Page 75 - 2021 TAA Magazine

Old Friends SANCTUARY

TESTIMONIAL:
“We are proud to be
TAA-accredited. Know-
ing we have passed a
rigorous inspection and
investigation confirms
that we are providing
the best possible
environment and care
for our valued retirees.
Obviously, the financial
support enables us to
maintain those
superior standards and
allows us to continue
providing aftercare for
even more horses in
need.”
LAURA BATTLES
Fighting City Hall, who made more than 100 career starts while racing on the West Coast,
earned a well-deserved retirement home at Old Friends in Georgetown, Ky.
FOUNDED: 2003
Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement Soi Phet. And while such rock stars draw crowds, ADDRESS:
facility in Georgetown, Ky., has helped put a new the revenue they raise supports hard-knockers 1841 Paynes Depot Rd.
face on the concept of equine aftercare. like Easy Grades, a one-time Kentucky Derby Georgetown, KY 40324
Founded in 2003 by former Boston Globe film contender who ended up struggling in cheap

critic Michael Blowen, the organization has claiming races at the age of 10, and Fighting City PHONE: (502) 863-1775
grown into a 236-acre sanctuary caring for more Hall, a frequent Portland Meadows and Emerald
than 200 rescued and retired horses. There’s even Downs contender, who made 103 career starts. MAIN CONTACT:
a satellite facility: Old Friends at Cabin Creek in In 2014, Old Friends was presented with a Michael Blowen,
upstate New York, near Saratoga Springs. Special Eclipse Award to honor extraordinary Michael@oldfriendsequine.org
Blowen had long believed that horses past their service in the sport of Thoroughbred racing.
prime could still be valuable – money-earning, But perhaps the greatest reward of all has been WEB ADDRESS:
even – if the venue was right. And so Old Friends the respect and support of the owners, train- oldfriendsequine.org
tested the concept by opening its doors to the ers, and fans who not only donate to the cause of
public, inviting fans to come and visit their turf protecting these amazing athletes but come to the SOCIAL:
heroes. And come they did. The farm attracts farm to pay homage to these beloved horses. Our oldfriendsequine
more than 20,000 visitors annually who come to guests may come to visit a few ex-racehorses, but @Oldfriendsfarm
swoon over such champions as Kentucky Derby they leave having been touched by the heart of a @old_friends
and Preakness winner Silver Charm, Belmont Thoroughbred hero.
Stakes winners Touch Gold, Sarava and Bird- Old Friends offers guided walking tours daily, AVERAGE NUMBER OF
stone, three-time Santa Anita Handicap winner plus private tours and a founder’s tour are also THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR:
Game On Dude, fan favorite and one-time available (both upon request). Reservations are
Kentucky Derby hopeful Patch, New York super- required and may be made at www.oldfriends- 200
star Diversify, and warriors of the turf Hogy and equine.org or by calling (502) 863-1775.

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 73