Tag Archives: Danthebluegrassman

Danthebluegrassman, Grade 3 Winner, Euthanized at 20

Danthebluegrassman at Old Friends (Photo: Laura Battles)

GEORGETOWN, KY – MARCH 20, 2019 – Danthebluegrassman, a 2002 Kentucky Derby contender, was euthanized Monday, March 19, at Park Equine Hospital in Woodford due to an irreparable small intestinal obstruction that was causing chronic colic.

The 20-year-old gelding had been pensioned at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement center in Georgetown, KY, since 2008.

A son of Pioneering, out of the Grey Dawn II mare Stay With Bruce, Danthebluegrassman — named after raconteur Dan Chandler, son of former Kentucky governor A.B. “Happy” Chandler — was campaigned by Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert and owner Michael E. Pegram.

As a 2-year-old, the flashy chestnut won the Gold Rush Stakes in wire-to-wire fashion. A year later, he punched his ticket to the Kentucky Derby trail with a win in the Grade 3 Golden Gate Derby and a close 2nd in the Grade 3 El Camino Real Derby.

A long shot nevertheless, on Derby day he was installed at 50-1 morning line odds, but then later scratched after he “tied up” following a routine gallop at Churchill Downs. In June of that year he went on to another victory in the Northern Dancer Stakes at Churchill Downs.

Claimed in in 2005, Dan eventually fell down the ranks and was retired to Old Friends in the spring of 2008 after a career boasting 47 Starts and 8 wins with earnings of $423,794.

“Dan was the man — tough but gentle,” said Old Friends President Michael Blowen. “We were fortunate to know him for more than a decade, and he will be missed by all of us. Special thanks to Dr. Bryan Waldrige and everyone at Park Equine for doing the best for Dan when he needed it most.”

For more information, please call (502) 863-1775 or visit the website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org; Michael Blowen (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Old Friends “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby” Unveils “The Danthebluegrassman”

Jockey Chris and his wife Shelby Landeros. Photo © Equisport Photography.

The 8th Annual Maggie Mae Designs® Old Friends-sponsored online fashion auction, “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby”, has opened bidding on the final hat in the 2017 series.

The Derby-style chapeau currently up for bid honors one-time Derby contender Danthebluegrassman.

Bidding in this online auction will be available through April 11, 2017, 8:00 pm (EST). To bid, CLICK HERE.

This unique fundraiser features one-of-a-kind couture hats created by Maggie Mae Designs®, the sale of which benefits Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility based in Georgetown, KY.

To date, this annual online fashion auction has raised over $30,000 for Old Friends.

Kentucky-bred Danthebluegrassman captured the 2001 Gold Rush Stakes as a two-year-old and then the 2002 Golden Gate Derby, which made him a top contender for the 2002 Kentucky Derby. But injury kept him from starting on the First Saturday in May in the race that was won by his stablemate, War Emblem. Dan continued to race, but by 2008 had fallen down the claiming ranks. Thanks to several fans and supporters, the chestnut son of Pioneering was claimed and retired to Old Friends.

The custom-crafted chapeau honoring this athlete makes use of owner Mike Pegram’s bright racing silks of bold red and yellow. The hat features a champagne silk foundation highlighted by wispy layers of bright tulle. The centerpiece is a large red rose placed along the crown. The flower is framed with a medley of yellow organza leaves, each of which is delicately top stitched in red for added detailing.

As with all of the Maggie Mae Designs®, the “Danthebluegrassman” hat is stunning from every angle with no detail left untouched.

Special thanks to our models Krystal and Jon Court and their daughter, Aubrey, and Shelby and Chris Landeros. Thanks also to Lexington-based boutique Bella Rose for furnishing Krystal and Shelby’s lovely dresses!

To see more photos and read more about the hat’s design, CLICK HERE.

Old Friends, Inc. 1841 Paynes Depot Rd., Georgetown, KY 40324
502-863-1775 www.oldfriendsequine.org   michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Old Friends at Cabin Creek   483 Sandhill Rd., Greenfield Center, NY 12833
518-698-2377   www.oldfriendsatcabincreek.com   cabincreek4@hotmail.com

Old Friends Retiree Danthebluegrassman to Make Special Appearance at the Governor’s Annual Derby Celebration

GEORGETOWN, KY – APRIL 25, 2011 – Old Friends retiree Danthebluegrassman, a 2002 Kentucky Derby contender, will be a special guest of Gov. Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear at the 2011 Governor’s Derby Celebration, held Saturday May 7 in the state capital city of Frankfort, KY.

The 12-year-old horse has been pensioned at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY, since 2008. Many devoted fans and tourist visit him there annually.

Dan will be at the Capital City Museum at 325 Ann Street from 8am to noon, where he will meet and greet fans and be available for photos. Michael Blown, founder and president of Old Friends, will also be on hand.

Bred in Kentucky by Dan Mallory, Danthebluegrassman was campaigned by trainer Bob Baffert and owner Mike Pegram, who named the colt after his friend Dan Chandler, son of the former Kentucky governor and the bon vivant uncle of U.S. Representative Ben Chandler.

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