The 8-year-old Pennsylvania bred was retired from racing in September and was donated to Old Friends by his owner and breeder, Walter Downey and his Tea Party Stable.
Fabulous Strike (Smart Strike – Fabulous Find by Lost Code) is a five-time graded stakes winner and was one of the nation’s top sprinters between 2007 and 2009. In addition to the Vosburgh, his victories include the GR1 Aristides Breeders’ Cup Sprint in 2007 and the GR2 Alfred G. Vanderbilt H. in 2009. In all, the gelding captured 15 of his 28 starts and had total career earnings of $1, 448, 399.
After suffering an injury in 2009, Fabulous Strike was sidelined for 18 months during which he underwent stem cell therapy at Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center. He made a “fabulous” return to the track this past April when he went wire-to-wire for long-time trainer Todd M. Beattie to capture a 6-furlong allowance race at Penn National Race Course.
“We are so happy to add Fabulous Strike to our family of retirees,” said Old Friends president and founder, Michael Blowen. “We are honored that Walter Downey has entrusted us with his champ.”
Blowen added that Fabulous Strike marks the third Vosburgh winner to retire with Old Friends. He joins 2002 winner Bonapaw and 1998 winner Affirmed Success. “We know Fabulous Strike has many devoted fans,” Blowen continued, “and we can’t wait for them to come out and visit him here at the farm.”
“I’m a small time breeder and he was a once in a lifetime horse for me,” said Downey. “After his last start he came back a bit sore, not at all lame, but in the same breath the trainer and I decided it was time to just let him be a horse.”
Downey, who is Boston-based, adds that while he never met Michael Blowen, he was a long-time fan of the Old Friends founder, who is journalist and former film critic for the Boston Globe. “When Michael called me about Fabulous Strike we instantly formed a connection,” said Downey.
For more information about Old Friends and any of its retirees please visit their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org or call (502) 863-1775.
About Old Friends
Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 100 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