We visited “Old Friends” today, a retirement home for
thoroughbreds. Started in 2003 in response to the news that Kentucky Derby
winner Ferdinand had
died in a slaughterhouse, Old Friends is a not for profit that houses over 175
retired and rescued racehorses. The walk around the farm was enlightening and
it was very special to see all the old timers being cared for and loved in
their old age.
Collectively, the horses have earned more than $163 million
on the track and we saw one paddock dubbed the $10 million club (the two
fellows sharing the paddock had over $10M in winnings between them). We toured
the Stallions area of the farm, so most of the boys were kept by themselves so
they don’t fight.
Some of the notable residents we visited were:
War Emblem – repatriated from Japan. Big attitude and
nicknamed Hannibal Lector… he is known for only doing things he thinks are his
own idea. He had to retire from racing when he decided one day that he wasn’t
going to run anymore. His stud career ended the same way. He decided that he
didn’t want to, and nobody could make him.
Alphabet Soup – Won nearly $3M over 24 starts and is now so
old he eats his carrots grated. He had a sweet mini donkey as his paddock
friend, they are inseparable.
Game on Dude – retired with nearly $6.5M in winnings.
Little Silver Charm – a mini pony who likes to be in the
spotlight
Popcorn Deelights – one of eight horses who played
Seabiscuit in the movie. He did the
starting gate scenes, as fast breaks are his specialty.
Silver Charm – Darby and Preakness winner and nearly $7M in
winnings. Repatriated from Japan after his stud career finished.
Touch Gold – Pipped Silver Charm at the post in the Belmont
Stakes so preventing him winning the Triple Crown.
Almost all of the boys were up for carrots and pats. They
are all genuinely retired, no riding, just lolling about in their paddocks
enjoying old age.
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