Tag Archives: Old Friends

Racing

Yankee Fourtune, Grade 3 Winner, Euthanized

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Yankee Fourtune in retirement at Old Friends (Photo: Laura Battles)

GEORGETOWN, KY – MAY 29, 2019 – Grade 3 winner Yankee Fourtune was euthanized May 28 at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement farm in Georgetown, KY, due to issues of chronic arthritis.

The 12-year-old gelding had been pensioned at the non-profit organization since 2015.

Campaigned by New Jersey business man Harvey Clarke and trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, in 2010 the 3-year-old Yankee Fourtune (Yankee Gentleman – Madam Ann, Mi Cielo) was undefeated in five starts on turf, which included his stakes debut in the Grade 3 Hawthorne Derby and culminated with a win in the Grade 3 Commonwealth Turf at Churchill Downs.

The gray gelding raced for four additional seasons, but never quite regained his championship form, and he soon entered the claiming ranks.

In 2012 Yankee was claimed from owner Clarke for $50,000. But the gelding always had a special place in his heart. Two years later Clarke — who was also known as the breeder or co-breeder of such champions as I’ll Have Another, Stopchargingmaria, and Cairo Prince — tracked down the horse’s new owners to offer his assistance if ever needed.

Clarke soon received a call that Yankee Fourtune needing emergency colic surgery.

Clarke took care of the surgery, and donated the horse to Old Friends to secure his retirement. Clarke remained a frequent visitor to the farm and a longtime supporter until his passing in January 2019 following a long bout with lung cancer.

“Losing Harvey and Yankee Fourtune is a huge blow to everyone who knew them both,” said Michael Blowen, President and founder of Old Friends. “Harvey loved Yankee Fourtune, and inquired about him a lot. They were lucky to have each other.”

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

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

Racing

Geri, a Grade 1 Winner, Euthanized at 27

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Geri at Old Friends (Photo: Laura Battles)

GEORGETOWN, KY – MAY 27, 2019 – Grade I winner Geri was euthanized May 25 at Park Equine Hospital in Versailles due to complications from colic.

Geri had been a retiree at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement farm in Georgetown, KY, since 2013. The stallion was 27.

Geri was among nine stallions repatriated from overseas stud duty by the non-profit organization. He arrived back in the U.S. from Italy.

Raced as a homebred by Allen E. Paulson and trained by Bill Mott, Geri (Theatrical-Garimpeiro, by Mr. Prospector) entered the spotlight with his victory in the 1996 Grade3 Creme Fraiche Handicap. The chestnut colt earned his first Grade 1 later that year in the Oaklawn Handicap.

Geri went on to capture the Woodbine Mile and the Citation Handicap in 1997 before finishing his career with a total of nine wins and earnings of $1,707,980.

As an international sire Geri was well represented by the multiple stakes-winning mare Bedanken, Japanese millionaire Lucky Break, and champion steeplechaser Party Airs. He was also the sire of A. P. Slew, another Old Friends retiree.

“Geri’s handsome countenance offered an insufficient disguise for his deep-seated toughness,” said Old Friends founder and President Michael Blowen. “He knew who he was. He was even smart enough to tell us when his time had come. We will miss him terribly. Our thanks to Madeleine Paulson for supporting him and other great Paulson Thoroughbreds throughout the years.”

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

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

Racing

Chilean Champ Santona Euthanized at 25

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Santona at Old Friends (Photo: Laura Battles)

GEORGETOWN, KY – MAY 7, 2019 – Chilean champion Santona has died. The 25-year-old mare was euthanized at Park Equine Hospital at Woodford on May 5th due to complications from colic.

Santona had been pensioned at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, KY, since 2011. Michael Blowen, founder and President of Old Friends, made the announcement of her passing.

Bred in Chile by Haras Santa Isabel, Santona (Winning – Syracuse, by Sharp-Eyed Quillo) won the Grade 1 Las Oaks at Club Hipico De Santiago in 1997. That year she was named Champion grass mare in Chile, and was then brought to the United States in 1998 by owner-breeder Earle I. Mack.

Campaigned by Mack and trainer Jimmy Jerkins for four starts in New York, Santona never regained her top race form and was retired to the breeding shed.

Her colt by Grand Slam, Grand Hombre, won the Pennsylvania Derby in 2003 and earned over $900,000.

“Mr. Mack adored Santona, and Old Friends was honored to care for her for these last years,” said Blowen. “She was extremely intelligent and very competitive.  She will be missed by all of her mare friends and human caretakers.”

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

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

Community/Charity

Old Friends 15th Annual Homecoming, Sunday May 5th, 2019

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Photo: Laura Battles®.

GEORGETOWN, KY – APRIL 23, 2019 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, KY, will host its 15th Annual Homecoming event, Presented Red Brand Fence and sponsored by Tribute Equine Nutrition, on Sunday May 5th, 2019 from 1 pm to 5 pm.

Tickets are $30 for the general public and $15 for Old Friends members (children 12 and under are free).

Reservations can be made online by visiting the Old Friends website at www.oldfriendsequine.org and clicking the “Book a Tour” button, by clicking here, or by calling (502) 863-1775.

The day will include a barbecue buffet by Proud Mary, farm tours, live Bluegrass music, and live and silent auctions of racing memorabilia, collectible stallion halters, photography, artwork, jewelry, books, and more.

Guest can also watch as renowned equine artist Robert Clark creates an original canvas of this year’s newly crowned Derby winner that will be auctioned at end of day and meet authors Rick Capone (“Celebrating Old Friends”) and Dagmar Galleithner-Steiner (“The Art of Old Friends”) who will be signing copies of their books.

Also on hand this year will be the hot pink Spotz Gelato truck. The ice-cream vendors, which recently opened shops in Georgetown and Versailles, KY, will be selling homemade, small-batch gelato in custom flavors.

For additional information or to reserve tickets by phone, For more information, please call (502) 863-1775 or visit the website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

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

Community/Charity

Old Friends Offering Special Twilight Tours in April

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Cherono and Rail Trip at Old Friends (Photo: Laura Battles)

GEORGETOWN, KY – APRIL 17, 2019 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement farm based in Georgetown, KY will offer special “Twilight Tours” on the evenings of Thursday April 25th and Friday April 26th.

The guided walking tours of the farm begin at 6 pm and are approximately 90 minutes. Tickets are $10 for adults, children 6-12 are $5, and kids 5 and under are free.

ADVANCE RESERVATIONS are required. Tours can be booked online by clicking here or by calling (502) 863-1775.

The special evening tours will coincide with the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, which takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park April 25-28.

On the tour guests will meet a number of Thoroughbred Champions now pensioned at Old Friends, including Kentucky Derby/Preakness winners Silver Charm and War Emblem, Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Alphabet Soup, and Belmont Stakes winners Touch Gold and Sarava, among others.

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

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (502) 863-1775, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org; or Barbara Fossum, (502) 863-1775, barbara@oldfriendsequine.org

Art/Photography, Racing

“Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to Derby” 2019 Concludes with Final Chapeau of the Season

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Dagmar Galleithner-Steiner, Nicanor, Joe Steiner, and son Jonah model the newest “Hats Off to the Derby” chapeau (Photo: Barbara D. Livingston)

New Hat Honors Old Friends Retiree Nicanor

For the 10th consecutive year, Maggie Mae Designs® and Old Friends are teaming up for an unparalleled online shopping experience. “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby” is a unique Derby-hat fundraiser featuring one-of-a-kind couture Derby hats created by MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® to benefit Old Friends.

This new hat pays tribute to Nicanor, a stakes-placed runner who is better known as the full brother of 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro. Nicanor now resides at Old Friends, and this lovely hat uses the blue, lime, and white racing-silk colors of former owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson’s Lael Stables.

The Kentucky-bred Nicanor (Dynaformer – La Ville Rouge, Carson City) was trained by Michael Matz and ridden by several jockeys, including Barbaro rider Edgar Prado. In his 18 starts he captured 4 wins, including a 15 1/4 lengths victory at Delaware Park.

Nicanor entered stud in 2013 at Shamrock Farm in Woodbine, MD and retired to Old Friends in the spring of 2018.

For this lovely hat, Maggie Mae Designs® milliner Sally Faith Steinmann uses a foundation of white dupioni silk overlaid with three wavy layers of silk organza that is top stitched with chocolate thread. The hat is adorned with a large, two-tone, blue silk organza Marguerite fleur, highlighted by a chocolate rose curl at the center that is nestled in a medley of lime organza and taffeta leaves.

The hat is completed by a white brocade under brim that lends a soft, elegant effect around the wearer’s upturned face. And, as always, a physical remembrance — several strands of the horse’s tail hair — were woven into the trim, creating a truly unique, one-of-a-kind Derby chapeau.

The “Nicanor” chapeau is up for bid from April 1st at 8 pm through April 11th at 8 pm. All proceeds from the sale go to Old Friends.

To Bid: CLICK HERE.

To read more about Nicanor, the horse, please CLICK HERE

For more information: (502) 863-1775; www.oldfriendsequine.org; michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Racing

Danthebluegrassman, Grade 3 Winner, Euthanized at 20

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Danthebluegrassman at Old Friends (Photo: Laura Battles)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Racing

Old Friends Welcomes Five-Time Grade 1 Winner Einstein

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Einstein arrives at Old Friends (Photo: Carole Oates)

GEORGETOWN, KY – MARCH 11, 2019 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement farm based in Georgetown, KY, has welcomed new retiree Einstein. The Brazilian bred son of 1986 Horse of the Year and Kentucky Derby winner Spend a Buck has been pensioned by The Stonach Group’s Adena Springs to the non-profit organization.

Trained by Helen Pitts, Einstein (Spend a Buck–Gay Charm, by Ghadeer) captured the 2009 Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) and four grade I stakes on turf, including back-to-back triumphs in the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (gr. IT) at Churchill Downs.

Other wins include the 2008 Clark Handicap (gr. II), also at Churchill, and the Mervin H. Muniz Jr. Memorial Handicap (gr. IIT) at Fair Grounds.

In all, Einstein made 30 starts, winning 11 races. He won or placed in 13 stakes, all of which were graded, and his career earnings totaled $2,703,324.

Einstein retired from racing in 2010 to stand at Adena Springs near Paris, KY. He later stood at Adena Springs North in Ontario, Canada and at Magali Farms near Santa Ynez, CA. His top runners include grade III winner Rankhasprivileges and multiple-stakes-placed E Equalsmcsquared.

In 2015, Adena Springs also donated Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Alphabet Soup and Belmont Stakes winner Touch Gold to Old Friends.

“We’re extremely grateful to The Stronach Group for allowing us to care for Einstein, and for supporting him with a significant annual contribution,” said Old Friends President and founder Michael Blowen. “Einstein has a lot of fans and I’m sure they’ll be flocking to visit him.

“The great son of Spend a Buck didn’t peak until his six and seven-year-old campaigns,” Blowen continued, “and, as fate would have it, he defeated many of our other Old Friends retirees, including Arson Squad, Commentator, Rail Trip, and Cosmonaut.”

“Einstein was one of the most honest and consistent race horses of modern times,” said Donald Wells, Farm Manager at Adena Springs. “He came very close to being the first horse to win grade 1 races on the turf (Woodford Reserve), synthetic (Santa Anita Handicap), and dirt when he was a troubled third in the Stephen Foster in 2009.

“It has been a privilege to care for such a tough and honest horse,” Wells added. “We know he will be well taken care of at Old Friends, and we look forward to his fan base getting to know and love him the way we have.”

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

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

Community/Charity, Racing

Dual-Classic Winner Silver Charm Celebrates 25th Birthday at Old Friends

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Silver Charm at Old Friends (Photo: Laura Battles ©)

GEORGETOWN, KY – FEBRUARY 14, 2019 – Dual-classic winner and racing Hall of Famer Silver Charm will turn 25 on Friday February 22nd at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement facility in Georgetown, KY.

The farm is inviting fans to help celebrate this milestone with a birthday-card contest and an open-house Birthday Bash.

Fans are invited to submit an original greeting card, created on paper or in a digital format, wishing Silver Charm a happy 25th. Deadline for card entries is Thursday Feb. 21.

The best design — judged by a panel of Old Friends staff — will receive a matted and autographed color photo of Silver Charm by Eclipse Award-winning photographer Barbara Livingston.

Card entries will be displayed and the winner announced at Silver Charm’s birthday party at Old Friends’ Georgetown farm, located at 1841 Paynes Depot Rd, on Friday February 22nd from 1 pm – 4 pm.

Guests will receive gift bags (while supplies last), fun giveaways, and enjoy a “soup-of-the-day” lunch, with piping hot selections from several local eateries, including:

Local Feed, the seasonal kitchen and craft bar located in Georgetown. Local Feed is known for its farm-to-table concept, great bourbon list, and craft cocktails.

Josie’s, a comfortable, inviting neighborhood cafe in Georgetown from the owners of the Merrick Inn. Josie’s offers “the best breakfast in town,” as well as an extensive lunch and dinner menu of tasty southern fare.

Galvin’s, the family owned sports bar and bistro in downtown Georgetown, offers a vast menu of favorites as well as 40 taps featuring Kentucky’s local brews.

Wallace Station, the homey pit stop in Versailles from renowned chef Ouita Michels. Wallace Station features an irresistible menu of homemade soups, sandwiches, salads, and bakery items.

Silver Charm won the 1997 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes and the 1998 Dubai World Cup. He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2007, and stood stud at Three Chimney’s farm before relocating to Japan.

Silver Charm was repatriated to the United States and pensioned at Old Friends in 2014.

The Silver Charm Birthday party is free and open to the public.

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

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

Art/Photography, Community/Charity

Enter Silver Charm’s Silver Anniversary Card Challenge

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Photo by Rick Capone.

It’s Silver Charm’s Silver Jubilee

On February 22nd dual-classic winner Silver Charm will turn 25, and we’d like you to help Old Friends celebrate this special milestone.

Silver Charm doesn’t care much for traditional gifts – shiny bling or etched keepsakes. But what better way to say Happy Birthday to a Hall of Famer than with a personalized greeting card?

Because we know all of his fans out there care enough to send the very best, we’re launching the Silver Charm Birthday Card Challenge!

Get out your construction paper, colored markers, Crayolas, finger paints, Black & Decker, or whatever artistic medium suits you best and create a birthday card befitting a Kentucky Derby Champion.

We will accept physical cards or those created in a digital format. A panel of Old Friends judges will award the best card in each category with an autographed picture of Silver Charm by Eclipse Award-winning photographer Barbara Livingston.

Entries will be displayed and winners named at a special celebratory event at Old Friends Farm in Georgetown on Friday February 22nd from 1-4 pm.

The public is welcome to come and celebrate this very Silver Anniversary with us. Food and beverages will be served.

For more information: (502) 863-1775; www.oldfriendsequine.org