barn on the organization’s property.
Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 155 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; Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org