Tag Archives: Old Friends

Florida Derby Winner Bull Inthe Heather Euthanized at Old Friends

Bull Inthe Heather. Photo © Carol Ayers.

GEORGETOWN, KY – APRIL, 2014 – 1993 Florida Derby winner Bull Inthe Heather was euthanized April 5 at Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Kentucky. The 24 year old stallion had been receiving intensive treatment from Dr. Bryan Waldridge and Dr. Bryan Fraley for a combination of issues, but over the last week his quality of life and prospects of recovery diminished.

Bull Inthe Heather was sired by 1986 Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand out of Heather Road by The Axe II. Bred in Kentucky by Claiborne Farm and John Franks and raced as a two- and three-year-old by Arthur I. Klein, he was trained by Howard M. Tesher. The tall roan colt finished second in the 1993 Fountain of Youth Stakes but went off as a 29.40 longshot in the Florida Derby (G1). Wigberto Ramos steered him through at the rail to hand favorite Storm Tower his first defeat. Off a near-win in Hialeah’s Flamingo Stakes, Bull Inthe Heather started as second favorite at 5.20 in the 1993 Kentucky Derby and competed in the Belmont Stakes, won by Sea Hero and Colonial Affair respectively.

In 1994 Bull Inthe Heather was acquired by Craig B. Singer and partners. He remained in Tesher’s barn and hit the board numerous times in 1994 and 1995, including a second in the 1994 Governor’s Day Handicap at Sam Houston Race Park. His career earnings totaled $508,338.

Owned by Charles E. Robinson, Bull Inthe Heather stood at Leckbee Thoroughbred Farm near Onalaska, Washington from 1997 through 2001, and at Loren and Nancy Bolinger’s Running Horse Farm near Albuquerque, New Mexico from 2002 through 2005. His progeny earned $1,031,298 and included stakes winning mares Bullishdemands and Ogygian’s Rose.

Bull Inthe Heather was retired to Old Friends in 2006. As the best son of Ferdinand, whose death in an overseas slaughterhouse aroused the groundswell of support that enabled Old Friends’ formation, Bull Inthe Heather played an important role in the organization’s public education efforts. In 2012 he inspired a Breyer benefit model horse. The “Hops and Horses” event to benefit Old Friends on April 10 will feature a glass honoring Bull Inthe Heather, sponsored by Southern States, with artwork by Anjelica Huston. Bull Inthe Heather, like many horses, was fond of beer.

President and Founder Michael Blowen said, “He was probably the toughest horse at Old Friends and yet he was kind and loved to have his back rubbed. Because he had a rough time the last few months, he was a staff favorite and we will miss him very much.”

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

Old Friends and New Vocations Partner for Retired Horses

Photo of Gameday News © Laura Battles.

GEORGETOWN, KY – MARCH 10, 2014 – Old Friends and New Vocations have entered into an agreement to benefit Thoroughbreds in their post-racing and post-breeding careers. The two organizations each fulfill a different aftercare need. New Vocations places off the track Thoroughbreds with new owners in new careers, while Old Friends is primarily a home for those who, due to old age or physical issues, require permanent retirement. But with time and care, some horses’ needs change.

That happened for Gameday News, owned and trained by D. Wayne Lukas. The son of Corinthian broke his maiden on March, 2012 at Oaklawn Park. Following a few allowance starts, he injured his ankle, and with the help of Old Friends Board member Cathy Riccio, he was retired to Old Friends. After nearly two years of care and paddock rest, Gameday News received clearance from Dr. Steve Allday, who x-rayed the site of his healed injury and pronounced the five-year-old fit and ready to enter a new career. Gameday News will always have a home available at Old Friends when his second career ends.

“It’s a clear case of doing what’s best for the athlete,” said Old Friends president Michael Blowen. “He’s a beautiful, energetic, kind horse who is adored by the staff and visitors. But he’s too young and healthy to be retired. We’re very grateful that New Vocations has accepted him into their program. It’s an example of groups working together, with the help of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, to do what’s best for the horse.”

“We are extremely thrilled to be partnering with Old Friends,” explained New Vocations program director Anna Ford. “Being able to capitalize on each program’s strengths will make it possible for us to help more horses.”

New Vocations focuses on rehabbing, retraining, and rehoming retired racehorses.  Gameday News entered the retraining stage of the program in late March and has already been started back under saddle.  He will be available for adoption in the near future.  To learn more, go to www.newvocations.org.

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

American Derby Winner The Name’s Jimmy Euthanized at Old Friends

Photo of The Name’s Jimmy © Beth Shannon.

GEORGETOWN, KY – MARCH 10, 2014 – 1992 American Derby record setter The Name’s Jimmy died March 7 at Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, Kentucky. The 25 year old son of Encino out of the Grey Dawn mare Dancing at Dawn was undergoing treatment for mobility issues. Due to their increased severity, Dr. Joan Gariboldi of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute and Old Friends president Michael Blowen determined that humane euthanization was in the horse’s best interest. The Name’s Jimmy had resided at Old Friends since 2007.

Bloodstock agent Chuck Calvin recommended the colt, bred in Illinois by Triple D Stable, to Brian and Jan Burns of Mount Joy Stables, Inc. The Burns purchased the two year old in training as their first racing prospect. Brian Burns and his father, Jimmy Burns, had long shared the dream of owning a race horse, but Jimmy Burns did not live to see that dream realized. His son raced The Name’s Jimmy in his memory.

The Name’s Jimmy won the 1992 Will Rogers Handicap (G3) under trainer Charles Stutts. In his American Derby (G2) win he set a stakes record of 1:59.41 for 1 3/16 miles on the Arlington Park turf with Pat Day up. In 1994 the colt nearly succumbed to an infection. “He spiked a fever of 106 degrees,” Burns recalled. “Just as the authorization to euthanize arrived his fever broke. He went on to a second in the Fort Harrod Stakes at Keeneland.” The Name’s Jimmy earned $404,090 during his 1991-1994 racing career.

The multiple graded stakes winner entered stud in 1995 at Pope McLean’s Crestwood Farm in Kentucky. He later stood at Hill ‘N Dale near Barrington, Illinois and Elite Thoroughbreds in Folsom, Louisiana. “When Hurricane Katrina came through, Jimmy was lost. He stayed out in the bayou for two days before Pope McLean, Jr. found him,” Burns said. “It’s a wonder he wasn’t eaten by an alligator or bitten by a snake. After that, Pope and I called him The Survivor.”

The Name’s Jimmy sired four stakes winners and five stakes-placed winners. He sired earners of nearly $6 million. Brian and Jan Burns retired the stallion to Old Friends in July 2007. “If it doesn’t get through to people what Old Friends does for these horses it’s a crying shame,” remarked Burns.

“The Name’s Jimmy was blessed to have owners like Brian and Jan Burns and we were lucky to have Jimmy at Old Friends,” Blowen said. “It’s always difficult to euthanize one of our great retirees but Jimmy made it easy. The look in his eye spoke volumes and we were able to help him in his final hour. We’re very grateful for all he gave 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 Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cagrisolia@yahoo.com, or Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

New York Horse of the Year Dancin’ Renee Euthanized at Old Friends

Photo © Rick Capone.

GEORGETOWN, KY – JANUARY 13, 2014 – Dancin’ Renee, a graded-stakes-winner and 1997’s New York Horse of the Year, has died.

The 22-year-old mare lost a long battle with laminitis and was euthanized on January 11 by Dr. Brian Fraley at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement farm in Georgetown, KY, where she had been pensioned.

“It’s been a tough month,” said Old Friends president and founder, Michael Blowen. “We lost Patton and Sunshine Forever in the last week, and now Renee. I mourn the losses but thank all of their fans for their support – particularly the thoughtfulness of Jeanne Mirabito of Our Mims for sending a colorful bouquet of flowers in memory of Sunshine Forever.

A homebred for owner Sanford Bacon, Dancin’ Renee was the New York-bred daughter of Distinctive Pro out of three-time New York Broodmare of the Year Lolli Lucka Lolli.

For three seasons, Dancin’ Renee had a stellar career on the track earning 14 wins from 21 starts. In her banner year, 1997, she claimed seven consecutive victories, including the GR3 Honorable Miss at Saratoga, the Broadway Handicap at Aqueduct, and the Monmouth Park Regret Stakes, which was her final start. Her earnings totaled $490,258.

For her efforts she was crowned 1997’s New York Horse of the Year as well as Champion Sprinter and Champion Older Female by the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc.

As a broodmare Dancin’ Renee was well represented by numerous winners, including her first foal to earn black-type, the Limehouse daughter Risky Rachel who, on Saturday, won the Minaret Stakes a Tampa Bay Downs.

“I don’t know what to say,” said a heart-broken Sanford Bacon. “Dancin’ Renee, who was named after my mother-in-law, a Ziegfeld girl, meant everything to us.” A few hours later, Bacon was in the winner’s circle at Tampa Bay accepting a trophy in celebration of Risky Rachel’s impressive performance.

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, cagrisolia@yahoo.com, or Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Eclipse Winner Sunshine Forever Deceased at 29

GEORGETOWN, KY – JANUARY 7, 2014 – Sunshine Forever, the 1988 Eclipse Award Turf Champion, died January 7 at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement farm in Georgetown, KY.  The 29-year-old stallion was discovered in his paddock at dawn today and a necropsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.

The son of Roberto out of the Graustark mare Outward Sunshine, Sunshine Forever had been pensioned at Old Friends since his return to the United States in 2004 from stud duty in Japan.

“Our foundation stallion, the Eclipse Award winner who we brought home after his breeding career was over, is dead, and there’s nothing much more to be said,” noted Old Friends founder and president Michael Blowen. “I don’t think I’ve ever been sadder.”

In 1988 the 3-year-old Sunshine Forever captured fived graded-stakes wins, including a trio of back-to-back GR1 victories in the Turf Classic, the Man O’ War, and – in an impressive fight to the finish – the Budweiser International.

A favorite in that year’s Breeder’s Cup Turf, he narrowly missed the win, coming in second to Great Communicator, but he was nevertheless honored as 1988’s Eclipse Turf Champion.

The bay colt ended his career in 1989 with 8 wins from 23 starts and track earnings of over $2 million.

“I want to thank everyone who ever fed him a carrot or petted him or bet on him or bred to him or just smiled when they saw him,” added Blowen. “You are the ones who had the privilege of knowing how extra special he was in a very special place.”

For additional information, contact Old Friends at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

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, cagrisolia@yahoo.com, or Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Jockey Rosie Napravnik Is Official Spokesmodel for 5th Annual “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby”

Rosie Napravnik and Patton by EquiSport Photos.

Proceeds from the online fashion auction to benefit Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Facility

GEORGETOWN, KY – DECEMBER 1, 2013 – This fall, leading jockey Rosie Napravnik will throw off her helmet and don a one-of-a-kind Kentucky Derby chapeau to support the 5th Annual “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby,” an online hat auction that raises money for Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Central Kentucky.

One of the most successful female jockeys in horse racing, Napravnik is also an avid Old Friends supporter and a member of its board of directors. Napravnik kicked off the 5th Annual auction in November by modeling a stunning hat inspired by Old Friends retiree Sean Avery, the GR1 winning sprinter.

The fashion auction continues December 1st with Napravnik showing “The Patton,” another handcrafted design influenced by one of the retired Thoroughbreds at Old Friends.

The photos for this “Hats Off to the Horses” campaign are by Equisport Photos and Napravnik’s ensembles are courtesy of the Lexington boutique Bella Rose.

This is the fifth consecutive year that Old Friends has joined with acclaimed milliner Sally Faith Steinmann of the Massachusetts-based Maggie Mae Designs to auction six handcrafted Kentucky Derby hats, each inspired by one of the non-profit organization’s 120 retired racehorses. One hat will be auctioned each month leading up to the 2014 running of the Kentucky Derby.

To date, this unique fundraiser has earned nearly $18,000 for Old Friends.

“I am a big fan of Old Friends and its mission,” says Napravnik. “I always keep in mind that a horse may win a Breeders’ Cup race this year but next year they may need a place to reside in retirement.”

Bidding on “The Patton” will begin at 10 am and 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 Napravnik’s photo shoots, visit http://vimeo.com/80017845.

About Patton

A graded stakes winner, Patton impressively won his track debut as a 2-year-old. He went on to win the William Thompson Stakes and the GR 2 Gulfstream Park Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Conditioned by Hubert Hine, the bay son of Lord At War went on to win six of his 18 starts. His track earnings totaled $237,462.

About the Hat

Made of a moody blue-green dupioni silk, the “Patton” features a gentle upturned brim with a moderate “top hat” crown.

A single large flower made of swirling layers of plum, blue and lavender silk, taffeta and organza adorns the hat while a layered sash of crinkled mocha encircles the crown.

The “Patton” hat is stunning from every angle; even the lining was created from soft turquoise-blue metallic taffetta to coordinate with the trims.

For additional information, contact Maggie Mae Designs at info@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.

Record-Setting Sprinter Klassy Briefcase Dies at 28

Klassy Briefcase at Old Friends. Photo by Rick Capone.

Georgetown, KY – September 19, 2013 – Klassy Briefcase, a record-setting sprinter and broodmare, died September18 at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY.  The daughter of Medieval Man out of the Pruner mare Leather Gallery was 28.

A New Jersey bred, Klassy Briefcase was campaigned by owners Dan Kelliher and Lara Levine and was long considered not only one of the fastest sprinters of the Mid-Atlantic circuit, but also one of the fastest mares of her generation.

In 1990 she set a 5-furlong record at Pimlico winning the Park Heights Handicap in :56 3/5.  She went on to set a new world record at Monmouth Park going 5 furlongs in :54 4/5.  Among her other victories were the Primonetta Stakes, the Princess Rooney Stakes, and the Fair Haven Haven Handicap.

In all Klassy Briefcase captured 18 of her 42 starts and earnings of $362,959.  Her career is celebrated annually with the running of the Klassy Briefcase Stakes at Monmouth Park.

As a broodmare, she produced four winners, and the GR2 winner Briecat carries on her female line. Retired from breeding in 2008, Klassy Briefcase was generously donated to Old Friends by her owners.

“Klassy with a K was Classy with a C as well,” said Old Friends founder and president Michael Blowen. “Her intelligent demeanor and kind disposition made her one of Old Friend’s most popular retirees. She will be missed.”

For more 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, cagrisolia@yahoo.com, or Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Press Conference to Address Horse Welfare Issues Will Be Held on Opening Day of International Equine Conference

September 18, 2013 – Lexington, Kentucky (EWA) – The Third Annual International Equine Conference, hosted by the Equine Welfare Alliance, will be held September 27-29 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

On the opening day of the conference, Friday September 27, horse welfare organizations will come together to hold a special press conference to provide expert information on equine welfare to the media and advocates that cannot attend the full conference.

Michael Blowen, owner and founder of Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Facility, will open the press conference. Participating in the press conference will be key individuals from The Equine Welfare Alliance, Respect4Horses, the Cloud Foundation, Wild Horse Freedom Federation, Wild Horses of the Abacos, and the Humane Society of the United States.

The press conference will cover the potential re-opening of horse slaughter plants in America, BLM’s mismanagement of America’s wild horses and burros, horse tripping, the over breeding of horses and other current issues pertaining to equine welfare.

Where:
Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm
1841 Paynes Depot Road
Georgetown, KY
502.863.1775

When:
Friday, September 27, 2013 from 11:00a to 12:00p

All press, media and public are welcome to attend the Press conference. Refreshments will be served.  Please be seated at 11:00a.

After the Press Conference, the three day International Equine conference will continue with a tour of Three Chimneys farm in Midway, Kentucky, Old Friends Farm and a meet and greet reception at 7:00p at The Kentucky Horse Park. On Saturday, presentations will commence and will end on Sunday. The soon to be released documentary “America’s Wild Horses” will also be previewed at the International Equine Conference.

For the agenda, list of presenters, additional information or to register, please visit www.equinewelfarealliance.org.

The Equine Welfare Alliance is a dues free, all volunteer 501(c)(4) umbrella organization representing over 300 member organizations and over 1,000 individual members worldwide in 21 countries. EWA and its members are involved in a grass roots effort dedicated to ending the slaughter of American Horses and the preservation and protection of our Wild Horses & Burros on public lands. www.equinewelfarealliance.org

Respect4Horses is a horse welfare organization whose goals include providing information and documentation to educate the public, the media and legislators in order to promote changes in legislation in regards to current horse welfare issues such as horse slaughter and the roundups of our last remaining wild horses and burros. www.respect4horses.com

Wild Horse Freedom Federation is a registered, Texas non-profit corporation with federal 501(c)(3) status.  WHFF puts people between America’s wild equids and extinction through targeted litigation against governmental agencies whose documented agendas include the eradication of wild horse and burros from public, federal and state lands.  www.wildhorsefreedomfederation.org

The Cloud Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of wild horses and burros on our western public lands with a focus on Cloud’s herd in the Arrowhead Mountains of Montana. www.thecloudfoundation.org

Old Friends is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing a dignified retirement to Thoroughbreds whose racing and breeding careers have come to an end. By promoting these one-time celebrated horses through a campaign of education and tourism, we hope to raise awareness of all equines in need.  www.oldfriendsequine.org

The Wild Horses of Abaco organization is dedicated to saving the Wild Horses of Abaco, the world’s most endangered breed with only one mare, Nunki, remaining. Abaco is the northernmost of the larger Bahama Islands located of the southeast Florida coast of the United States.  http://arkwild.org/blog/

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization, rated the most effective by its peers. Since 1954, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. We rescue and care for tens of thousands of animals each year, but our primary mission is to prevent cruelty before it occurs. We’re there for all animals, across America and around the world. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty – on the Web at humanesociety.org.

Contacts:

Simone Netherlands, Respect4Horses
928.925.7212
simone@respect4Horses.com

John Holland
540-268-5693
john@equinewelfarealliance.org

Stakes Winner Silver Ray Retires to Old Friends

Georgetown, KY – September 16 – Silver Ray, a graded-stakes winner who was rescued from potential slaughter, has arrived at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY.

It was an unexpected turn of events that turned Silver Ray’s life around. Earlier this summer the stallion was discovered at a livestock auction in Mira Loma, CA. by April Smith. Suspecting he night be headed for a slaughterhouse, Smith bought him for a mere $30.

After uncovering his identity, Smith contacted Catherine Trope, founder of the Glendale-based Polo Pony Rescue and Trope helped nurse the ailing ex-racer, now 24, back to health.

When the Glendale News-Press ran a feature about Silver Ray’s rescue and recovery, it came to the attention of his one-time owners, Jerry and Ann Moss, who are best known for campaigning the champion mare Zenyatta.

The Mosses are supporters of Old Friends; they worked with founder and president Michael Blowen to secure Silver Ray a spot at the Kentucky farm.

Bred in the Bluegrass, Silver Ray (Silver Hawk – Danceland by Little Current) won the GR3 Hoist the Flag stakes in 1991 and came in third in three other graded stakes, including the 1992 El Camino Real Derby. His career earnings total $268,532.

As a Thoroughbred stallion, Silver Ray sired 47 foals in 13 lifetime crops with 11 winners. He was eventually sold to a dressage trainer and had some success as a sire of sport horses.

“Great teamwork brought this wonderful stallion to Old Friends,” said Blowen “We’re grateful to everyone, including Brook Ledge Horse Transportation, for bringing Silver Ray home.”

To learn more about the Polo Pony Rescue, Inc., call toll free (855) 765-6777 or visit the website at www.poloponyrescue.com.

For more information about Silver Ray or any of the retirees at Old Friends, call the farm at (502) 863-1775 or visit the website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

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, cagrisolia@yahoo.com, or Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Old Friends along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Louisville’s Seelbach Hilton Hotel to Host 5th Annual Benefit

LOUISVILLE, KY – FEBRUARY 14, 2013 – On February 23 the Seelbach Hilton Hotel will host the 5th annual “Old Friends along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail” dinner and Bourbon-tasting. The event is a benefit for Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement facility in Central Kentucky.

The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday February 23 at the hotel, located at 500 South Fourth Street in downtown Louisville. Tickets are $100 per person, and the hotel is also offering Kentucky Bourbon Trail guests a special reduced room rate of $119 per night.

The benefit will be highlighted by a four-course Bourbon-themed feast as well as live and silent auctions of exclusive equine artwork, autographed Bourbon items, racing memorabilia, fine jewelry, and more.

Old Friends, which has locations in Georgetown, KY and in Greenfield Center, NY, is devoted to providing a dignified retirement to horses whose racing and breeding careers have come to an end. The farm is home to such retired champions as Eclipse winner Sunshine Forever, Breeders’ Cup victor Gulch, Tinners Way (one of the last surviving sons of Secretariat), and Belmont Stakes winner Sarava.

“We can’t thank the Seelbach and the Kentucky Distillers Association enough for their support, ” said Old Friends President and Founder Michael Blowen. “This is one of the most exciting evenings on our fund-raising calendar and we hope everyone will come out and join us.”

“We are very proud to be hosting this event for the fifth consecutive year,” said Seelbach Events Coordinator Jennifer Biesel.  “It’s a wonderful evening that combines two of Kentucky’s signature industries – Bourbon and horses – all in the Seelbach’s historic setting.”

The night begins in The Seelbach’s beautiful Grand Ballroom. There, a wide variety of appetizers will be served and Kentucky’s iconic distilleries will offer samples of the Commonwealth’s finest brands, including Four Roses, Heaven Hill, Jim Beam, Woodford Reserve, and Town Branch.

Guests will then proceed to the hotel’s Five Diamond, Triple AAA-Awarded Oakroom for a two-course Bourbon-themed dinner designed by the Seelbach’s Chef de Cuisine Patrick Roney. This year’s featured menu:

First

Pan Roasted Scallops
Shitake Mushroom and Sweet Pea Puree
Lemon-Bourbon Beurre Blanc

Second

Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin
White Bean and Brussels Sprout Cassoulet
Bourbon Braised Belly

Guest will then return to the ballroom for an assortment of wonderful desserts from pastry chef Bridget Knight and enjoy the action of the live auction conducted by auctioneers Tom Sayre and Curt Sharff.

Tickets to the “Old Friends along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail” are $100 and reservations can be made by calling the Seelbach’s Jennifer Biesel at (502) 585-9292.

In addition, the Seelbach is offering Kentucky Bourbon Trail guests a special “take the elevator home” room rate of $119 that can be reserved along with tickets. On Sunday, the hotel serves brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $29 per person.

The Historic Seelbach Hilton is a four-star diamond luxury hotel located in the heart of Louisville, KY. Built in 1905, the hotel appears on the National Register of Historic Places and it is considered a landmark to “the golden era.” For more information see www.seelbachhilton.com.

For more information about Kentucky’s signature Bourbon industry and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour call the KDA at (502) 875-9351 or visit them online at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 120 retired racehorses.  With locations in Georgetown, KY and in Greenfield Center, NY, Old Friends is open to visitors daily by appointment. For more information on tours, any of the farm’s retirees, or to make a donation, call (502) 863-1775 or visit the website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

The Seelbach Hilton
Jennifer Biesel
jennifer.biesel@ihrco.com
(502) 585-9292

Old Friends
Cynthia Grisolia
cagrisolia@yahoo.com
(347) 423-7322

Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour
Eric Gregory
enjoy@kybourbon.com
(502) 875-9351