War Emblem enjoying a roll – photo © Rick Capone.
From Michael:
These are the perfect days at Old Friends. The slight chill in the air eliminates the flies, the horses love the soft ground and cool temperatures and everyone can take a deep, relaxing breath after all the excitement of the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland and the arrival of War Emblem.
This week also marks the one year anniversary of Silver Charm’s retirement to the farm. There’s not a day that goes by that he doesn’t impress us with his dignified, but friendly, demeanor. I know I’m prejudiced but he’s such an amazing combination of charisma and intelligence.
War Emblem is finally here. He still must satisfy some quarantine requirements so he’s not part of the regular tour just yet. But when the weather’s good, he’s out for several hours. I know that winning the 2002 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes must have been a great thrill for Bob and Jill Baffert and all of those associated with this magnificent athlete. But last week, when he finally got out of his stall and into his double-fenced, quarantine paddock, he gave everyone goosebumps. He took a few steps, checked out the run-in shed, sniffed a few poops left by Rapid Redux and Amazombie, jogged around the fence line twice, jogged to the middle, and reared up and roared to the heavens. In my whole life, I have never seen such an exhilarating expression of pure joy. His black coat gleaming, War Emblem declared his presence with confidence and superiority and every horse within earshot stood at attention. What a moment.
I’d like to thank all the people who supported War Emblem’s return by donating toward the numbered Inner Circle certificates signed by Bob Baffert and Victor Espinoza, especially Amy Osborn. We still have some left if anyone is interested in donating to War Emblem’s future. Thanks again to Mr. Yoshida and everyone at Shadai Stallion Station for trusting us with their special horse.
For our War Emblem Inner Circle certificate holders who have been waiting to hear, we have set the date: The “War Emblem Inner Circle” reception will be held on Thursday, April 7th. It’s the opening weekend of Keeneland, so now you have two reasons to come to town.
We’re working on the expansion because we have several deserving retirees on the waiting list. Some, like Touch Gold and Sun King and Ide, are the cream of the crop. But there are others, like Archie’s Echo, who need a place as well.
I hope you will take the opportunity to visit soon. We conduct one tour every day at 11 a.m. during the winter and we’d love to show off all of these invaluable athletes. Thanks again for allowing me to have the time of my life.
The “Mixed Pleasure” Hat
A winning hat inspired by our beloved Mixed Pleasure. This auction ends Dec. 14 at 8PM EST. MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® one-of-a-kind handmade chapeaus have raised over $25,000 for our horses! Sincere thanks to MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® for another lovely hat. Thanks, as always, to Equisport Photos, Bella Rose Boutique AND Shea & Julien Leparoux and baby Mitchell for their continuing support. This auction ends Dec. 14th.
A Special Subscription Offer for Supporters of Old Friends
We wanted to share with you this link to the new issue of PONIES 24-7. There is a terrific article by Rick Capone on the retirement of Genuine Reward to Old Friends that we hope you will enjoy.
To read the latest issue of PONIES 24-7, click here: http://www.ponies247.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Ponies247-Volume-1-Issue-2.pdf.
The editors and publishers of PONIES 24-7 are now planning the release of its third issue by mid-December, and they would like to offer a ‘special’ subscription deal to our supporters and friends.
For every *subscription to PONIES 24-7 that is received by December 10th, 2015, they will donate $1 from either of our 5 or 10 issue subscription offers, or our Silver or Gold Premium Club Packages, to OLD FRIENDS KENTUCKY!
So you could say it’s a win/win situation; you won’t miss a single issue of PONIES 24-7 and all of its exclusive editorial features, while at the same time helping Old Friends.
*Subscriptions for this offer begin with the third issue of PONIES 24-7. To subscribe, go to www.ponies247.com, and select either our Subscribe Page for magazine only subscriptions, or to the Premium Club page, where either of our Silver or Gold Packages will include the PONIES 24-7 digital magazine, regular handicapping newsletter, and other exclusive content!
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