Tag Archives: Old Friends

Community/Charity

Happy Holidays from Old Friends

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Charismatic © Laura Battles.

From Michael Blowen:

Sincere thanks to everyone who has ever stepped foot on the farm, sent us a kind letter or donated a dollar to Old Friends. Thanks to everyone who works here and our irreplaceable tour guides. But mostly, thanks to our great retirees. From Charismatic to I’m Charismatic and Afternoon Deelites to Popcorn Deelites, we are so grateful to wake up every morning and see these great retirees enjoying themselves. As we enter our 14th year, we’ve been able to secure more acreage to provide a quality retirement to more of our deserving athletes. Selfishly, on the cusp of my 70th birthday, I’m extremely happy and gratified that you’ve allowed me to have the most fulfilling retirement in the world. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and to all a good night.

GoodGiving Challenge

The GoodGiving Guide Challenge is an online giving campaign designed to engage the entire community and to make charitable giving easy and fun. Now in its sixth year, the Challenge is a partnership between Blue Grass Community Foundation and Smiley Pete Publishing. The 2015 GoodGiving Guide Challenge raised over $1.3 million for outstanding nonprofits in Central and Eastern Kentucky. Please consider a donation to Old Friends via this amazing annual campaign. Many many thanks as always to our supporters!  CLICK HERE TO DONATE.

The Old Friends Twelve Days of Christmas Wish List

On the 12th day of Christmas my true fans gave to me
12 post-it pads
11 rolls of Vet-Wrap
10 reams of paper
Nine bubble mailers
Eight horse-size fly masks
Seven Quest Plus DeWormers
Six rolls of shipping tape
Five baaaaales of hay
Four books of stamps
Three gift cards
Two toner cartridges
And a horse blanket under the tree

Click here for the entire list with easy shopping info.

Happy Holidays Everyone, and thanks for your continued support.

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

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Spendthrift Farm Shows Support for Old Friends

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Old Friends’ Michael Blowen (left) accepts donation from Spendthrift Farm  General Manager Ned Toffey.

GEORGETOWN, KY – NOVEMBER 25, 2016 – Spendthrift Farm, one of the Thoroughbred industry’s leading breeding farms, has made a generous donation of $30,000 to Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY.

Spendthrift, owned by B. Wayne Hughes and located in Lexington, is donating the purse earned by a third-place finish in the inaugural “Spendthrift Stallion Stakes,” which was run at Churchill Downs on October 30.

Earlier this year, Spendthrift Farm partnered with Churchill Downs to create the Spendthrift Stallion Stakes, a $300,000-guaranteed stakes race to be run in the fall for 2-year-olds that are sired exclusively by Spendthrift stallions.

The inaugural running in 2016 was part of Churchill Downs’ 12th annual “Stars of Tomorrow” program, which is entirely devoted to 2-year-old racing.

Third-place finisher Lawton is the 2-year-old son of Archarcharch.

Spendthrift is home to many other prominent stallions including Into Mischief, Dominus, Malibu Moon, Warrior’s Reward, Temple City, Tizway, and Wicked Strong.

“What Michael Blowen has done with Old Friends has been a great service to the industry,” said Ned Toffey, Spendthrift General Manager, who presented Blowen with a check this week. “It’s a great cause; it’s good for owners, breeders, and also for the fans and so we were very happy to do this.” Toffey added. “We as an industry need to provide for these horses.”

“We are grateful to Mr. Hughes, Ned, and everyone at Spendthrift, and can’t thank them enough for this show of support,” said Michael Blowen, president and founder of Old Friends. “Such a contribution will go a long way in providing for our retired horses.”

For more information about Spendthrift, visit the website at www.spendthriftfarm.com.

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 165 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

Community/Charity, Racing

Fans Invited to Join Charismatic’s “Inner Circle”

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Charismatic wins the Derby! (Photo by Barbara Livingston)

GEORGETOWN, KY – NOVEMBER 21, 2016 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, is inviting fans to become a member of Kentucky Derby winner Charismatic’s “Inner Circle”.

On October 26, Old Friends announced that the dual-classic winner and 1999 Horse of the Year would be returning to the United States from Japan, where he has stood as a stallion since 2002.

Old Friends is launching a “Certificate” campaign to support Charismatic’s overseas journey. The lion share of his trip is being sponsored by his former owners through the Robert & Beverly Lewis Family Foundation, and also by the Austin, TX-based vodka brand, Tito’s Handmade Vodka. But additional funds are still needed.

“In 2015 we launched a certificate campaign for the return of Derby winner War Emblem, and it was a great success,” said Old Friends President Michael Blowen. “Since announcing the news about Charismatic we have received so many calls and requests about doing it again — so the certificates are back by popular demand,” Blowen added.”

Fans who donate $199.90 — a nod to Charismatic’s 1999 Derby win — will earn a limited-edition share certificate featuring a four-color photo by Eclipse-Award winning photographer Barbara Livingston and a personal signature from Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who campaigned Charismatic throughout his career.

Certificate holders will be also invited to a private meet-and-greet reception at Old Friends to be held in April of 2017 (exact date to be announced by January).

Only 300 certificates will be produced.

Charismatic, a one-time claimer, captured the hearts of racing fans when he miraculously won both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness stakes against all odds. He found himself on the threshold of becoming the 12th Triple Crown winner when near-tragedy struck during the Belmont Stakes.

In that race, Charismatic surged before record crowd of over 85,000, but then he dropped back and was passed by eventual winner Lemon Drop Kid. As Charismatic crossed the finish line in third place, he was quickly pulled up having suffered multiple fractures in his left front leg.

In a very memorable moment, his jockey, the late Chris Antley, jumped off and held the colt’s leg off the ground until help arrived, thus avoiding more serious damage.  As Daily Racing Form’s Jay Hovdey noted at the time: “The Triple Crown was lost, but Charismatic was saved.”

The injuries, while not life threatening, did end his racing career. But Charismatic earned that year’s Eclipse Award as Champion 3-year-old colt as well as Horse of the Year honors, and retired with five wins from 17 starts and earnings of $2,038,064.

The now 20-year-old stallion will return to the United States in early December (arrival date to be announced) and will be pensioned at Old Friends. This marks the third Kentucky Derby Champion to be repatriated from Japan by Old Friends. In 2014 the farm welcomed 1997 winner Silver Charm and the following year 2002 winner War Emblem.

You can order a Charismatic certificate by calling Old Friends at (502) 863-1775 and using a credit card.  Or you may mail in an order by sending a check or money order for $199.90 to Old Friends, 1841 Paynes Depot Road, Georgetown, KY., 40324. Please include your name, address, and phone number.

Certificates are expected to be mailed by late December.

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 165 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

Racing

Eclipse Champion Hidden Lake Euthanized at 23

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Photo by Peggy Maness.

GEORGETOWN, KY – SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 – Eclipse Champion and multiple grade-one winner Hidden Lake has died. The 23-year-old daughter of Quiet American was euthanized at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, KY, where she had been pensioned since 2009.

Michael Blowen, founder and President of Old Friends, made the announcement of her passing this afternoon and attributed her death to infirmities of old age.

Owned and campaigned by Robert N. Clay and Tracy Farmer for three seasons, Hidden Lake (Quiet American – Friendly Circle, Round Table) broke her maiden at Del Mar as a 2-year-old and was stakes placed throughout her 3-year-old year.

But it was during her 4-year-old season, after moving to the East Coast, that the mare truly made her mark. In 1997 Hidden Lake captured four graded stakes, three of them Grade 1s, including the Hempstead Handicap at Belmont and the spectacular Go for Wand at Saratoga, a formidable performance after which she nearly collapsed from heat exhaustion.

At the time her jockey, Richard Migliore, summed up her greatness of spirit: In the Go for Wand “she reached down and found something that wasn’t there. That’s what champions do.” He has called her victory one of his most memorable career wins.

Hidden Lake came back strong three months later to win The GR1 Beldame and was also a contender in that year’s Breeders’ Cup Distaff where she finished 7th. Following her banner season Hidden Lake received the Eclipse Award as Champion Older Mare and retired shortly thereafter with 22 starts, seven wins, and career earnings of $947,489.

She did become a broodmare but had increasing difficulty carrying foals to terms. In 2009 then-owner Robert S. Evans donated Hidden Lake to Old Friends.

“Hidden Lake defined bravery, determination, and courage,” said Old Friends board member Barbara Fossum, who cared for the mare regularly at the farm. “She was dignified and generous to those who loved her – demanding and all heart,” she added. “She personified everything an Eclipse Champion should be.”

“Hidden Lake was all class,” said Blowen, “especially at the end. Her courage and fortitude were unmatched while on the track and off.”

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

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; Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Auctions, Community/Charity, Racing

Celebrate “Old Friends Day” at Belterra Park Gaming on September 5

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Kentucky Derby and Preakness Champion War Emblem is just one of the equine retirees at Old Friends (photo Rick Capone).

GEORGETOWN, KY – AUGUST 29, 2016 – Monday, September 5th, is Old Friends Day at Belterra Park Gaming in Cincinnati, OH.

The day will celebrate the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY that cares for more than 160 retired racehorses. Fans can bid in a silent auction of unique items, as well as meet Old Friends founder Michael Blowen.

The auction will take place on the outdoor terrace overlooking the track. It will start at 1:30 pm and conclude at 4:00 pm.

Among the items up for auction are a set of Old Friends commemorative glasses, posters for such champions as American Pharoah and Zenyatta, decorative horse items, collectible ball caps, artwork, and jewelry.

Old Friends farm in Georgetown is home to over 100 of the organization’s 165 retirees, and star attractions include  Hall of Fame Champion and 1997 Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm, 2002 Derby and Preakness winner War Emblem, three-time winner of the Santa Anita Handicap winner Game On Dude, and Breeders’ Cup Classic Champion Alphabet Soup.

The farm is open to the public daily by appointment. For tour times and information, call (502) 863 1775.

Belterra Park Gaming, located at 6301 Kellogg Road in Cincinnati, OH 45230, features live racing along the beautiful Ohio River. Post time for the first race is 1:30 pm.

Belterra Park’s 2016 racing season includes over 90 race days and is home to Ohio’s only turf race track. The River Downs Club features simulcast Thoroughbred racing.

For more information, contact Belterra at (513) 232-8000.

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; Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

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Saratoga!

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Photo © Laura Battles.

If you’re in Saratoga this week, be sure to drop by Anne’s Washington Inn on Thursday evening (August 11) for our annual cocktail party get-together.

The fun starts at 6 pm and we’ll be giving this year’s Frankel Award to Eclipse-Award-winning photographer Barbara Livingston.  (Thanks again to Innkeeper Joe Bokan, one of our dearest and most generous supporters. We could never spend as much time having fun and raising money at the Spa without Joe letting us stay for free.)

On Tuesday, August 16, the National Racing Museum and Hall of Fame is celebrating Old Friends Day. JoAnn Pepper, who manages Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, and I will be there for the Guests in the Gallery program, which begins at 11 a.m. The program is free to attend with a paid Museum admission. We’re expecting some very special guests, including H. James Bond (who trained Behrens, Will’s Way), Richard Schlosberg (Affirmed Success), Jack Knowlton (Saratoga Episode), and Tracy and Carol Farmer (Commentator).

At both events, you will also have an opportunity to reserve one of the limited-edition Breeders’ Cup Maker’s Mark commemorative Zenyatta bottles. Old Friends is the 2016 beneficiary of their “Champions for Charity” campaign and Breeder’s Cup and Maker’s Mark have created a gorgeous collectible that will be signed by Jerry and Ann, John Shirreffs and Mike Smith. We are pleased to say that 100% of the proceeds from this campaign will come to Old Friends.

If you’re not in Saratoga and you’d still like to reserve one of these commemorative bottles, visit the website – https://www.breederscup.com/champions-for-charity?force-web.

Donors will be collecting their bottles at Arcadia Night: Salute to Zenyatta, which will take place on Wednesday, November 2 at the Gold Line Plaza, in Arcadia, CA and also at the Breeders’ Cup offices in Lexington on November 16, from 11 p.m. – 7 p.m. Proxies will be accepted at both locations.

But wherever you are, Breeders’ Cup has vowed to get your collectible to you. Breeders’ Cup will correspond with donors in October to determine their pick-up preferences and other possible options.

Thanks, once again, for all of your support. Come visit the horses when you can. We look forward to seeing you.

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

Racing

Futural, Multiple Graded Stakes Winner, Euthanized at 20

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Futural in retirement at Old Friends. (Photo by Laura Battles)

GEORGETOWN, KY – JULY 26, 2016 – Multiple-graded-stakes winner Futural has died. The 20-year-old gelding was euthanized Monday evening due to complications caused by advance chronic osteoarthritis.

Futural had been pensioned at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, KY, since 2006. Michael Blowen, founder and President of Old Friends, made the announcement of his passing this morning.

Bred in Florida by Harry T. Mangurian, Jr, Futural (Future Storm – Twigazuri, by Dixieland Band) scored his biggest wins at the age of five, capturing the 2001 San Bernadino Handicap (G2) and Mervyn Leroy Handicap (G2).

In 2002 Futural captured his first Grade 1 win in the Hollywood Gold Cup, but he was controversially disqualified for interference and placed third.

His other victories included the Tokyo City Cup Handicap and the Sir Winston Churchill Handicap at the age of seven.

Racing to the age of 10, Futural won 12 of his 70 Starts for career earnings of $816,107.

His retirement to Old Friends was prompted in 2006 by renowned equine photographer Katey Barrett. After photographing the handsome chestnut during his banner year in Southern California in 2001, she fell in love with him. “When I photograph these horses, I often get connected to them,” she said at the time.

Futural had been running at Hastings in Vancouver, British Columbia when Barrett contacted then owners Donald Muldoon and trainer Dave Milburn and asked if she could find him a home when he was finished racing.

“Futural was a very generous horse and very kind,” said Hall of Fame Jockey Chris McCarron, who rode Futural in seven of his career starts. “He got me across the wire in the one and only time I ever won the Hollywood Gold Cup, and he’ll always have a special place in my heart.”

“It was an honor having Futural with us all these years,” said Blowen. “We are grateful to Katey for helping us retire him and to his connections for their support.

“Futural has been a great friend to us and to his fellow geldings, most recently Yankee Fourtune,” added Blowen. “All he ever asked for in return was a nice banana, his favorite treat. We’ll certainly miss him.”

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; Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Racing

Grade 1 Winner Halo America, Dead at 26

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Halo America during her racing years. (Photo by Laura Battles)

GEORGETOWN, KY – JULY 8, 2016 – Pensioned broodmare Halo America has died. The Grade 1 winning, millionaire was euthanized July 7 due to declining health at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility based in Georgetown, KY. She was 26.

The mare had retired to Old Friends in 2014 following a prestigious breeding career at Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm in Lexington. She was cared for at Nuckols Farm in Midway for most of her tenure, but returned to Old Friends’ Georgetown location when space became available.

Halo America was bred in Florida by John Franks and she also raced in his colors, capturing 15 wins while racing to the age of 7. One of the most successful progeny of the stallion Waquoit, the mare earned nine stakes victories, including the 1997 Apple Blossom (G1) and the 1996 Molly Pritchard Breeders’ Cup Handicap (GR2).

She also won her final career start, the Louisville Breeders’ Cup Handicap (GR2) at Churchill Downs, which brought her career earnings to over $1.46 million.

As a broodmare she is well represented by the Irish Stakes winner Marino Marini and the multiple graded stakes placed Quick Temper.

In 2009 Halo America foaled the only colt from the last crop of the great sire Storm Cat.

“Halo America wasn’t with us long but it didn’t take her long to make a lasting impression,” said Old Friends founder and President Michael Blowen. “She was a spectacular racehorse, a successful broodmare and a kind, intelligent, beautiful old friend. Thanks to Hill ‘n’ Dale for trusting us to care for her and to Charles Nuckols for providing a spot for her until she could come to the main farm.”

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

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; Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Racing

Old Friends Update

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Belmont Stakes winner Touch Gold (Photo © Laura Battles)

There is so much to be thankful for this week. Most importantly, thanks to everyone that banded together to help with the abandoned Borell horses. The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), the selfless volunteers, and so many others worked very hard to do what’s best for these great athletes. Through Stacey Clark of the TAA, Old Friends has pledged to give two of the horses a place to retire if needed. As this situation progresses we’ll offer more news about that. But thankfully these horses are finally getting the help they need.

Second, very special thanks to Zenyatta, the Breeders’ Cup, Maker’s Mark, and Jerry and Ann Moss for making Old Friends the 2016 beneficiary of their “Champions for Charity” campaign. They’ve created a gorgeous collectible bottle of Maker’s Mark signed by Jerry and Ann, John Shireffs and Mike Smith, and 100% of the proceeds go to Old Friends.

If you’d like to reserve one of these commemorative bottles, visit the website https://www.breederscup.com/champions-for-charity?force-web (sorry, we can’t take your request in the office).

You’ll notice that donors will be collecting their bottles at Arcadia Night: Salute to Zenyatta, which will take place on Wednesday, November 2 at the Gold Line Plaza in Arcadia, CA. The evening will include live music, food trucks, and signature Breeders’ Cup cocktails, among other special amenities.

But for those unable to attend the California event, bottles also may be collected at Breeders’ Cup offices in Lexington, KY on November 16, from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Proxies will be accepted at both locations. Breeders’ Cup will correspond with donors in October to determine their pick-up preferences and other possible options.

This donation will be significant to our retirees. We’ve earmarked it to continue expanding our Georgetown facility so we can take in more deserving retirees.

Speaking of expansion, the new barn is just about done and it’s just beautiful! We’ll be having a “Grand Opening” ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, July 9 around 11 p.m. At this time we will officially name it the “John Hettinger Memorial Barn.” Anyone is welcome to come and see the new place on that morning.

What’s in a name? This weekend Narrow Escape runs in the Queen’s Plate at Woodbine. Our first retiree was named Narrow Escape. Belmont winner, Creator, is trained by Steve Asmussen and Steve’s brother, Cash, who rode our Creator to Group 1 wins in France. Delay of Game, our longtime friend who recently passed away, is represented by another Delay of Game who’s still running. I root for all three, and I hope you will, too.

Meanwhile, the Saratoga meet is just around the corner and we can’t wait. In conjunction with JoAnn and Mark Pepper and all the great people at Old Friends at Cabin Creek, we’re planning some fun events in New York in the coming weeks. You can visit the Cabin Creek website for more info: www.oldfriendsatcabincreek.com.

We’ll be giving this year’s Frankel Award to Eclipse-Award-winning photographer Barbara Livingston at our annual get-together at Anne’s Washington Inn in Saratoga on August 11. Innkeeper Joe Bokan, one of our dearest and most generous supporters, is also a great, great friend. We could never spend as much time having fun and raising money at the Spa without Joe letting us stay for free.

On August 16, the National Racing Museum and Hall of Fame is celebrating Old Friends Day. Many of the owners, trainers and jockeys whose horses have been retired to Old Friends have agreed to appear. We’ll be updating our list of participants as we get closer to the date but H. James Bond (Behrens, Will’s Way), Richard Schosberg (Affirmed Success), Jack Knowlton (Saratoga Episode) and Tracy and Carol Farmer (Commentator) have agreed to participate.

The horses are doing great, by the way. War Emblem is happy in retirement, Touch Gold is becoming a new favorite, and Silver Charm is loving his fans.  We hope you will all be able to come out for a visit this summer and say hello.

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

Racing

Stake Winner Delay of Game Dead at 23

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Photo by Laura Battles.

GEORGETOWN, KY – JUNE 7, 2016 – Graded-stakes winner Delay of Game has died. The 23-year-old gelded son of Summer Squall was euthanized on Monday evening due to the infirmities of old age. The horse also suffered from the neurological disease EPM.

Delay had been pensioned at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, KY, since 2010. Michael Blowen, founder and president of Old Friends, made the announcement of his passing this morning.

Owned by John H. Peace and trained by George “Rusty” Arnold, Delay of Game (Summer Squall – Wimbledon, Blushing Groom) won his first stakes as a 4-year-old, capturing the 1997 Stuyvesant Handicap (GR2) at Aqueduct.

He went on to score 16 victories over seven seasons in premium allowance races at virtually every track and on virtually every surface, from Keeneland and Churchill Downs to Saratoga, Belmont, and Gulfstream Park.

Among his final triumphs were back-to-back wins in the 2000 and 2001 Tampa Bay Breeders’ Cup Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs.

Delay of Game retired from the track shortly after with career earnings of $809,023.

Following his retirement from the track, Delay returned to the stable of Rusty Arnold and his wife Sarah. “We had him almost his entire career,” said Sarah Arnold. Off the track, he had a stint as a stable pony and also as a riding horse. But once he contracted the EPM, we knew we had to find permanent retirement for him, and Michael was kind enough to take him and take great care of him.

“I never met a horse who loved his job like he did,” Arnold continued. “He loved racing, and not just winning, but racing. When I think of how to describe him, I think of what groom Will Harbut always said about Man o’ War: ‘He was the mostest horse.'”

“Delay of Game was not only terrific racehorse; he was just a total ‘people’ horse,” noted Old Friends’ Blowen. “He was a favorite with many of our tour guides and visitors, and he loved the attention. We were proud to care for him these last years, and we can’t thank the Arnolds enough for all they did for him.”

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; Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org