Tag Archives: Thoroughbred

*Featured/Spotlights, Racing

Thoroughbred Champion Cigar Dies Following Surgery

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Kentucky Horse Park Mourns Loss of Incomparable, Invincible, ‘Unbeatable’ Horse

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 8, 2014) – Thoroughbred champion Cigar died last evening, Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital from complications following surgery for severe osteoarthritis in his neck. Foaled April 18, 1990, the Hall of Fame horse and longtime visitor favorite at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Hall of Champions was 24.

At retirement, Cigar’s career had a total of 19 wins out of 33 starts with earnings of $9,999,815, which was a record at that time. He was voted Champion Older Male and Horse of the Year in both 1995 and in 1996.

“The great champion Cigar thrilled racing fans and surely brought new ones to the sport as he compiled win after win in his incredible streak of victories,” said Governor Steve Beshear. “An example of racing at its best, he continued to serve as an ambassador, bringing joy to countless visitors to the Hall of Champions at the Kentucky Horse Park, where he will be missed.”

The first horse to tie racing legend Citation’s record of 16 consecutive victories, Cigar had lived at the Kentucky Horse Park since his retirement in 1999. Cigar was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in August 2002, his first year of eligibility.

“Cigar had been experiencing arthritis-related health issues over the past six months and was in outstanding physical and mental condition other than the osteoarthritis he was suffering from in several of his cervical vertebrae,” said Kathy Hopkins, director of equine operations for the Kentucky Horse Park. “Medical therapies had failed to relieve the pressure that the arthritis was causing on his spine, which had resulted in instability in his hind legs.”

Cigar had been under the care of a team of veterinarians from the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute and the Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, some of the best equine veterinarians in the world. The team of veterinarians and surgeons had deemed that spinal surgery was the only option to relieve the pressure and ensure the highest quality of life for the horse.

“Cigar had been suffering from a cervical spine instability for which conservative medical therapies could no longer halt the disease’s progressive nature,” said Dr. Rocky M. Mason, of the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. “The decision to seek out a more lasting treatment modality was made. Surgery is never an easy decision in a 24-year-old horse, but Cigar had proven himself a regal, classy and determined patient making the decision to proceed an easier one.”

Surgical correction was performed by a team led by Dr. Brett Woodie, of Rood and Riddle, Dr. Laura Werner, of Hagyard Equine, and Dr. Steve Reed, of Rood and Riddle who pioneered the special procedure performed.

“The Kentucky Horse Park was committed to providing him with the highest level of care possible,” said Hopkins. “We are heartbroken to lose this great horse, especially as we were trying to do everything we could to improve his quality of life and make him more sound and comfortable. Our park family is immensely grateful to Dr. Reed and the outstanding medical teams at Rood and Riddle and Hagyard Equine for their ultimate dedication to and concern for this unmatched champion.”

“Cigar developed a compression of his spinal cord in the lower part of his neck,” said Dr. Reed. “The most severe compression was between cervical vertebra 6 and 7, with additional compression between cervical vertebra 5 and 6. This was an acquired problem related to arthritis, and bony remodeling in the neck. The severity of this spinal cord compression became so problematic that all parties were left with few options, the best one being surgery. This was a significant surgery involving a prolonged recovery. Unfortunately, during recovery Cigar suffered a vertebral fracture and passed away.”

Hopkins said Cigar will be remembered as one of the greatest horses the world has ever seen, and thanked fans who have supported Cigar and the Kentucky Horse Park since his retirement. She also noted the efforts of park team members who have taken excellent care of him over the years, including Wes Lanter, Robin Bush and the late Cathy Roby.

Dr. Reed continued, “The outcome was disappointing and very sad for many people, but especially for Wes and Kathy who remained at his side to the end.”

Like the other Hall of Champions horses who died in retirement at the park, Cigar will be buried on the Memorial Walk of Champions near Thoroughbreds Alysheba, Bold Forbes, Forego, John Henry and Kona Gold; Standardbreds Cam Fella and Rambling Willie; American Saddlebreds CH Imperator, CH Skywatch and CH Gypsy Supreme; and American Quarter Horse Sgt. Pepper Feature.

“Cigar was an incredible horse who left an everlasting mark on the racing world,” said Ted Nicholson, interim executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park. “We are honored that Cigar was able to spend so many years of his life here at the park where he was visited by so many fans and will always be remembered.”

A public memorial service will be held for Cigar at a future date, yet to be determined. Information will be posted on the park’s website once available at www.KyHorsePark.com.

The Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm/theme park and equine competition facility dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse. The park is an agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and hosted more than 800,000 visitors and campers, as well as 18,400 competition horses in more than 200 special events and horse shows in 2013. The park is home to the National Horse Center, which comprises more than 30 national and regional equine organizations. Located at Exit 120, Interstate 75, just north of Lexington, the Kentucky Horse Park is the place to get close to horses. Information about the park’s programs and activities can be on-line at www.KyHorsePark.com, and on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Instagram.

Lisa Jackson
Kentucky Horse Park
859-259-4224
Lisa.Jackson@ky.gov

Racing

Breeders’ Cup Marathon Winner Eldaafer Retired to Old Friends

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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

Georgia Horse Racing Coalition Finds an Old Friend

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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

Community/Charity, Racing

Florida Derby Winner Bull Inthe Heather Euthanized at Old Friends

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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

Community/Charity, Racing

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

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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

Community/Charity, Racing

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

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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

Community/Charity, Racing

Eclipse Winner Sunshine Forever Deceased at 29

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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

Breeds, Racing

Record-Setting Sprinter Klassy Briefcase Dies at 28

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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

Breeds, Racing

Stakes Winner Silver Ray Retires to Old Friends

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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

Breeds, Show Jumping

Thoroughbred Sporthorse Legend Coconut Grove Has Died

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Photo credit Tamara Torti

Hudson Oaks, Texas — The Thoroughbred sporthorse legend Coconut Grove has died.  The exceptional, successful sire and veteran of major show jumping events was humanely euthanized on August 14, 2012, following a colic surgery at the Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery hospital in Weatherford, Texas.

Shown to incomparable successes by his owner, the Colombian show jumping rider German Camargo, Coconut Grove was one of showjumping’s most prominent Thoroughbred stars.  The South American-bred stallion’s show ring accomplishments began in 1993 and continued with great success at the Grand Prix level from 1996 through the remainder of his career.  In 1997, he was the Champion of the Bolivarianos Games in Peru.  Coconut Grove was Champion in the Toyota Cup World Cup Qualifier, Reserve Champion in the Centro American and Caribbean Games, and Reserve Champion in the World Cup qualifier in Caracas, Venezuela, all in 1998.  In 1999, he was ranked Best South American Horse and Team Fifth at the Pan American Games in Canada and participated in the Canadian World Cup qualifiers, securing a spot in the World Cup event in Gothenburg, Sweden.  He was National Champion Jumper for Colombia from 1997 through 1999.  The Camargos brought Coconut Grove to the United States for competition in 2000, when he won third in the $100,000 U.S. Open Jumper Championships in Miami and fifth in the $25,000 WEF Grand Prix of Tampa.  These placings and others earned the stallion a ticket to the Sydney Olympics representing Colombia, but a lack of funding kept the stallion at home.  Capping that outstanding year, Coconut Grove qualified for the AGA Championships, the American Invitational, and was ranked third in the AGA Rookie of the Year standings based on only six starts.  In 2001, he placed fifth in the $25,000 Wellington Grand Prix and was retired shortly after.

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