Tag Archives: War Emblem

*Featured/Spotlights, Racing

Old Friends Statement Regarding Death of War Emblem

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War Emblem at Old Friends (Photo: Laura Battles)

GEORGETOWN, KY – MARCH 24, 2020 –  Michael Blowen, founder and President of Old Friends, the nonprofit Thoroughbred Retirement Farm based in Kentucky, released the findings of the necropsy report regarding the recent passing of 2002 Kentucky Derby – Preakness winner War Emblem.

War Emblem, 21, was found deceased at Old Friends on March 11, 2020 after what was initially perceived to be a fatal paddock accident. A full medical report was, at that time, pending.

The following statement was issued by Old Friends resident veterinarian, Dr. Bryan Waldridge of Park Equine Hospital in Versailles, KY:

“After War Emblem’s sudden death, a complete necropsy was performed at the University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The cause of death was ruptured small intestine. The cause of the tear in his small intestine could not be determined by anatomic or microscopic examination. No strangulation or displacement of the small intestine was present. Rupture of the small intestine without a predisposing cause is an uncommon and, unfortunately, fatal injury.”

“We were very proud to be given the opportunity to repatriate War Emblem when his stallion career came to an end, and we were lucky enough to have him with us for nearly five years,” said Blowen. “His great speed, great beauty, intelligence, and distinct personality made him one of our most popular and beloved retirees, visited by hundreds of fans weekly, even in our off season.

“Our entire staff was devastated by his unexpected passing,” Blowen added. “We’ll all miss him terribly.”

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Racing

Dual Classic Winner War Emblem Dies at 21

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War Emblem at Old Friends (Photo: Laura Battles)

GEORGETOWN, KY – MARCH 11, 2020 – 2002 Kentucky Derby and Preakness champion War Emblem has died. The dual classic winner had been pensioned at Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY since 2015.

The cause of death is perceived to be a fatal paddock accident, but exact details are unknown. However, a full necropsy report is pending. He was 21.

In 2015 Old Friends re-repatriated War Emblem from the Yoshida family’s Shadai Stallion Farm in Japan. He was the second Kentucky Derby winner returned to the Bluegrass by Old Friends from overseas. Silver Charm, 1997 winner, arrived in 2014.

War Emblem (Our Emblem – Sweetest Lady, Lord at War) was bred by Charles Nuckols Jr. & Sons of Midway, KY and originally campaigned by Russell Reineman and trainer Frank Springer. The near black stallion was sold to Prince Ahmed bin Salman’s Thoroughbred Corp. and transferred to Bob Baffert’s barn after he captured the Illinois Derby in an impressive gate-to-wire victory.

Three weeks later War Emblem captured the 128th running of the Kentucky Derby for his new connections.

Following an equally impressive win in the Preakness, War Emblem became a serious contender to capture history’s 12th Triple Crown, but he stumbled badly at the start of the Belmont Stakes and ended up beaten by long-shot Sarava, who is also a retiree at Old Friends.

War Emblem went on to capture the Haskell Invitational for a third Grade 1 win that year and retired with 13 starts, 7 wins, and earnings of $3,491,000.

In the fall of 2002, War Emblem was sold to the Yoshida family for $17 million to stand at their renowned Shadai Stallion Station in Hokkaido, which also stood the great Sunday Silence. War Emblem proved a difficult but talented stallion, having sired fewer than 200 foals in his career but many of them talented runners, including Japan’s champion 2-year-old filly Robe Tissage.

When War Emblem retired from stud duty, the Yoshida family generously agreed to donate the stallion to Old Friends. Negotiations were coordinated by Narvick International’s Emmanual de Seroux.

“We’re very grateful to Mr. Yoshida and all of the fans who helped get War Emblem to Old Friends nearly five years ago,” said Old Friends founder and President Michael Blowen. “I know we’re supposed to appreciate all of our retirees the same but he was one of the very special ones. He was tough, narcissistic, bold, and handsome. I adored him.

“I proudly count among a very meager number of accomplishments the day he allowed me to put his halter on without biting me,” Blowen added. “He trusted me. What more could I ask for? The farm will recover from his loss over time, but it’ll never be the same.”

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

Auctions, Racing

The “War Emblem” Is Final Design on the Block in Old Friends 7th Hats Off to the Horses Auction

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

GEORGETOWN, KY – FEBRUARY 2, 2016 – Last chance! The sixth and final Derby-style hat in the online fashion auction “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby” goes on the block April 1st.

The last hat in the six-month auction, which raises money for Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, will honor 2002 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner War Emblem, who retired to Old Friends last September.

The beautiful chapeau is modeled by Shea Leparoux accompanied by her husband, leading jockey Julien Leparoux.

Bidding on “The War Emblem” begins at 8 pm on April 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.

This is the seventh consecutive year that Old Friends has joined with acclaimed milliner Sally Faith Steinmann of the Massachusetts-based Maggie Mae Designs® to auction off six exclusive Derby-style chapeaus between November and April, each inspired by one of the non-profit organization’s 160 retired racehorses.

For more information and additional photos, CLICK HERE.

About the Horse

Bred by Charles Nuckols of Midway, KY, War Emblem (Our Emblem – Sweetest Lady, Lord at War) captured the Illinois Derby in an impressive gate-to-wire victory. Three weeks later he captured the 128th running of the Kentucky Derby.

Following a win in the Preakness, War Emblem became a serious contender to capture history’s 12th Triple Crown, but he stumbled badly at the start of the Belmont Stakes and ended up beaten by long-shot Sarava, who, as fate would have it, is now also a retiree at Old Friends.

War Emblem went on to capture the Haskell Invitational for a third Grade 1 win that year and retired with 13 starts, 7 wins and earnings of $3,491,000.

He stood stallion duty in Japan until 2015, when he was returned to the United States to be pensioned at Old Friends.

About the Hat

The foundation of the “War Emblem” hat was fashioned as a wide-brim design, measuring a full 30 inches across, done in deep black silk, with a white brocade under brim that frames the wearer’s face when the hat is upturned.

The chapeau is trimmed with a unique ruffled edge that allows light to pass through the sheer fabric. Created out of black silk organza overlaid with black silk “pinstripes”, the resulting look is one of smooth elegance befitting this great Thoroughbred athlete.

Three large rose curls were placed along the crown to echo the horse’s Triple Crown campaign, with each rose beautifully framed in a medley of emerald green and bold blue leaves.

For the finishing touch, a large black pebble button adorns the back of the hat.

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.

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for over 160 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; Maggie Mae Designs (508) 430-1626, sally@maggiemae.com

Uncategorized

An Update on War Emblem from Old Friends

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Photo © Rick Capone.

When a stallion is imported into the United States from any foreign country, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has various “import” regulations, including a requirement that says the stallion must do a “test breeding.” The reason behind this is to determine if the animal is infected with, or a carrier of, the very serious disease known as Contagious Equine Metritis or CEM.

CEM is a highly contagious bacteria, which has more or less been eradicated in the U.S., and can be spread during live breeding, artificial insemination, or through contact with contaminated objects. CEM-positive horses that show no signs of illness (called “carriers”) can cause outbreaks at breeding facilities. It is highly contagious among horses and can be difficult to detect and control.

While it is clear that War Emblem, as a retired resident of Old Friends, would never be called upon to breed, the USDA is still obligated to consider that an intact stallion carrying CEM could get loose and inadvertently breed a mare or dispel the disease via human interaction with infected semen. If the disease should again become widespread in the United States, the horse industry could suffer considerable economic losses.

Following his importation into the United States from Japan, War Emblem, whose reluctance in the breeding shed throughout his stud career was well documented, was placed in quarantine at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. There, a team of veterinary reproduction specialists diligently worked with the 16-year-old stallion to help him test breed the required two mares and clear import regulations. Despite their best efforts, and with one month of attempts, War Emblem did not breed a mare during this time.

After much deliberation with the USDA, consultation with several veterinarians, and with all other options exhausted, it was decided that the stallion War Emblem be castrated to comply with Kentucky and United States Departments of Agriculture (USDA) import regulations.

Every precaution was taken to insure a successful surgery. The procedure was performed on the farm to decrease War Emblem’s stress and allow him to recuperate in familiar surroundings. Dr. Bryan Waldridge, Old Friends’ resident vet, called upon his mentor from Auburn University, Dr. Hui-Chu Lin, to administer the anesthesia. Dr. Lin is considered the most prominent equine anesthesiologists in the country, and she brought along her associate, Glen Sellers. The surgery was done by Rood & Riddle’s Dr. Brad Tanner with assistance from Rood & Riddle’s Dr. Colt Daughtery.

War Emblem has responded like the champion he is. He is fully recovered, and we are hopeful that gelding him will allow him lead a more relaxed and peaceful life in retirement, one that he so richly deserves. Old Friends wishes to thank all the veterinarians whose combined expertise resulted in a safe, successful procedure and subsequent recovery.

If you are interested in more information about CEM, please visit: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/content/printable_version/fs_CEMrev09.pdf.

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

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

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Old Friends Update

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War Emblem enjoying a roll – photo © Rick Capone.

From Michael:

These are the perfect days at Old Friends. The slight chill in the air eliminates the flies, the horses love the soft ground and cool temperatures and everyone can take a deep, relaxing breath after all the excitement of the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland and the arrival of War Emblem.

This week also marks the one year anniversary of Silver Charm’s retirement to the farm. There’s not a day that goes by that he doesn’t impress us with his dignified, but friendly, demeanor. I know I’m prejudiced but he’s such an amazing combination of charisma and intelligence.

War Emblem is finally here. He still must satisfy some quarantine requirements so he’s not part of the regular tour just yet. But when the weather’s good, he’s out for several hours. I know that winning the 2002 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes must have been a great thrill for Bob and Jill Baffert and all of those associated with this magnificent athlete. But last week, when he finally got out of his stall and into his double-fenced, quarantine paddock, he gave everyone goosebumps. He took a few steps, checked out the run-in shed, sniffed a few poops left by Rapid Redux and Amazombie, jogged around the fence line twice, jogged to the middle, and reared up and roared to the heavens. In my whole life, I have never seen such an exhilarating expression of pure joy. His black coat gleaming, War Emblem declared his presence with confidence and superiority and every horse within earshot stood at attention. What a moment.

I’d like to thank all the people who supported War Emblem’s return by donating toward the numbered Inner Circle certificates signed by Bob Baffert and Victor Espinoza, especially Amy Osborn. We still have some left if anyone is interested in donating to War Emblem’s future. Thanks again to Mr. Yoshida and everyone at Shadai Stallion Station for trusting us with their special horse.

For our War Emblem Inner Circle certificate holders who have been waiting to hear, we have set the date: The “War Emblem Inner Circle” reception will be held on Thursday, April 7th. It’s the opening weekend of Keeneland, so now you have two reasons to come to town.

We’re working on the expansion because we have several deserving retirees on the waiting list. Some, like Touch Gold and Sun King and Ide, are the cream of the crop. But there are others, like Archie’s Echo, who need a place as well.

I hope you will take the opportunity to visit soon. We conduct one tour every day at 11 a.m. during the winter and we’d love to show off all of these invaluable athletes. Thanks again for allowing me to have the time of my life.

The “Mixed Pleasure” Hat

A winning hat inspired by our beloved Mixed Pleasure. This auction ends Dec. 14 at 8PM EST. MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® one-of-a-kind handmade chapeaus have raised over $25,000 for our horses! Sincere thanks to MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® for another lovely hat. Thanks, as always, to Equisport Photos, Bella Rose Boutique AND Shea & Julien Leparoux and baby Mitchell for their continuing support. This auction ends Dec. 14th.

Click here to bid!

A Special Subscription Offer for Supporters of Old Friends

We wanted to share with you this link to the new issue of PONIES 24-7. There is a terrific article by Rick Capone on the retirement of Genuine Reward to Old Friends that we hope you will enjoy.

To read the latest issue of PONIES 24-7, click here: http://www.ponies247.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Ponies247-Volume-1-Issue-2.pdf.

The editors and publishers of PONIES 24-7 are now planning the release of its third issue by mid-December, and they would like to offer a ‘special’ subscription deal to our supporters and friends.

For every *subscription to PONIES 24-7 that is received by December 10th, 2015, they will donate $1 from either of our 5 or 10 issue subscription offers, or our Silver or Gold Premium Club Packages, to OLD FRIENDS KENTUCKY!

So you could say it’s a win/win situation; you won’t miss a single issue of PONIES 24-7 and all of its exclusive editorial features, while at the same time helping Old Friends.

*Subscriptions for this offer begin with the third issue of PONIES 24-7. To subscribe, go to www.ponies247.com, and select either our Subscribe Page for magazine only subscriptions, or to the Premium Club page, where either of our Silver or Gold Packages will include the PONIES 24-7 digital magazine, regular handicapping newsletter, and other exclusive content!

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