Tag Archives: Old Friends

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Graded Stakes Placed Mixed Pleasure Euthanized at Old Friends

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Mixed Pleasure with Old Friends Volunteer John Bradley (Photo by Laura Battles)

GEORGETOWN, KY – OCTOBER 27, 2015 – Mixed Pleasure has died. The 30-year-old resident of Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, KY, was euthanized Monday evening due to complications from colic.

Michael Blowen, founder and president of Old Friends, made the announcement of his passing this afternoon.

Mixed Pleasure, who was a great-great grandson of the great Seabiscuit, had been pensioned at Old Friends since 2012 after being saved by Charlotte Farmer and the nationwide advocacy group Equi-Army-NDO.com. The stallion had stood at Grand Trine Farm in Molalla, OR, and was one of 14 horses seized by the rescue group when former owners attempted to place them for sale in an auction.

A moderately successful racehorse, Mixed Pleasure (Sucha Pleasure – Sea I’m Lucky, Windy Sea) was campaigned by Mel Stute and won five of his 22 starts, earning over $140,000 in his career. As a two-year-old Mixed Pleasure captured the Won Ford Juvenile Stakes as well as the Kindergarten Stakes. He then place second in the GR2 Hollywood Juvenile Championship Stakes and was third in the GR3 Balboa.

His dam, Sea I’m Lucky, was by Windy Sea, who was out of Sea Anemone, a daughter of Seabiscuit. Mixed Pleasure was presumed to be the oldest living descendant of the Depression-Era hero.

“It’s always heartbreaking to lose one of our horses,” said Old Friends’s Blowen. “But at the time of his death Mixed Pleasure was surrounded by those who loved him most. Our vet Bryan Waldridge was here to help him, as were our farm managers Tim Wilson and Carol Oates. Most importantly, Mixy spent his last moments with his best friend, John Bradley, one of our dedicated volunteers who was Mixed Pleasure’s friend and caretaker these last three years.”

“Mixed Pleasure was one of the kindest and easy going stallions we’ve ever had,” Blowen added, “and he will be sorely missed.”

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

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Breeders’ Cup Champion Alphabet Soup to Old Friends

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Alphabet Soup (Photo by Barbara Fossum)

GEORGETOWN, KY – OCTOBER 26, 2015 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY, is happy to announce that Breeders’ Cup Champion Alphabet Soup has been pensioned at the farm.

The gray son of Cozzene out of the Arts and Letters mare Illiterate, Alphabet Soup was a late bloomer for owner Georgia B Ridder, winning his first stakes at age 4 when he captured the 1995 Grade 3 Native Diver and the Grade 2 Del Mar Breeders’ Cup Handicap.

In 1996 he was the victor in the San Antonia Handicap (GR2), the Pat O’Brian Handicap (GR3) and the San Pasqual Handicap (GR2) en route to his greatest triumph, the 1996 Breeders’ Cup Classic (GR1), where he defeated the “invincible” Cigar as well as that year’s Preakness Stakes winner Louis Quatorze-all while setting a new track record at Woodbine.

Retired in 1998 to Adena Springs having captured 10 of 24 starts and earnings of over $2.9 million, Alphabet Soup has since sired 48 stakes winners, among them Grade 1 winners Egg Drop and Alphabet Kisses, champions Our New Recruit, Phantom Light and Sovereign Award winner Alpha Bettor.

“He arrived safely today and looks terrific,” said Old Friends President and founder Michael Blowen. “We are so grateful to Frank Stronach and everyone at Adena Springs for entrusting us with this fabulous champion,” he added. “We’re really looking forward to meeting his fans.”

For additional information about Alphabet Soup or any of the retirees at Old Friends, please call the farm at (502) 863-1775.

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

Community/Charity, Racing

Old Friends Breeders’ Cup Celebration, Sunday November 1st

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Breeders’ Cup Sprint Champion Gulch / Photo by EquiSport

Tickets Available Now

GEORGETOWN, KY – OCTOBER 19, 2015 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, KY, will host a special Breeders’ Cup Celebration Sponsored by Red Brand Fence on Sunday November 1st, 2015 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Tickets are $25 for the general public, $15 for shareholders and Old Friends members. Reservations can be made by contacting the farm at (502) 863-1775 or booked online by visiting the Old Friends website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

The day will include a barbeque buffet by Furlong’s Catering, pizza from Papa John’s, farm tours, live music from Shades of Grass and both live and silent auctions of racing memorabilia, collectible stallion halters, photography, pottery, and other artwork — much of which will celebrate winners of past Breeders’ Cup races.

Renowned equine artist Robert Clarke will also be on hand doing an on-site painting of the 2015 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner. The canvas will be auctioned at the end of the afternoon.

The event is sponsored by Red Brand Fence, which produces a premium line of agricultural fencing products and reigns as one of the most recognized brand of farm fence in the United States.

Over the years Old Friends has been home to more than 40 retired Breeders’ Cup winners or contenders, among them:

  • Gulch – winner of the 1988 Breeders’ Cup Sprint and currently the oldest living Breeders’ Cup Champion
  • Eldaafer, winner – 2010 Breeders’ Cup Marathon
  • Amazombie, winner – 2011 Breeders’ Cup Sprint
  • Silver Charm – 2nd in the 1998 Breeders’ Cup Classic
  • Game On Dude – 2nd in the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Classic
  • Rail Trip – 3rd in 2011 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile
  • *Precisionist – winner 1985 Breeders’ Cup Sprint
  • *Prized – winner of the 1989 Breeders’ Cup Turf
  • *Black Tie Affair – winner of the 1991 Breeders’ Cup Classic
  • *Fraise – winner of the 1992 Breeders’ Cup Turf
  • *Sunshine Forever – 2nd in the 1988 Breeders’ Cup Turf

*Now Deceased

“With the Breeders’ Cup here at Keeneland this year we hope fans will include us in their plans and come out for the day to see these wonderful past winners and contenders,” said Old Friends founder and President Michael Blowen. “It’s a great way to celebrate the new winners and also the history of the Championships.

“We’d also like to thank Red Brand Fence for their continued support,” Blowen continued. “They are helping us make this one of the best events we’re ever had here on the farm.”

For additional information or to reserve a ticket, please call the farm at (502) 863-1775.

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

Art/Photography, Community/Charity, Racing

The Old Friends “Fall” Tee, Featuring Artwork by Daily Racing Funnies, Now Available

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GEORGETOWN, KY – SEPTEMBER 29, 2015 – In June Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, launched a quarterly Booster campaign offering seasonal T-shirts with artwork by Daily Racing Funnies.

The “Summertime” tee was a great success, and on Tuesday September 29 the “Old Friends Fall Edition T-Shirt” will be available via Booster.com, the online crowdfunding site for charitable causes that revolves around selling custom T-shirts directly to supporters.

This second seasonal shirt, “Fall”, will celebrate The Breeders’ Cup World Championships, which will be held this year at Keeneland Racecourse on Oct. 30 and 31st.

Old Friends is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that has retired more than 40 Breeders’ Cup winners or contenders over the years, many of whom are featured in the fanciful illustration done by Daily Racing Funnies.

The shirts will be available for two weeks only beginning September 29 and the goal will be to sell 50 tees. To order, go to https://www.booster.com/old-friends-fall.

In this ongoing campaign, a new shirt with a new seasonal design will be available again this winter and next spring.

In addition, the first Booster shirt, “Summertime”, is be back by popular demand. The “Summertime” tee will be available for a limited time only and can be ordered by following this link: https://www.booster.com/oldfriendsummertime2.

The unisex T-shirts are made of 100 percent Gildan Ultra Cotton and the designs are rendered in full color. The price is $20 with $5 for shipping and handling and all proceeds go directly to Old Friends. There is no additional shipping and handling on multiple orders.

The Lexington, KY-based Daily Racing Funnies has been creating whimsical horse racing-themed comics via its website, including humorous looks at such champions as Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome and Triple Crown winner American Pharoah.

To learn more about Rick and Marcy (Mel) of Daily Racing Funnies, visit their website at www.dailyracingfunnies.com or join their Fan Page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/drfmel.

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

Community/Charity, Publications/Media

Rick Capone & Michael Blowen to Appear on Good Day Kentucky & at Joseph Beth Book Signing

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GEORGETOWN, KY – JULY 28, 2015 – Journalist Rick Capone and Old Friends founder and President Michael Blowen will appear on a segment of Good Day Kentucky on Tuesday, September 22.

The program airs at 9:00 am weekdays on WTVQ, the Lexington, KY ABC affiliate.

Capone is the author of The History of Old Friends: A Home for Retired Thoroughbreds, which chronicles the formation of the renowned Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY that was founded by Blowen in 2003.

The segment will publicize a book signing at the Joseph Beth book seller on September 24 at 7:00 pm. Capone and Blowen will autograph copies of the book and will offer a discussion.

Joseph Beth is located at 161 Lexington Green Circle in Lexington. For information about the signing, call (859) 273-2911.

Capone is also a sportswriter for the Woodford Sun.

The Old Friends farm in Georgetown is home to over 100 retired racehorses and is open to the public daily by appointment. Copies of The History of Old Friends: A Home for Retired Thoroughbreds are available in the gift shop. For tour information, call (502) 863-1775.

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

Auctions, Community/Charity, Racing

September 7th Is Old Friends Day at Belterra Park

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Photo by Tim Wilson.

GEORGETOWN, KY – SEPTEMBER 3, 2015 – Monday September 7th is Old Friends Day at the Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center in Cincinnati, OH.

The day will celebrate Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, that cares for more than 150 retired racehorses. There will be a silent auction of unique items and an opportunity to meet with 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 4:30 pm, the approximate start of the 6th race.

Among the items up for auction are Kentucky Derby photographs of American Pharoah and California Chrome, ladies jewelry, and a Silver Charm gift basket.

This year’s marquee item will be a collectible halter worn by three-time Santa Anita Handicap winner Game On Dude, who was retired to Old Friends in 2014.

Old Friends farm in Georgetown is home to over 100 of the non-profit organization’s 155 retirees, and star attractions include Hall of Fame Champion and 1997 Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm, Ohio hero Catlaunch, Breeders’ Cup Champions Gulch and Amazombie and 2002 Belmont stakes winner Sarava. The farm is open to the public daily by appointment. For tour times and information, call (502) 863 1775.

Belterra Park, located at 6301 Kellogg Road in Cincinnati, OH 45230, features live racing along the beautiful Ohio River. The 2015 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.

Post time Monday for the first race is 1:45. For more information, contact the track (513) 232-8000.

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

Competitions, Racing

First “Old Friends Stakes” to Take Place at Kentucky Downs, Sept. 16

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Three-time Santa Anita Handicap Winner Game On Dude, now retired at Old Friends (Photo by Rick Capone)

GEORGETOWN, KY – September 1, 2015 – The inaugural running of the $150,000 Old Friends Stakes will take place on Wednesday Sept. 16, 2015 at Kentucky Downs, the historic oval located in Franklin, KY.

Sponsored by Tribute® Equine Nutrition, the race will honor Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY, that cares for more than 150 former racehorses.

Old Friends recently entered into a joint venture with Kentucky Downs, which now features five retired Thoroughbreds in its “Old Friends Exhibit” located on its grounds.

The $150,000 stakes (which includes $75,000 from Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund) is for three-year-olds and up, and is contested over one mile and 70 years on the turf. Nominations close September 5 and entries taken Sept. 13.

For this special event Kentucky Downs is offering a special seating option: an enclosed Old Friends tent In the Kentucky Downs Turf Club venue that will feature premier views of the races and be equipped with wagering windows, dining tables and include a buffet lunch. Admission will also include a special tour of the Old Friends live-horse exhibit hosted by Old Friends founder and President Michael Blowen.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the non-profit organization.

Tickets to the Old Friends tent are $50 and can be reserved in advance by calling (270) 586-7094 or by visiting www.kentuckydowns.com. Tickets will also be available at the door.

In addition to the Old Friends Stakes, every race on the card will be dedicated to a horse pensioned at the non-profit organization. Sponsorships to the races are available and interested parties can contact Old Friends’s Blowen for information at (502) 863-1775.

Currently, The Game On Dude is sponsored by Red Brand Horse Fence and the Williamstown is sponsored by Peter W. Willmott, who campaigned the graded-stakes winning son of Seattle Slew.

“This is such a milestone for the organization,” said Old Friends’s Blowen. “This represents enormous recognition from the racing industry, and I can’t think of a better way to honor our horses, so many of whom were stakes winners.

“Our thanks goes out to Kentucky Downs for all that they’ve done to support Old Friends and to Tribute® for their generous sponsorship of this race,” Blowen added. “I hope everyone will come out and spend the day with us.”

Tribute® is the official feed supplier of Old Friends.

“We are so proud to be providing great nutrition to these retired champions,” said Larry Belluscio, Tributes’s Director of Equine Business. “Quality nutrition is what we are all about and these horses give us so much so we need to be sure to give them something back,” Belluscio added. “We are honored to be associated with Old Friends.”

“We truly value this partnership,” said Kentucky Downs President Corey Johnsen. “We expect this stakes to have more nominations than any in Kentucky Downs history, so I am sure it will be a great race for an even greater cause.”

Located at 5629 Nashville Road in Franklin, KY 42135, Kentucky Downs’s five-day, live race meet begins Sept. 5, with full cards set for Sept. 10, 12, 16 and 19. Gates open at 10 a.m. on race days and parking is free.

Old Friends farm in Georgetown is home to over 100 of the organization’s 154 retirees, and star attractions include Hall of Fame Champion and 1997 Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm, three-time Santa Anita Handicap winner Game On Dude, Breeders’ Cup Champions Gulch and Amazombie and 2002 Belmont stakes winner Sarava.

About Kentucky Downs

Kentucky Downs is located in Franklin, KY. The track conducts a live turf racing meet each September on the only “European-style” race course in North America. The meet is staged in an informal festival setting and features the annual running of the Grade III Kentucky Turf Cup. Additionally, Kentucky Downs offers year-round simulcasting and an expanded Gaming Floor that now offers 390 Historical Horse Racing games. Kentucky Downs also serves as the site for numerous entertainment events in Franklin and Simpson County. For visitor information, call (270) 586-7778 or see their website at www.kentuckydowns.com.

About Tribute

Tribute® Equine Nutrition was designed and approved by Ph.D. Equine nutritionists with decades of experience and knowledge developing state-of-the-art, innovative equine diets. Its fixed formula products are based on the latest research and are manufactured under strict quality control standards. Tribute offers competitively priced products designed specifically for all horses, whether a backyard friend, broodmare, stallion, young and growing or performance horse, from show ring to elite race horse.

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; Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org; Rick Albright, (270) 776-3447, rickalbright@kentuckydowns.com

Auctions, Fundraisers, Racing

Old Friends Update and Event Tonight with American Pharoah Halter

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American Pharoah – Photo by Ronnie Betor.

Breaking News! Triple Crown winner American Pharoah’s authenticated halter will be up for auction at our cocktail party fundraiser tonight, Aug. 3, from 6-10 PM at Siro’s. Tickets available at the door!

From Michael:

All the horses are doing great.

The past few months have been great for Old Friends. From American Pharoah winning the Triple Crown and his trainer Bob Baffert donating $50,000 to Old Friends and three other worthy charities (the TAA, CARMA and the PDJF) to acquiring Genuine Risk’s son, Genuine Reward, it’s been quite a time. All the extra visitors coming to see Silver Charm and Game On Dude and, of course, Little Silver Charm, are putting a wonderful burden on our volunteers. And they’ve all stepped it up big time. Hall of Fame baseball player/manager, Joe Torre, came by to see Game On Dude and most of our other retirees.

But the future is where it’s at. We’ve got to work harder to get more room for more deserving retirees. With that in mind, we’ve signed leases with an option to buy on two additional, adjacent properties and an adjoining home. The properties increase our available acreage to more than 100. The home would allow us to re-open the bed and breakfast at Old Friends so people could stay at the farm.

Of course the big news is that the Yoshida family and everyone at Shadai Stallion in Japan have agreed to send War Emblem to Old Friends where the 2002 Derby-Preakness winner can be re-united with Sarava, who beat him in the Belmont. Like all the other great athletes we’ve brought back so they could be adored by all their fans, we need to raise the money for transportation, etc. In War Emblem’s case, and because they are so concerned with his health and safety, it would also involve transportation for his veterinarian and groom. And personally, I think this is a great idea. Instead of going after a mega-sponsor, we’d like this to be a grass roots effort. Here’s the deal: we are asking 300 supporters to donate $202. As a memento, each donor would receive a numbered certificate, signed by trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Victor Espinosa, designating them as a member of War Emblem’s inner circle. He or she would also receive a special invitation to join us at Old Friends for a special welcome home party. Let me know what you think.

There are some great activities planned in August for Old Friends. Tonight at Siro’s, there’s a great celebration for Old Friends at Cabin Creek led by jockey and Old Friends Board member, Rosie Napravnik. Tickets available at the door and are $100. On Aug. 7, at the resplendent Anne’s Washington Inn, we will present the annual Frankel Award at a cocktail party from 6pm to 8pm. Each year, this get-together attracts great old friends from Thoroughbred racing, including Todd Pletcher and his family, Javier Castellano, Angel Cordero, Jr., Cot Campbell, Sonny Taylor and many others. Special thanks to Kendall-Jackson wines, Mama Mia’s and, of course, Anne’s Washington Inn proprietor, Joe Bokan, for their generosity.

Make your plans to have a lot of fun at Old Friends Day at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 16. KD President Corey Johnson has designated the 1st Running of The Old Friends Stakes ($150,000) as the feature and all the other races will be named for other Old Friends past and present. We already have five retirees at Kentucky Downs, which is the first track in the nation to make room for retirees, all of whom are being cared for by the caring and capable, Lisa Salmon.

We’re working on more exciting news during the Keeneland meet and the highly anticipated Breeders’ Cup. Don’t forget our big celebration on Nov. 1 at the farm. We’re hoping that War Emblem and several other famous stallions will be ready to greet you.

New horses Genuine Reward and Archie’s Echo have settled in very nicely. Both are still in quarantine, but I hope you can visit in a few weeks when they are ready to receive visitors and have as much fun as we do every day. Personally, I want to thank everyone for allowing me to live a life that’s better than my dreams.

Vote for Michael

Vote for Michael Blowen for the “Rare Life Award”, presented by Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: http://eaglerarelife.com/content/michael-blowen.

It doesn’t cost anything; you don’t have to register or give any information. Just click “Vote for This Story” to be heard. You can vote once every 24 hours (on each device you may have, e.g. computer, cell phone, tablet), SO BOOKMARK THE PAGE AND VOTE OFTEN! Voting continues until January 1st 2016, and prizes are awarded in the spring.

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

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

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Old Friends Receives ASPCA “Rescuing Racers” Grant

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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

Community/Charity, Racing

Old Friends at Kentucky Downs Horse Exhibit Now Open

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Canadian Horse of the Year Thornfield is one of the Old Friends retirees now at Kentucky Downs.

GEORGETOWN, KY – JULY 16, 2015 – Old Friends at Kentucky Downs, the joint venture between the Georgetown, KY Thoroughbred Retirement Facility and the historic oval in Franklin, KY, will open its doors to the public on Friday July 17.

The new horse exhibit, located at 5565 Nashville Rd in Franklin, KY, will showcase five retired racehorses — including athletes with a history of running at Kentucky Downs — via tours coordinated by the Simpson County Tourism Commission.

The 30-minute tours will be offered at 11 am and 4 pm daily except Mondays. Reservations are strongly suggested and can be made by calling the Simpson County Tourism Office at (270) 586-3040 or toll free at (866)-531-2040. Tours are $5 per adult, children 12 and under are free. Group tours can also be accommodated by appointment.

Five Old Friends retirees are currently featured on the tour:

Ball Four, the 14-year-old son of Grand Slam who earned over $730,000 in his 31 starts. Ball Four has some distinct ties to Kentucky racing having won the Kentucky Cup and the Tejano Run Stakes at Turfway Park and the Fayette Stakes at Keeneland.

Rumor Has It won the Kentucky Turf Cup at Kentucky Downs in 2008. The son of Awesome Again, he captured over $300,000 in his 38 starts.

Sgt. Bert won the 2005 and 2006 Woodford Stakes at Keeneland, where he set a track record for 5½ furlongs. The bay son of Confide earned over $350,000 in his career.

Thornfield is a Champion from the North. The 21-year-old son of Sky Classic was Canada’s Sovereign-Award winner and Horse of the Year in 1999 and is best remembered there for his searing victory in the Canadian International at 19-1.

Tour of the Cat is a multiple graded-stakes winner of over $1.1 million. After a prestigious career he was found racing at bottom level at 11 years old. Concerned owner Maggie Moss claimed him in order to retire him at Old Friends in 2009.

Other equine retirees are expected to arrive in the fall.

In addition to the horse exhibit, an adjoining Visitor’s Center and an Old Friends gift shop, open from 10 am – 5 pm daily except Monday, will be housed in a newly renovated structure on the Downs stable area.

“We’re proud to be working with Kentucky Downs and the Simpson County Tourist Commission on this venture,” said Old Friends Founder and President Michael Blowen. “This is a great facility, and the best part is that we’ll be able to introduce these retired athletes to even more fans. This exhibit will offer people a way to maintain emotional ties to the horses, and it will also offer a new way to celebrate the history of horse racing in their community.”

“We are so pleased to be the first live racetrack to provide a home for these former equine athletes,” said Rick Albright, Racing Manager and Assistant Racing Secretary at Kentucky Downs. “This is a very unique layout that will allow them to enjoy their retirement in an environment they are accustomed to: a beautiful racecourse. Some of the paddocks even border the outer fence of the course,” Albright noted, “so the horses can look down the homestretch of a track they may have once won races on. That, to us, is a very exciting twist to the Old Friends at Kentucky Downs facility.”

Franklin-Simpson County Tourism Director Dan Ware also noted: “People everywhere associate Kentucky with horses, and visitors to our tourism log cabin are always asking, ‘Where can we see a horse?’ It’s great to finally be able to direct them to Old Friends at Kentucky Downs. There is no other tourist attraction like it anywhere along the I-65 corridor in Kentucky,” Ware added.

The joint venture is expected to help raise awareness of the need for Thoroughbred aftercare and to promote local attractions and increase tourism in Simpson County.

For additional information, contact the Simpson County Tourist Commission at (270) 586-3040.

About Old Friends

Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement farm in Georgetown, KY, conducts tours daily and attracts nearly 20,000 visitors annually. The farm is home to over 100 of the organization’s 150 retirees, and star attractions include Hall of Fame Champion and 1997 Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm, three-time winner of the Santa Anita Handicap winner Game On Dude, Breeders’ Cup Champions Gulch and Amazombie, and 2002 Belmont stakes winner Sarava.

About Kentucky Downs

Kentucky Downs is located in Franklin, KY. The track conducts a live turf racing meet each September on the only “European-style” race course in North America. The meet is staged in an informal festival setting and features the annual running of the Grade III Kentucky Turf Cup. Additionally, Kentucky Downs offers year-round simulcasting and an expanded Gaming Floor that now offers 390 Historical Horse Racing games. Kentucky Downs also serves as the site for numerous entertainment events in Franklin and Simpson County. For visitor information, call (270) 586-7778 or see their website at www.kentuckydowns.com.

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; Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org; Dan Ware, (270) 586-3040, dan@franklinky.com; Rick Albright, (270) 776-3447, rickalbright@kentuckydowns.com