Retired horses to Old Friends

[thespaah]

Assuming that Old Friends thoroughbred farm near Lexington in Georgetown, KY for retired race horses is rather popular among PA members, I'd like to start a thread about new additions to Old Friends and/or Old Friends at Cabin Creek which is located in Greenfield, NY near Saratoga Springs.
I have been to Old Friends in Kentucky ans I can tell you that the tour is a wonderful experience. It is also an opportunity to be near the equine athletes that we have seen during their racing careers.
I happened to be at Old Friends right after two time Whitney Stakes winner Commentator arrived. It was kind of cool to get to pet the nose of a horse that helped me make a few bucks.
Anyway... Here goes...

Old Friends - Thoroughbred Retirement
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org
or Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@@oldfriendsequine.org For high resolution photos, email sylvia@oldfriendsequine.org

Grade 1 Winner Daytona to Old Friends




GEORGETOWN, KY - September 25, 2014
Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY, is pleased to announce the arrival of stakes winner and Breeders' Cup contender Daytona.

A California star on the turf, Daytona was bred in Ireland by the Irish National Stud and campaigned in the U.S. by conditioner Dan Hendricks.


A six-time stakes winner, he was in the best form of his career in 2007 and 2008 when he won the Grade 2 Oak Tree Derby, Grade 1 Hollywood Derby, and Grade 2 San Gabriel Handicap in late 2007, and three of his first four starts of 2008, including the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile at Hollywood Park.


In 2008 the chestnut gelding finished 10th to super mare Goldikova in the Breeders' Cup Mile at Santa Anita after tearing a tendon mid race. He attempted to return to the track in 2010 but could not recover his form and was retired. In 18 starts Daytona had eight wins and career earnings of $991,690.


Now 10-years-old, Daytona has been generously donated to Old Friends by his current owners, Jocelynn Morgan and her husband, veterinary surgeon Dr. Joseph Morgan of Lexington. Mrs. Morgan had retrained Daytona for a hunter-jumper career but soundness issues have continued to hamper his progress and she felt permanent retirement was now in his best interest.


"Daytona is such a cool little horse-very bold and fun to ride," said Mrs. Morgan. "We are saddened to see him leave our farm but happy that he will get to show off his huge personality to his admirers at Old Friends.


"Daytona is a wonderful addition to our farm," said Michael Blowen, Old Friends president and founder. "We're certain he'll be very popular with visitors. We can't thank the Morgans enough for entrusting their horse to us."


For more information about Daytona or Old Friends see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org or call the farm at (502) 863-1775.

[NY BRED]

I spent about an hour speaking to Michael last year, he had some
amazing stories regarding various owners and politicians
connected wth racing.

The crew at Old Friends truly love their resident T Breds, and
I'd strongly recommend visiting either farm.if you've children,
bring them as well, great education provided by the staff on
the racing career of the horses including their personalities
while racing and at the farm.

The NY location is situated roughly 30 minutes from the town
of Broadway and you'll encounter zero traffic getting there.


:ThmbUp: :ThmbUp: :ThmbUp:

[thespaah]

Mr Blowen joined our tour and took over.
He has a real passion for these horses.
The only resident buried there is Precisionist.
One could tell Michael was very fond of this horse as he chatted with us about his career and then his time at Old Friends, he started to get a little misty.
I haven't been back in a few years, but I fully intend on getting back up there soon.

[nijinski]

I remember when asked to send repeated e mails to OF along with many
others who used social media also to help pluck Danthebluegrassman
from Penn in 08 . Two generous men completed the deal . So grateful for
that .

Wallenda's flight back from Japan was another amazing triumph along
with countless others .

Many thanks to Blowen for his tireless efforts and to all who donate
including Bobby Framkel !

I'm very happy to see this thread !!!

[Fingal]

Many memories of our time there, but one of those that stand out is that while some stallions can be a bit nippy, both the former Juddmonte horses in Tinner's Way & Marquetry were well mannered & receptive for ear & face rubs .

And then meeting Mr. Blowen when we came to Sunshine Forever.
" He tolerates me most of the time."

[Si2see]

Two of our horses are there ( We were the last owners and retired them to Old Friends )

Judge's Case - Dan and I go see Judge every six months when keeneland is running. I can tell you with 100% accuracy Judge lives a better life at Old friends than I live myself :D

Riversrunrylee - Mike ( Picksix ) retired Rylee early this year and he was sent to Ocala for a little bit of time while Old friends had there new paddocks finished.

Both horses were claimed and trained by our very own Tom Schell

We are very excited to see both horses next week, and with any luck we will be able to take Michael and his wife to dinner this visit. They are extraordinary people and this industry could use more class act's like the Blowen family.

Jason

[nijinski]

From a Craigslist add for $500 obo .with the help of social media
circulation of the posting . :cool:
The son of Genuine Risk , General Reward , will be going from his
Wyoming home to Old Friends . :) :ThmbUp:

General Reward is 22 now . one of only two that Jenny was able to
conceive who survived .

I believe Laura Hillenbrand made the final deal , although the owners
were flooded with calls and emails so there may have been more donations .

You never know what your going to find on Craigslist !

[horses4courses]

Luckily no person, or horse, was seriously hurt. :ThmbUp:

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/97296/old-friends-barn-destroyed-by-fire

[CryingForTheHorses]

If there was ever a angel,It is Micheal Blowen..