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View Full Version : Trip to Old Friends New Years Weekend. Lots of Pictures Inside


Si2see
01-28-2016, 01:28 PM
Hey Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have wanted to post this for a few weeks and long story short I took a new job after being with my old company for 9 years... So I finally have the time type this out like I want to and give Old Friends the recognition that they deserve.

As some of you know I have been going to Old Friends Farm and Keeneland opening weekend every 6 months for 7 years now. Well our friend Michael wanted us to come back before April and we figured what better time than New Years Weekend. So we made the almost 8 hour haul from Virginia New Years Eve which was nice without much traffic.

Before I start with the pictures I wanted to first take this time ( while having PA permission ) to just make a statement.

It is REMARKABLE the amount of time, effort, money, and heart and soul that has been put into this farm to give former/retired race horses a chance to live like kings for the rest of their life. I could have never imagined what Michael Blownen's dream and vision would have turn in to if I hadn't seen it unfold over the last 7 years myself.

I encourage you to put this on your bucket list of places you must visit, and for those of you who aren't able to do that, please think of the money it takes to run and grow an operation of this size. I am not begging or soliciting anyone for anything they don't want to give, simply putting it out there that next time you are fortunate to hit a nice score remember how all donations matter. Thank you and on with the pictures !!

The new edition many of you have been waiting to see is Touch Gold. I did not know the story behind this horse as the epic Belmont Stakes showdown in 1997 was the first year my dad took me to Colonial Downs at 15 years old so even though it wasn't because of the triple crown races, 1997 was a special year for me also being introduced to this great sport.
Here is Touch Gold
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac333/si2see/IMG_2064.jpg (http://s913.photobucket.com/user/si2see/media/IMG_2064.jpg.html)
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac333/si2see/IMG_2065.jpg (http://s913.photobucket.com/user/si2see/media/IMG_2065.jpg.html)
Next up how could I not put the horse he that Touch Gold played spoiler to. It's funny they were separated by a half length at the wire, now they are separated by half an acre :lol: In all seriousness what an animal he is, built like a machine, poses for his own pictures, and he exudes class.
Here is Silver Charm
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac333/si2see/IMG_2090.jpg (http://s913.photobucket.com/user/si2see/media/IMG_2090.jpg.html)
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac333/si2see/IMG_2157.jpg (http://s913.photobucket.com/user/si2see/media/IMG_2157.jpg.html)
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac333/si2see/IMG_2095.jpg (http://s913.photobucket.com/user/si2see/media/IMG_2095.jpg.html)
Next up we decided we would walk to the back of the property to what is called the back 40. On the way we ran into one of my old pals.
Here is Commentator
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac333/si2see/IMG_2143.jpg (http://s913.photobucket.com/user/si2see/media/IMG_2143.jpg.html)
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac333/si2see/IMG_2145.jpg (http://s913.photobucket.com/user/si2see/media/IMG_2145.jpg.html)
And how about Alphabet Soup
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac333/si2see/IMG_2076.jpg (http://s913.photobucket.com/user/si2see/media/IMG_2076.jpg.html)
Once we got to the back 40 we were amazed at how beautiful the setting was, and how laid back the horses were... Until they saw carrots !!
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac333/si2see/IMG_2152_1.jpg (http://s913.photobucket.com/user/si2see/media/IMG_2152_1.jpg.html)http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac333/si2see/IMG_2151.jpg (http://s913.photobucket.com/user/si2see/media/IMG_2151.jpg.html)
Our New " Old Friends "
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac333/si2see/IMG_2154.jpg (http://s913.photobucket.com/user/si2see/media/IMG_2154.jpg.html)
On the long walk back I made sure to grab a photo of War Emblem. He is still in quarantine therefore I couldn't get any closer, however I will get better pictures in April.
Here is War Emblem
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac333/si2see/IMG_2087.jpg (http://s913.photobucket.com/user/si2see/media/IMG_2087.jpg.html)
Just look how happy these horses are to be living the life they are able to live thanks to Michael.
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac333/si2see/IMG_2097.jpg (http://s913.photobucket.com/user/si2see/media/IMG_2097.jpg.html)
Of course this thread wouldn't be complete if I didn't post our old warrior Judge's Case. He is living the retired life he deserves after racing 104 times :eek: At the time that we got Judge accepted into Old Friends we thought we were doing him a favor, but I can tell you that we have found a lifetime friend in Michael, and I can promise you that as long as I am breathing I will be passionate about helping Michael in any way I am able.
Here comes the Judge !!!!
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac333/si2see/IMG_2130.jpg (http://s913.photobucket.com/user/si2see/media/IMG_2130.jpg.html)
Notice the claimed tag, he would mark the oldest claim in history :lol:
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac333/si2see/IMG_1829.jpg (http://s913.photobucket.com/user/si2see/media/IMG_1829.jpg.html)

I hope this thread has brought you the joy that I intended it to do. If you would like any pictures taken specifically for you just pm me or post here and I will try to meet any needs in April.
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac333/si2see/IMG_2106.jpg (http://s913.photobucket.com/user/si2see/media/IMG_2106.jpg.html)
Thanks for checking out this thread and thank you for looking into Old Friends Farm. From the 3 of us horse players to all of you
Jason, Dan, and Michael

dzambo
01-28-2016, 01:42 PM
Awesome post Jason. Can't wait for April!

Hoops McCann
01-28-2016, 02:01 PM
very cool. thanks for posting.

Tall One
01-28-2016, 02:07 PM
Thanks for posting these, Si! Always get a little dust in the eyes when i see our heroes and the care they get and deserve out at Old Friends. Mr Blowen is indeed the definition of a Saint.

On a side note, how'd you like the new digs at the Red Mile?

classhandicapper
01-28-2016, 02:42 PM
I hope to make that trip someday. :ThmbUp:

Stillriledup
01-28-2016, 04:23 PM
Fantastic post and pictures thanks for sharing! Great stuff. :ThmbUp:

dzambo
01-28-2016, 04:29 PM
And I still say Free House was the best horse in all three of those races in 1997. :)

Si2see
01-28-2016, 04:36 PM
Thanks for posting these, Si! Always get a little dust in the eyes when i see our heroes and the care they get and deserve out at Old Friends. Mr Blowen is indeed the definition of a Saint.

On a side note, how'd you like the new digs at the Red Mile?

The Red Mile Otb was nice, especially since we haven't had an otb in Virginia for two years. It sure wasn't a vegas style venue, but decent priced beer, really good priced food, it didn't remind me of an normal concession stand food, the loaded nachos were a meal and only $5.

We also went to Turfway Park so I got to mark another track off of my visited list. We had fun but I can honestly say I wouldn't ever make a trip of it to go back... It reminded me of Penn National before the casino. Very old outdated and not a lot of perks besides gambling :lol:

JayTris07
01-28-2016, 04:57 PM
Very Cool. Thank you for the Pics. Hopefully one day I will make my way there. :ThmbUp:

burnsy
01-28-2016, 05:55 PM
Very good! I live down the road from the Cabin Creek, Bobby Frankel division in Greenfield NY. I have not been by there since summer. This post motivates me to go the day after tomorrow. Every Saturday is visitors day. Dignified retirement for thoroughbred race horses. These animals lay it all on the line, literally, every time they race for our entertainment. Its the ethical, moral thing to do and something to be proud of. The people work there for free and get paid with the horses love and happiness. It doesn't get any better than that if you care about your four legged friends.......I enjoyed those pics...thanks.


http://www.oldfriendsatcabincreek.com/

nijinski
01-28-2016, 06:36 PM
Great photos thanks for sharing !!!!!

chadk66
01-28-2016, 07:45 PM
great post and many thanks. I love seeing these kind of pics knowing these old warriors are being given a good life.

horses4courses
01-28-2016, 08:11 PM
Great thread :ThmbUp:
Thanks for posting

PICSIX
01-29-2016, 06:34 AM
Awesome pics! Michael is the best! :ThmbUp: :ThmbUp:

Maybe I'll make it on the next trip in April.

Thanks for posting, Jason.

Grits
01-29-2016, 10:46 AM
Thank you for posting and sharing these.

It's wonderful to see War Emblem home.

He looks good. <3

dzambo
01-29-2016, 12:37 PM
DOLLAR BEERS!!!

Si2see
01-29-2016, 08:00 PM
DOLLAR BEERS!!!


That's one thing turfway had going for it :lol:

thespaah
01-30-2016, 12:24 AM
Hey Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have wanted to post this for a few weeks and long story short I took a new job after being with my old company for 9 years... So I finally have the time type this out like I want to and give Old Friends the recognition that they deserve.

As some of you know I have been going to Old Friends Farm and Keeneland opening weekend every 6 months for 7 years now. Well our friend Michael wanted us to come back before April and we figured what better time than New Years Weekend. So we made the almost 8 hour haul from Virginia New Years Eve which was nice without much traffic.

Before I start with the pictures I wanted to first take this time ( while having PA permission ) to just make a statement.

It is REMARKABLE the amount of time, effort, money, and heart and soul that has been put into this farm to give former/retired race horses a chance to live like kings for the rest of their life. I could have never imagined what Michael Blownen's dream and vision would have turn in to if I hadn't seen it unfold over the last 7 years myself.

I encourage you to put this on your bucket list of places you must visit, and for those of you who aren't able to do that, please think of the money it takes to run and grow an operation of this size. I am not begging or soliciting anyone for anything they don't want to give, simply putting it out there that next time you are fortunate to hit a nice score remember how all donations matter. Thank you and on with the pictures !!

The new edition many of you have been waiting to see is Touch Gold. I did not know the story behind this horse as the epic Belmont Stakes showdown in 1997 was the first year my dad took me to Colonial Downs at 15 years old so even though it wasn't because of the triple crown races, 1997 was a special year for me also being introduced to this great sport.
Here is Touch Gold
My first time there Commentator had just been given a paddock.
It's good to see these horses living out their lives in leisure.

NY BRED
01-30-2016, 07:33 AM
Michael Blowen is an incredible guy, spent about 2 hours with him at
Saratoga discussing racing and his previous background.

His staff at the Spa are all excellent handlers, I'm sure
the same statement applies to the Kentucky division.

Great Pix, thanks for sharing!

PaceAdvantage
02-01-2016, 11:03 AM
Jason, awesome thread! Thanks a million for taking the time to write it and post up the pictures... :ThmbUp:

pandy
02-01-2016, 11:20 AM
Great thread, warms the heart. Thanks for posting.