Proceeds to Benefit Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement

GEORGETOWN, KY – JANUARY 31, 2012 – The 3rd Annual “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby,” an online auction of exclusive handcrafted Kentucky Derby Hats, continues February 1st with a hat inspired by the great sire Fortunate Prospect.

This is the fourth hat in a series of six magnificent chapeaus to be auctioned by Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY.  Each hat has been custom crafted by milliner Sally Faith Steinmann of Maggie Mae Designs and 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit Old Friends, the 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to the dignified retirement of former racehorses.

Each of Steinmann’s magnificent designs is inspired by one of the champions retired at Old Friends, and one will be auctioned every month leading up to this year’s Kentucky Derby, to be held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY on May 5.

This month’s hat is “The Fortunate Prospect,” a sultry design of rich black tones and orange hues. To view the hat and to read more about Maggie Mae Designs go to www.maggiemaedesigns.com.

Bidding opens on February 1st at 8pm. To bid on go to www.oldfriendsequine.org and follow the link.  Bidding is open until February 11.

Fortunate Prospect, now 31, is the oldest retiree at Old Friends, and has been pensioned at the farm since 2005. Gramps, as he is fondly known, had a respectable track record (about a dozen stakes wins, including the San Vicente at Santa Anita and the Equus Handicap at Garden State) but it’s his family tree that has grown with distinction.

Considered one of the truly great stallions in Florida breeding history, Mr. P has sired numerous stakes victors.  Of his 779 foals, 663 started and 573 were winners of 2,700 races worth over $43 million.

The stallion also gained recognition over the years as a top broodmare sire: His daughter Successful Dancer is the dam of multiple stakes winner Successful Appeal while Fortuesque is the dam to 2009 Kentucky Derby contender Musket Man.

This Derby hat is especially elegant.  Moved by the deep coat of the near-black stallion, Steinmann used lush black dupioni silk as the foundation for the hat then covered the chapeau’s dramatic 23-inch brim with swirling layers of ebony and espresso tulle.

The centerpiece, a stunning rose curl, was created using goldenrod shantung, soft coral organza, and deep tangerine satin. The colors represent Fortunate Prospect’s one-time racing silk colors.

As she has done in other recent designs, Steinmann has also woven a physical remembrance of Fortunate Prospect into the hat. Several strands of the great stallion’s tail hairs have been braided into the trim.

Similar designs by Steinmann have sold for upwards of $1,000.

Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby began on November 1 2011 with “The Noor.” “The Prized” hat followed in December and “The Benburb” rang in the New Year last month.  The next hat will go on the block March 1, 2012.

The online auction has raised over $10,000 for Old Friends since its inception in the fall of 2009

For additional information contact Cynthia Grisolia at cagrisolia@yahoo.com (347-423-7322) or Maggie Mae Designs at info@maggiemae.com (508-430-1626)).

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

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 and unique bridal wear and handsome cocktail fashions. Owner Sally Faith Steinmann personally handcrafts every design.  Salons of her fashions can be viewed at www.maggiemaedesigns.com.

About Old Friends
Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 115 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 Maggie Mae Designs (508-430-1626), sally@maggiemae.com

With America’s endless fascination with horse racing, and his own personal history with the sport, it’s no surprise that David Milch decided to introduce a new HBO series with horses right at the heart. Boasting such fame as Dustin Hoffman, Nick Nolte, Kevin Dunn, and even real life former jockey, Gary Stevens, “Luck” promises a thrilling ride.

While many books such as Seabiscuit, Ruffian, Wild Ride, and Secretariat have offered the public a glimpse into the inner workings of the thoroughbred racing industry, never before has a television series revolved around it.

And this time, not just the details of the pick six, trifecta, and boxed bets are revealed, but the intricate relationships that comprise life at the track are given their due time as well, as viewers are introduced to “Ace” played by Dustin Hoffman as the ex-con race horse owner trying to make his way back onto the track.

Then there’s Walter Smith (played by Nick Nolte) as the up to no good trainer, trying to make his daily bread in any way he can, and Jerry (Jason Gedrick), a washed up handicapper waging everything to win back a few dollars — and perhaps a bit of pride.

But the cast of characters aren’t the only underdogs. In the first race, Mon Gateau, a 12-1 racehorse who hasn’t run in two years, is going to try his hand (hoof) at a 2.2 million dollar purse.

And as you watch in suspense and cheer him on, you get the feeling that winning this race is about much more than just which horse is the fastest. It’s about redemption, and all the human frailties that threaten it.

Here are a few reviews:

http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2012/01/30/hbo-switches-up-drama-formula-with-luck/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6ecnq1P_d8

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2012/01/decoding-luck.html

GEORGETOWN, KY — JANUARY 3, 2012 — Diamond Stripes, the 9-year-old son of Notebook, has been retired to Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY,

Michael Blowen, president and founder of Old Friends, made the announcement today.

Bred in Florida by Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Rogers Jr, for their Four Roses Thoroughbreds, Diamond Stripes won six of his 16 starts, including three black-type victories. His earnings total $1,479,014.

Diamond Stripes broke his maiden in the 2006 Pegasus Stakes (GR3) and the following year he captured the Meadowlands Cup (GR2). The win earned him entry into that year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic, where he finished 8th on an off track.

His greatest victory, however, came in 2008 in Dubai where he triumphed in the $1-million Godolphin Mile (UAE-II) under jockey Edgar Prado.

In recent years, however, the gray gelding had begun a drop down the ranks, starting in claiming races at New Mexico’s Sunland Park.

“I contacted his trainer, Chris Hartman, about retiring the horse,” said Blowen. “Chris put us in touch with Mrs. Rogers and she generously donated Diamond Stripes and sponsored his trip from New Mexico to Kentucky.  We’re so happy to have him.”

For more information about Diamond Stripes or any of the retirees at Old Friends contact the farm at (502) 863-1775.

About Old Friends
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 Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cagrisolia@yahoo.com, or Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

GEORGETOWN, KY – DECEMBER 19, 2011 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY, has joined with Lexington’s Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center and CANTER Michigan to permanently retire two Thoroughbreds, Ferdinand’s Star and Mikethespike.

Michael Blowen, Old Friends founder and president, made the announcement today.

Ferdinand’s Star, a son of 1986 Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand out of the Dare to Command mare Rose and Betty, comes to Old Friends from The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center, an equine adoption and rehabilitation facility located at the Kentucky Horse Park.

The 16-year-old gelding is a testament to the versatility of the Thoroughbred as he has run the gamut of careers since making his first start on the racetrack in 1998.

On the track, Ferdinand’s Star had approximately 10 starts and earned about $4,000.  His only career win came at River Downs when he broke his maiden.

He was retired from racing and was retrained as a competitive Dressage horse. The family donated Ferdinand’s Star to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation when he was no longer able to compete due to soundness issues.

Sent to Maker’s Mark in 2008, the gelding was eventually able to be a lightly used school horse and a facility mascot, but a tendon injury ended his career for the second time.

Before retiring to Old Friends, Ferdinand’s Star was briefly part of the equine rehabilitation program at Blackburn Prison and also spent several months being “clicker” trained by Nicholasville, KY-based artists and equine advocate Marti McGinnis.

“He was hilarious,” says McGinnis. “By the end of our time together he was targeting well and was beginning to play soccer. We loved getting to be with him those months, and I was as happy as can be when Michael told me Ferdinand’s Star was coming to Old Friends.”

According to Blowen, Ferdinand’s Star will spend his remaining years at Old Friends in a paddock alongside a relative, Bull inthe Heather, another son of the great Ferdinand.

Meanwhile, 11-year-old Mikethepsike (Anet – Black Tie Royalty by Black Tie Affair) recently arrived from Michigan where CANTER associate Gail Hirt has fostered him.

Bred in Florida by Donald R. Dizney, Mike is a grandson of Old Friends retiree Black Tie. The Appgolucky Memorial Trust, which was spearheaded by Old Friends volunteer Vivian Morrison, funded his pensioning.

During his career the gray gelding had an incredible 125 starts and 12 wins. His earnings total $84,941. He suffered a career-ending injury during his last race at Pinnacle in Huron Township, Michigan.

“These horses are a great symbol of how Old Friends, The TRF, CANTER and other organizations can work together to safely retire and care for Thoroughbreds whose racing careers are over,” said Blowen. “We’re very excited to have them both with us.”

For more information about Ferdinand’s Star, Mikethespike, or any of the retirees at Old Friends contact the farm at (502) 863-1775.

About Old Friends
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 Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cagrisolia@yahoo.com, or Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Proceeds to Benefit Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement

GEORGETOWN, KY – NOVEMBER 30, 2011 – “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby,” a charity auction of fashionable Kentucky Derby Hats, continues December 1st as bidding opens on “The Prized.”

“The Prized” hat is the second chapeau to go on the virtual block in this six-month-long auction, which kicked off November 1st.

Proceeds from this exclusive event benefit Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in central Kentucky, and features beautiful hats handcrafted by milliner Sally Faith Steinmann of Maggie Mae Designs.

Each of the six unique designs are inspired by one of the pensioned racehorses at Old Friends, and a new hat will be offered for bid each month leading up to the most exciting two minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby, held in 2012 on May 5th at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY.

Bidding on the “Prized” hat will be conducted for 10 days only on the Old Friends website at www.oldfriendsequine.org. The hat can be viewed now by visiting www.maggiemaedesigns.com.

About Prized
The 25-year-old Prized, now a retiree at Old Friends, was bred by Florida’s Meadowbrook Farm, which campaigned him along with Clover Racing Stables. Prized raced on both the dirt and the turf and had total career earnings of more than $2.2 million.

In 1989 Prized won the GR 1 Molson Million at Woodbine and the GR2 Swaps Stakes at Hollywood Park where he famously upset Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Sunday Silence. Later that year the dark bay stallion became a Breeders’ Cup Champions after capturing the GR 1 BC Turf at Gulf Stream Park.

Retired to stud in 1991, Prized is the sire of multiple stakes winner Brass Hat.

About the Hat
The green and black racing silks of Clover Racing Stable provided the color palette for this stunning new Derby hat. The green tone also commemorates the stallion’s victory on grass in the BC Turf race.

The centerpiece of the trim design is an enormous floral Marguerite created in alternating layers of spring green organza and clover taffeta. In the heart of the flower is a medley of green beads and a single black pebble button that is meant to capture Prized’s steady, sparkling eye.

The Marguerite is framed by an assortment of black satin leaves.

Perhaps one of the most unique features of this amazing Derby hat is the Maggie Mae Designs signature trim of black silk organza “feathers.” These wispy additions curve gracefully around the hat and over the brim edge.

The “Prized” hat also features a physical remembrance of the horse: Several strands of tail hair have been woven into the trim. And for the finishing touch, a black silk organza bow with black satin knot was set into the back, making the design captivating from every angle.

The first day of bidding on “The Prized” will be after 8 pm on December 1st, and the auction will be available for 10 days only. Interested bidders can view the hat and learn more about Steinmann by visiting www.maggiemaedesigns.com and following the auction link.

To bid, go to www.oldfriendsequine.org and follow the link.

For additional information contact Cynthia Grisolia at cagrisolia@yahoo.com (347-423-7322) or Maggie Mae Designs at info@maggiemae.com (508-430-1626).

For additional information about Old Friends or any of its retired champions, see the website at www.oldfriendsequine.org or call (502) 863-1775.

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 and unique bridal wear and handsome cocktail fashions. Owner Sally Faith Steinmann personally handcrafts every design.  Salons of her fashions can be viewed at www.maggiemaedesigns.com.

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 Maggie Mae Designs (508-430-1626), info@maggiemae.com

GEORGETOWN, KY – NOVEMBER 23, 2011 – Fabulous Strike, winner of the 2007 Vosburgh Stakes, has been permanently pensioned at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY.

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

Funds to Provide New Paddocks for More Retirees

GEORGETOWN, KY – NOVEMBER 21, 2011 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility and 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, has received a second $50,000 grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The announcement was made today by Old Friends founder and president Michael Blowen.

In 2009 Old Friends was one of five organizations chosen to participate in the ASPCA’s “Rescuing Racers Initiative,” a $1 million granting opportunity made possible by a generous donor designed to support horses impacted by the racing industry.   Old Friends also received a $50,000 grant in 2010.

The majority of the funds will be used to construct four new paddocks on Old Friends’s Dream Chase Farm in Georgetown, KY, allowing the organization to provide safe retirement for even more Thoroughbreds.

Old Friends supports more than 100 retired racehorses, including a dozen on its satellite facility in New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division.

Most recently Old Friends permanently retired GR1-winner and top sire Afternoon Deelites, Breeders’ Cup Turf Champion Prized, and Metropolitan Handicap winner You and I. The farms are open to tourists daily by appointment.

“We are so grateful for this funding,” said Michael Blowen. “We appreciate the support and confidence the ASPCA has in Old Friends to continue its mission.”

In 2010 the ASPCA awarded more than $1 million in the form of 93 grants to equine rescue groups and humane organizations in 32 states, nearly doubling the $546,789 distributed in 2009. The ASPCA works to protect and aid horses through legislation, advocacy, education, targeted grants, and enforcement of the carriage horse and cruelty laws in New York City.

To learn more about the ASPCA Equine Fund visit www.aspcapro.org.

For more information about Old Friends 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

Proceeds to Benefit Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement

GEORGETOWN, KY – OCTOBER 31, 2011 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, is happy to announce the launch of the third annual “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby,” an online auction of exclusive Kentucky Derby hats.

The first of six hats exclusive Derby chapeaus will go on the virtual block November 1st and bidding will be open for 10 days. The first hat will commemorate Hall of Fame Champion Noor.

Interested bidders can visit www.oldfriendsequine.org and follow the link.

In the past two years this the six-month-long charity auction, featuring beautiful hats handcrafted by milliner Sally Faith Steinman, has raised nearly $9,000 for the more than 100 retired racehorses cared for by Old Friends.

Steinmann, who owns the Massachusetts-based Maggie Mae Designs, is donating the magnificent millinery creations and each hat is inspired by one of retirees now pensioned at Old Friends.

A new hat will be offered for bid each month with all of the high-fashion action leading up to the most exciting two minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby, held May 5th at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY.

“We are so excited to be able to once again offer these beautiful hats at auction,” said Old Friends founder and president Michael Blowen. “Sally’s generosity is unmatched, and we can’t thank her enough for honoring the horses of Old Friends in this unique way. This is a great tribute to Noor.”

About Noor
The son of the superstar stallion Nasrullah, Noor was campaigned by Charles S. Howard, better known as the owner of Seabiscuit, after the colt’s 3-year-old season in 1948.

The stallion was voted 1950 Handicap Champion after winning four out of five head-to-head sprints with Citation and defeating the then 7-year-old Assault. The victories made Noor the first horse in history to beat two Triple Crown winners.

Noor died in Grass Valley, CA in 1974 and was buried in the infield of the old Loma Rica Ranch Racetrack. But the property is now in development for commercial use and so his remains were exhumed and re-interred this past August in a new cemetery for Hall of Fame inductees at Old Friends.

“I chose Noor because he is a sometimes-forgotten champion,” said Steinmann, “He lived in the shadow of the Charles S. Howard’s other great racehorse, Seabiscuit. But the Old Friends Hall of Fame Cemetery will give every visitor the chance to learn his history.”

About the Hat
Noor was coal-black and stood near 17 hands. To represent his size and majesty, Steinmann chose a 25-inch-wide brim design for the foundation of this magnificent hat. A rich black dupioni silk was selected to reflect the stallion’s coat, while a ruffled trim, made of layered taffeta and shimmering black tulle, symbolizes his athletic conformation.

The centerpiece of the hat is a dazzling rose curl created in luscious, swirling layers of red silk organza lined with yellow organza.

“When the light catches it just right, these silk layers give off a luminous glow,” says Steinmann. “It’s almost as if it’s coming from deep within the heart of the rose.” A sparkling coal-black pebble button adds one more bit of twinkle to the luminescence.

The black-and-white diamond racing silks of owner Howard’s stable provided the color palette for the additional trimmings. And in honor of Howard, Steinmann also stitched several sparkling diamond buttons into the hat that only the wearer will be able to discover.

Similar designs by Steinmann have sold for over $1,600.

One doesn’t have to be a racing fan to know that wearing an eye-catching hat to the Kentucky Derby is tradition. From the Hollywood celebs sitting in Churchill Downs’s Millionaire Row, to the eccentric toppers seen in the infield, the “Derby Hat” parade is as fundamental as the post parade on the First Saturday in May.

Even if you were not Derby-bound, this hat would make an elegant addition to any formal ensemble.

The first day of bidding will be November 1st and the auction will be available for 10 days only. Interested bidders can view the hat and learn more about Steinmann by visiting www.maggiemaedesigns.com and following the auction link.

To bid on The Noor hat go to www.oldfriendsequine.org and follow the link.

For additional information contact Cynthia Grisolia at cagrisolia@yahoo.com (347-423-7322) or Maggie Mae Designs at info@maggiemae.com (508-430-1626).

For additional information about Old Friends or any of its retired champions, see the website at www.oldfriendsequine.org or call (502) 863-1775.

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 and unique bridal wear and handsome cocktail fashions. Owner Sally Faith Steinmann personally handcrafts every design.  Salons of her fashions can be viewed at www.maggiemaedesigns.com.

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 Maggie Mae Designs (508-430-1626), info@maggiemae.com

GEORGETOWN, KY — OCTOBER 31, 2011 — Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, and its 30 retired Breeders’ Cup stars, invite fans to join them for a special celebration of the 2011 Breeders’ Cup on Sunday, November, 6 at 12 noon.

The festivities will take place at Old Friends’s Dream Chase Farm, located at 1841 Paynes Depot Road in Georgetown. Tickets are $25. Members or students tickets are available for $15, and reservations can be made by calling (502) 863-1775.

Guests will enjoy a full BBQ buffet by Tommy Walters of Furlong’s Catering, farm tours, live and silent auctions, a demonstration on the making of Raku/horse hair pottery by the artists of Pottery Rowe, and music by Lexington favorite Roger BonDurant.

And this year guests can also look forward to a special appearance and performance by singer/songwriter Liza G Fly, best known for her song “Zenyatta.”

Old Friends is home to 30 BC starters, including Marquetry, Will’s Way, Eclipse Champions Sunshine Forever and Hidden Lake, and Gulch, who captured the BC Sprint in 1988.  (See complete list below.)

“We’re so honored to have in our care so many horses that contributed to the success of the Breeders’ Cup,” said Old Friends president and founder Michael Blowen. “In all our horses have made 49 starts in Breeders’ Cup races and we hope everyone will come out to celebrate their accomplishments.”

OLD FRIENDS BC STARTERS AND WINNERS
(D – Deceased; NY – resides at Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division in Greenfield Center, NY)

Affirmed Success – Sprint, 1998 & 1999; Mile, 2000
Awad (D) – Turf, 1995, 1996 & 1997
*Black Tie Affair (D)  - Sprint, 1989; Sprint, 1990; Winner of the BC Classic, 1991
Bluesthestandard – Sprint, 2003
Bonapaw – Sprint, 2002
Commentator – Sprint, 2007
Delay of Game – Mile, 1999
Estrapade – Turf, 1986
*Fraise (D) – Winner of the Turf, 1992; Turf 1993 & 1994
Glitterman (D) – Sprint, 1990

*Gulch – Juvenile, 1986; Classic, 1987; Winner of the Sprint, 1988
Hidden Lake – Ladies Classic, 1997
Marquetry – BC Classic, 1991, 1992 &1993
Polish Navy (D) – Juvenile, 1996
*Precisionist (D)
Classic, 1984; Winner of the BC Sprint, 1985; Classic, 1986; Sprint, 1988
*Prized – Winner of the Turf, 1989
Richard’s Lass  (D)– Ladies Classic, 1991
Ruhlmann (D) – Sprint, 1988
Shadow Caster – Sprint, 2003
Siphonizer – Juvenile, 2003
Smokey Stover – Sprint, 2007
Special Ring – Mile, 2003 & 2004
Sunshine Forever – Turf, 1988 & 1989
Taylor’s Special (D) – Sprint, 1986 & 1987
Thornfield – Turf, 1999
Tinners Way – BC Classic, 1995
Thunder Rumble (NY) – BC Classic, 1992
Wallenda – BC Classic, 1993
Will’s Way (NY) – BC Classic, 1996
You and I – Sprint, 1995

For more information about any of the Breeders’ Cup horses or any of the retirees at Old Friends contact the farm at (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 Sylvia Stiller, (502) 863-1775, sylvia@oldfriendsequine.org

GEORGETOWN, KY — OCTOBER 28, 2011 — On Wednesday October 27 Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY, happily welcomed GR1-winner and top sire You and I.  The stallion arrived from Washington state and will now be permanently pensioned at the farm.

Woodstead Farm in Chehalis, WA, where he most recently stood stud, donated the 20-year-old son of Kris S to Old Friends.

Campaigned by prominent owner Edmund A. Gann and legendary trainer Bobby Frankel, You and I (Kris S – La Chaposa, by Ups) won 6 of 16 starts including the GR2 Cowdin stakes as a 2-year-old.  The following year he set a track record in the GR3 Riva Ridge Stakes, running the 7 furlongs in 1:20.33. At 4 You and I finally earned his GR 1 capturing the 1995 Metropolitan Handicap and later that year the GR 2 Brooklyn H. His career earnings totaled $701, 235.

During his stallion career You and I sired 15 stakes winners, most notably the five-time GR1-winning filly You.

“Bobby Frankel’s legacy continues to inspire us,” said Michael Blowen, president and founder of Old Friends. “It’s an honor to have You and I permanently retired to Old Friends.”

You and I retired originally retired in 1996 to Aiderie Stud in Midway, KY and then moved to Blooming Hills Inc. in Clements, CA He relocated to Woodstead Farm in 2009.

For more information about You and I or any of the retirees at Old Friends contact the farm at (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