Tag Archives: Old Friends

Community/Charity, Racing

Multiple Graded Stakes Winner Kiri’s Clown Dead at 25

Leave a comment

Kiri’s Clown at Old Friends. Photo by Rick Capone.

GEORGETOWN, KY – DECEMBER 23, 2014 – Millionaire and grade 1 winner Kiri’s Clown has died. The 25-year-old stallion, who had been pensioned at Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY since 2006, was euthanized December 22 at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital due to complications following colic surgery. A full necropsy is pending.

Michael Blowen, founder and president of Old Friends, made the sorrowful announcement this morning.

The son of Kentucky Derby Champion Foolish Pleasure, out of the Kris mare Kiri, Kiri’s Clown was one of Old Friends’s flagship retirees. He was donated to the farm by owners Bob and Mary Sullivan and was soon paddocked next to his old track rival Awad. The two faced off in several editions of the grade 1 Sword Dancer with Kiri’s Clown claiming victory by a neck in 1995 when he set a track record on the Saratoga Oval.

Trained by Phil Johnson and ridden by Mike Luzzi, Jean Cruguet and others, Kiri’s Clown raced for six seasons. His wins include the grade 3 Knickerbocker Handicap at Aqueduct as well as back-to-back editions of the grade 3 New Hampshire Sweepstakes at Rockingham Park in 1994 and 1995, where he set a course record each time.

In 62 starts the dark bay stallion had 16 wins and careers earnings of $1,005,469.

Kiri’s Clown stood stud for nine seasons at various farms in Kentucky before retiring from the breeding shed in 2006. His daughter, Foolish Gal, produced the grade 1 winner Get Stormy.

“I like all of our retirees, but there are a handful that I love. I loved Kiri,” said Blowen. “I’ll never forget the day he set the track record in the Sword Dancer at Saratoga in 1995 where I couldn’t get a seat.

“He was very intelligent and had the good fortune to be bred, raced, owned and retired by Mary Sullivan,” Blowen added. “We appreciate Dr. Scott Hooper and everyone at Rood and Riddle for doing their best to extend Kiri’s quality of life.”

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

About Old Friends

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

Auctions, Community/Charity

“Hats Off to the Horses” Continues with Chapeau Inspired by GR1 Winner Game On Dude

Leave a comment

Rosie Napravnik models the Game On Dude hat. Dress by Bella Rose, photo Courtesy EquiSport Photos.

GEORGETOWN, KY – DECEMBER 1, 2014 – The online fashion auction “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby” continues today with a third beautiful Derby chapeau going on the virtual auction block to raise money for Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY.

This new hat was inspired by the three-time Santa Anita Handicap winner and recent Old Friends retiree Game On Dude. With earnings of just under $6.5 million, the Dude won 16 of 34 starts, including 14 graded stakes and, notably, two editions of both the Hollywood Gold Cup and Goodwood-Awesome Again Stakes.

This hat crafted in his honor will be showcased by famed jockey Rosie Napravnik, the “Hats Off to the Horses” spokesmodel, and will be up for bid from December 1st through December 11th.

This is the sixth consecutive year that Old Friends has joined with acclaimed milliner Sally Faith Steinmann of the Massachusetts-based Maggie Mae Designs® to auction off six handcrafted Kentucky Derby hats between November and April, each inspired by one of the non-profit organization’s 150 retired racehorses.

The “Game On Dude” is a fedora-flavored crown with a 24-inch end-to-end brim fashioned out of chocolate-colored dupioni silk and a swirling black underbrim.

The hat is adorned with a pumpkin and cinnamon shaded rose curl that is nestled in royal blue satin and organza leaves, and eight black silk organza “feathers” lined with shimmering gold organza to reflect Game On Dude’s eight Grade 1 wins.

“Sally’s works of millinery art have raised thousands of dollars for Old Friends and a priceless amount of awareness for all these great retired athletes,” said Michael Blowen, Old Friends president and founder. “We’re excited to be working with her for a sixth wonderful year.”

Bidding on the “Game On Dude” will begin at 8 pm on December 1st and will be open for 10 days only. Interested bidders can go to the Old Friends website at www.oldfriendsequine.org and follow the link.

For a video of Rosie Napravnik’s photo shoot with Game On Dude, visit http://vimeo.com/113203842.

For additional information, contact Maggie Mae Designs® at sally@maggiemae.com.

For more information about Old Friends, see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org or call the farm at (502) 863-1775.

Maggie Mae Designs Custom Millinery offers magnificent hats for all occasions, from glamorous racing events such as the Kentucky Derby and the Royal Ascot to stunning bridal wear and handsome cocktail fashions. Every hat is carefully handcrafted by milliner Sally Faith Steinmann from her home base in South Harwich, MA. Salons of her fashions can be seen on her website at www.maggiemaedesigns.com.

About Old Friends
Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 115 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.

Community/Charity, Fundraisers, Racing

Shea and Julien Leparoux Join Old Friends’ “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby”

Leave a comment

GEORGETOWN, KY – November 20, 2014 – Jockey Julien Leparoux and his wife, Shea Leparoux, recently participated in a photo shoot with Shea modeling a handcrafted, one-of-a-kind Derby hat honoring the life of Old Friends’ retiree Clever Allemont.

“Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby” is an online fashion auction fundraiser that benefits Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Central Kentucky. This is the sixth consecutive year that Old Friends has joined with acclaimed milliner Sally Faith Steinmann of the Massachusetts-based Maggie Mae Designs® to auction six handcrafted Derby hats between November and April, each inspired by one of the non-profit organization’s 150 retired racehorses. To date, this unique fundraiser has earned over $21,000 for Old Friends. This “Clever Allemont” chapeau is up for bid as a special holiday addition to the fundraiser and is auctioning November 17th through the 27th (not the 23rd as previous information stated).

The photo shoots, done by EquiSport Photographers Matt and Wendy Wooley, match Steinmann’s beautiful hats with beautiful dresses from Lexington’s Bella Rose Boutique.

Eclipse-Awarding winning Julien Leparoux is one of horseracing’s leading jockeys, having just captured his 2,000th win at Churchill Downs in October. The France-born rider has earned titles at Churchill, Keeneland and Turfway Park and in 2009, his banner year, Leparoux became only the second jockey in history to win three Breeders’ Cup races in a single year.

Shea Leparoux is the daughter of West Coast conditioner Mike Mitchell and has spent her life around horses and the race track. She also loves musical theater and has worked as an entertainer at Disneyland and in various stage shows. These days you can hear her as the voice of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s new promotional video “All about the Horse.”

About the horse: 1984 Rebel Stakes winner Clever Allemont was rescued from a kill pen in 2008. Clever Allemont was retired to Old Friends in 2009 through the efforts of an amazing team of people who wanted to ensure his safe retirement. He enjoyed over five years as a beloved member of the Old Friends family before passing this year. In tribute, MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® has created a very special millinery design to celebrate his life. Michael Blowen, president and founder of Old Friends, states, “Clever Allemont was such a great asset to Old Friends. He was the kindest, friendliest stallion on the farm. He inspired deaf people because he was deaf, visually impaired people because he enjoyed life though he’d lost an eye, indeed anybody who knew what it’s like to overcome hardship. People call Clever Allemont a ‘rescue,’ but it’s really the horses who rescue us.”

About the hat: The “Clever Allemont” is a fascinator with an oval base fashioned out of “raw sienna” brown dupioni silk. The underbrim is lined with coppery brown metallic taffeta and edged with a delicate mocha braiding. Despite having vision in only one eye, Clever seemed to view the world straight on. To reflect his attitude, the entire base of the fascinator is secured to the headband at a jaunty angle. The rose is framed by a layer of chocolate organza bow loops with green organza and chocolate silk leaves beneath it. The orange netting is dotted with white buttons to reflect Clever’s racing silk colors of orange with white polka dots. Five black silk organza “feathers” provide a playful finishing accent to the centerpiece while beautifully framing the face.

The “Clever Allemont” chapeau is up for bid as a special holiday addition to the fundraiser from November 17th through the 27th. Interested bidders can go to the Old Friends website at www.oldfriendsequine.org and follow the link.

For a video of Julien and Shea’s photo shoot, visit vimeo.com/111938834.

For additional information, contact Maggie Mae Designs® at sally@maggiemae.com.

For more information about Old Friends, see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org or call the farm at (502) 863-1775.

Maggie Mae Designs Custom Millinery offers magnificent hats for all occasions, from glamorous racing events such as the Kentucky Derby and the Royal Ascot to stunning bridal wear and handsome cocktail fashions. Every hat is carefully handcrafted by milliner Sally Faith Steinmann from her home base in South Harwich, MA. Salons of her fashions can be seen on her website at www.maggiemaedesigns.com.

About Old Friends
Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 115 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.

Racing

Max A Million 2000-2014

Leave a comment

This weekend we were saddened by the loss of Max A Million. On Saturday morning Max showed colic symptoms. Dr. Bryan Waldridge quickly administered treatment and Sallee generously spared a van from their full sales schedule to rush Max to the hospital. Max A Million did everything right. No horse could have tried with a steadier, more cooperative determination to survive. Though horse and humans worked hard together, the efforts to save his life did not succeed.

Max A Million, a 14 year old gelded son of Jules out of King’s Sweetest by Rollicking, was stakes placed. He ran third in the 2004 Florida Thoroughbred Charities Stakes and held his own on the track for years. When his racing days were over, Topcat Stables and Francis Vitale did right by the horse who had campaigned his whole career for them and ensured his future. Max A Million came to Old Friends in 2008. He lived at the main Kentucky farm.

Max was a compact bay, not flashy, not big, but handsome. He came as close to the perfect resident as it gets. Max A Million was always kind, always willing and beautifully behaved. Oh, one time he was a little bad when he joined his best buddy Discreet Hero in pestering A. P. Slew. Just once in all his six years with us. Day in and day out, Max a Million was a sociable citizen of his herd and a pleasure to be around.

He and Discreet Hero were always fast friends, and when Max colicked it was Discreet Hero who stood by him until help arrived. Hero is not the only one who will miss Max. In his many good days of retirement and in his final hours, Max A Million showed unfailing heart and kindness. We will all miss him.

About Old Friends

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

Racing

Grade 1 Winner Game On Dude to Old Friends

Leave a comment

Photo courtesy ©Benoit.

GEORGETOWN, KY – October 3, 2014 – The Dude is coming! Multiple-graded-stakes winner and racing superstar Game On Dude has been retired to Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY.

Michael Blowen, founder and president of Old Friends, made the announcement today.

Campaigned by trainer Bob Baffert and owned by a partnership that includes Joe Torre’s Diamond Pride, the Lanni Family Trust, Mercedes Stable, and Bernie Schiappa, the 7-year-old gelded son of Awesome Again was retired from racing on September 18 following one of the most prestigious campaigns in history.

Game On Dude holds the distinction of being the only horse to ever capture three runnings of the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap. His Big ‘Cap victory in 2014 came at a near-American record time of 1:58 flat, which was the fastest time in the race’s 79-year history. In addition, he is only the second horse in history to sweep California’s three Grade I handicaps — the Santa Anita Handicap, the Hollywood Gold Cup, and the Pacific Classic — in the same year.

In his 34 career starts Game On Dude captured 16 wins, eight of them grade I stakes, and earnings of just under $6.5 million.

“We are thrilled that Bob Baffert and the owners of Game On Dude are entrusting Old Friends with their spectacular racehorse,” said Michael Blowen. “It’s such an honor to show him off to all of his fans and visitors. Over the last few weeks, Bob asked a lot of detailed questions about his care,” Blowen added. “Now I know how the people of Cleveland felt when LeBron James signed with the Cavs.”

“It feels like we are sending our child off to camp for five years,” said Baffert via telephone. “[My wife] Jill and I have been supporters of Old Friends and we really felt Game On Dude needed to be somewhere where he would be loved on–he is such a sweet horse, such a good soul, and we know there will be a lot of interaction there.”

Currently, arrangements are being made for GOD’s flight to Kentucky via the Tex Sutton Forwarding Co. and arrival times will be announced when they are confirmed. A press event as well as a public viewing will be scheduled.

About Old Friends

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

Racing

Grade 1 Winner Daytona to Old Friends

Leave a comment

GEORGETOWN, KY – September 25, 2014 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY, is pleased to announce the arrival of stakes winner and Breeders’ Cup contender Daytona.

A California star on the turf, Daytona was bred in Ireland by the Irish National Stud and campaigned in the U.S. by conditioner Dan Hendricks.

A six-time stakes winner, he was in the best form of his career in 2007 and 2008 when he won the Grade 2 Oak Tree Derby, Grade 1 Hollywood Derby, and Grade 2 San Gabriel Handicap in late 2007, and three of his first four starts of 2008, including the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile at Hollywood Park.

In 2008 the chestnut gelding finished 10th to super mare Goldikova in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Santa Anita after tearing a tendon mid race. He attempted to return to the track in 2010 but could not recover his form and was retired. In 18 starts Daytona had eight wins and career earnings of $991,690.

Now 10 years old, Daytona has been generously donated to Old Friends by his current owners, Jocelynn Morgan and her husband, veterinary surgeon Dr. Joseph Morgan of Lexington. Mrs. Morgan had retrained Daytona for a hunter-jumper career but soundness issues have continued to hamper his progress and she felt permanent retirement was now in his best interest.

“Daytona is such a cool little horse – very bold and fun to ride,” said Mrs. Morgan. “We are saddened to see him leave our farm but happy that he will get to show off his huge personality to his admirers at Old Friends.

“Daytona is a wonderful addition to our farm,” said Michael Blowen, Old Friends president and founder. “We’re certain he’ll be very popular with visitors. We can’t thank the Morgans enough for entrusting their horse to us.”

For more information about Daytona or Old Friends, see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org or call the farm at (502) 863-1775.

About Old Friends

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

Racing

Breeders’ Cup Turf Winner Prized Euthanized at Old Friends

Leave a comment

Photo of Prized © Matt Woolley of equisportphotos.com.

GEORGETOWN, KY – JULY 14, 2014 – Prized, winner of the 1989 Breeders’ Cup Turf, was euthanized on Sunday due to infirmities of old age. The 28 year old stallion had been receiving care from Dr. Bryan Waldridge because of deteriorating mobility.

Bred by Meadowbrook Farm in Ocala, by Kris S. out of My Turbulent Miss (My Dad George), Prized was raced by Meadowbrook and Clover Racing Stable and trained by Neil Drysdale and ridden by Eddie Delaboussaye. At three years old Prized won the Bradbury Stakes at Santa Anita, then prevailed over 1989 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Sunday Silence in the Swaps Stakes (GII). That September the dark bay son of Kris S. took the Molson Export Million, which had come off the turf, a victory that secured the colt – a three year old who had only started on dirt – entry in the 1989 Breeders’ Cup Turf (GI). His triumph in a head-to-head duel with Sierra Roberta made Prized the first horse to win the Breeders’ Cup Turf in his first start on the grass, as well as the first horse in racing history to win two million-dollar races on two surfaces in a single season.

Prized continued his turf successes as a four year old. He won the 1990 Arcadia Handicap (G IIIT) and a few weeks later the San Luis Rey Handicap (G IT). Prized retired from racing in 1991 with a lifetime 17 starts, 9 wins, 2 seconds and 3 thirds and $2,262,555.

From 1992 through 2010, Prized stood at Cardiff Stud in California, Dixiana Farm and Spendthrift Farm in Kentucky, and O’Sullivan Farms in West Virginia, From 811 foals he sired 617 starters, 443 winners and 36 black type winners, including GI winner Brass Hat, G2 winners Prized Stamp, Fun House, and Pisces, and New Zealand GI winners Prized Gem (NZ) and Prize Lady (NZ), for $31,351,805 progeny earnings. Though his daughter Fun House, Prized is the damsire of GI winners Paddy O’Prado and this year’s Kentucky Oaks winner, Untapable. His broodmare sire earnings are $36,117,641.

“We brought Prized up every afternoon from his paddock for a cool shower, extra carrots and the adulation of his fans,” said Michael Blowen of Old Friends. “He loved it. It’s always very, very sad when we lose a retiree, especially one as accomplished and adored as Prized. I know his owners felt privileged accepting his Breeders’ Cup trophy but we felt the same way being honored as his caretakers these past few years. It’s something that can never be measured by statistics or money.”

For more information about Old Friends, see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org or call the farm at (502) 863-1775.

About Old Friends

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

Racing

Breeders’ Cup Marathon Winner Eldaafer Retired to Old Friends

Leave a comment

Photo credit: Rick Capone.

GEORGETOWN, KY JUNE 5, 2014 — Eldaafer, winner of the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Marathon, has been retired to Old Friends. The nine-year-old gelding, who suffered a career-ending suspensory injury last November, arrived at the Thoroughbred retirement facility in Central Kentucky on Monday June 2 along with his inseparable companions, the goats Google and Yahoo.

Bred by Shadwell Farm by A.P. Indy out of multiple Grade 1 winner Habibti (Tabasco Cat), Eldaafer easily lived up to his name, which translates as “the victorious.”

Campaigned by several owners throughout his career, Eldaafer had developed a reputation early on for being very difficult. But he began to live up to his potential when he came under the patient eye of trainer Diane Alvarado.

In his first start out of her barn Eldaafer earned his first graded stakes win in the 2009 Brooklyn Handicap (G2), going a mile and a half on the dirt. He went on to make his first Breeders’ Cup Marathon appearance later that year at Santa Anita where he finished seventh.

In 2010, a victory on the Polytrack in the Turfway Park Fall Championship (G3) guaranteed the gelding a second chance in the BC Marathon, and that was indeed the charm. He sailed smoothly to a length and three-quarter victory in a tumultuous race that was memorable for the televised post-race row between jockeys Calvin Borel and Javier Castellano because their mounts had bumped and stumbled.

Eldaafer’s starts in the Breeders’ Cup Marathon in 2011 and 2012 were winless, but he continued to earn stakes, including the Carl Hanford Memorial at Delaware Park in 2012 and the Greenwood Cup (G3) at Parx in September 2013.

Eldaafer retired with earnings of $1,031,835 from 13 wins, 3 seconds and 7 thirds in 46 starts.

“Eldaafer is a sturdy throwback to a time when stamina and strength were valued,” said Michael Blowen, president and founder of Old Friends. “We’re very grateful that his connections trust Old Friends to take care of his well-deserved retirement.”

For more information about Old Friends, see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org or call the farm at (502) 863-1775.

About Old Friends

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

Racing

Clever Allemont, 32, Euthanized at Old Friends

Leave a comment

Photo of Clever Allemont © Rick Capone.

GEORGETOWN, KY – MAY 16, 2014 – 1984 Rebel Stakes winner and Old Friends retiree Clever Allemont was euthanized due to colic on the early morning of May 26.

In 2008, when Clever Allemont was 26 years old, someone threw him away to a slaughter auction. Maybe they thought he was too old and useless to bother with. Instead, the elderly stallion lived in good health for five and a half more years and became an important part of Old Friends’ family.

Bred in Illinois in 1982 by A. J. Sweeney, Clever Allemont was by Clever Trick out of Allemont (Carlemont). His race career opened with a five race win streak, beginning at the age of two and culminating in 1985 Southwest Stakes and Rebel Stakes (G3) victories for owner W. C. Partee and trainer Lynn Whiting. He finished third that summer in three graded stakes, the Sheridan (G2) and Arlington Classic (G1) at Arlington Park, and the Fairmount Park Derby (G3). Later trained by D. Wayne Lukas, Clever Allemont was ridden by Pat Day, Angel Cordero, Mike Smith, and Richard Migliore, among others. His earnings totaled $316,329 in 47 starts with 8 firsts, 7 seconds and 7 thirds.

Clever Allemont entered stud in 1988 at Rainier Stables in Enumclaw, Washington and was later moved to Double D Farm in Kishwaukee, Illinois where he stood until 1997 with 167 foals, 125 starters and 72 winners for progeny earnings of $1,038,007 on the track. He also sired AQHA, show jumper and dressage progeny.

In November 2008, the ageing stallion was discovered in a kill buyer’s pen in Kansas. Clever Allemont was thin and had lost his right eye. The Alex Brown Racing Forum’s group Fans of Barbaro raised funds to purchase Clever Allemont, and he was moved to safety at Ray and Jeanne Mason’s Donegal Ranch in Williamsburg, Kansas. Aftercare colleague Diana Baker contacted Old Friends president Michael Blowen. Clever Allemont took up residence at Old Friends’ Georgetown, Kentucky farm in January 2009.

For the next half-decade, Clever Allemont was one of Old Friends’ most popular retirees. His story was featured in the media, he received birthday cards from all over the world, and his gentle sociability despite his past hardships and present challenges – he was deaf from old age as well as having lost an eye – inspired many. “Clever Allemont was such a great asset to Old Friends,” said Michael Blowen. “He was the kindest, friendliest stallion on the farm. He inspired deaf people because he was deaf, visually impaired people because he enjoyed life though he’d lost an eye, anybody who knew what it’s like to overcome hardship.” Blowen added, “People call Clever Allemont a ‘rescue,’ but it’s really the horses who rescue us.”

For more information about Old Friends, see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org or call the farm at (502) 863-1775.

About Old Friends

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

Racing

Georgia Horse Racing Coalition Finds an Old Friend

Leave a comment

ATLANTA, Ga. – April 14, 2014 – The Georgia Horse Racing Coalition, a group of leading business and civic leaders who are dedicated to bringing first-class horse racing to Georgia, announced today a partnership with Old Friends, one of the nation’s leading Thoroughbred rescue and aftercare organizations.

Old Friends, the non-profit Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, Ky., cares for more than 125 horses representing some of the finest bloodlines in American racing, including Bluesthestandard, a multiple graded stakes winner who was bred in Georgia.

“The Georgia Horse Racing Coalition supports efforts to help find all racehorses – once their racing careers are over – a new home and a new job,” says Dean Reeves, Coalition president and owner of 2013 Breeder’s Cup Classic winner, Mucho Macho Man, whose earnings are $5.580 million. “Financial support of these retired athletes will be an integral part of our legislative efforts to bring racing to Georgia. Partnering with Old Friends is an important first step in our commitment to this standard of care for horses after they leave the track.”

“Our partnership with the Georgia Horse Race Coalition will help us in our mission to spread the word about the necessity for dignified retirement and second careers for these great horses,” says Old Friends founder Michael Blowen. “By promoting these celebrated horses at Old Friends through a campaign of education and tourism, we draw attention to all retired Thoroughbreds and all equines in need, and we appreciate the support of GHRC.”

Old Friends is considered a “living history museum of horse racing,” attracting nearly 20,000 tourists annually to see such stars of the turf as Breeders’ Cup Champion Gulch, multiple stakes winners Rail Trip and Commentator, and the losing-est horse in the history of racing, Zippy Chippy. Learn more about Old Friends at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

The Georgia Horse Racing Coalition is a non-profit 501 C (6) organization whose mission is to educate Georgians about the value that horse racing will bring to our state by generating jobs, tax revenues and tourism.  The Coalition is working with state leaders to pass legislation allowing parimutuel wagering in Georgia in order to encourage and support a statewide racing industry, including a state-of-the-art entertainment complex. Learn more at www.gahorseracing.org.

Media Contact:
Steve Crayne, Executive Director
Steve.Crayne@GAHorsing.org
(770) 853-0318

About Old Friends

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