Old Friends

Birdstone, winner of the 2004 Belmont Stakes and the 2004 Travers Stakes, now resides at Old Friends. Credit: Laura Battles

Services: Sanctuary

Location: Georgetown, KY

Founded: 2003

Website: oldfriendsequine.org

Social:

Average Number of Thoroughbreds: 200

Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement facility in Georgetown, KY, was founded in 2003 by former Boston Globe film critic Michael Blowen. The organization began as an idea with a leased paddock and one horse and has grown into a 236-acre sanctuary caring for more than 250 rescued and retired horses, including more than 20 stallions. The organization has two satellite facilities: Old Friends at Cabin Creek in upstate New York, near Saratoga Springs, and Old Friends at Ashton Grove, based at the Senior Living Center also in Georgetown, KY.

Blowen had long believed that horses past their prime could still be valuable – money-earning, even – if the venue was right. And so Old Friends tested the concept by opening its doors to the public, inviting fans to come and visit their turf heroes. And come they did. The farm today can attract as many as 20,000 visitors annually who come to swoon over such champions as Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Silver Charm; Belmont Stakes winners Touch Gold, Sarava, and Birdstone; three-time Santa Anita Handicap winner Game On Dude; fan favorite and one-time Kentucky Derby hopeful Patch; and Wood Memorial winner Bellamy Road. While such rockstars draw crowds, the revenue they raise helps support hard-knockers like Fighting City Hall, a frequent Portland Meadows and Emerald Downs runner who has more than 100 starts on his résumé.

In 2014, Old Friends was presented with a Special Eclipse Award to honor extraordinary service in the sport of Thoroughbred racing.

But perhaps the greatest reward of all has been the respect and support of the owners, trainers, and fans who not only donate to the cause of protecting these amazing athletes but come to the farm to pay homage to these beloved horses. Our guests may come to visit a few ex-racehorses, but they leave having been touched by the heart of a Thoroughbred hero.

Old Friends offers guided walking tours Thursdays through Sundays at 10 a.m., 11a.m., and 1 p.m. Michael Blowen’s personal Founder’s Tours are offered on Fridays at noon and private tours can also be scheduled seven days a week. Reservations are required (no walk-ins) and may be made online via the website (www.oldfriendsequine.org). Please call for private tours and for special group rates – (502) 863-1775.

Old Friends Success Stories

Pollard’s Vision – Blind in his right eye since birth, Pollard’s Vision was named after Seabiscuit jockey Red Pollard. Old Friends welcomed new retiree Pollard’s Vision mid-March 2020. Read more >>

Ivan Fallunovalot – The Old Friends resident Old Friends, made a total of 32 starts in his six seasons on the track, accumulating a 17-6-2 record and earning just over $1 million. Read more >>

Game On Dude – Multiple graded stakes winner and multimillionaire Game on Dude is a popular resident at Old Friends. Read more >>

Big Blue Nation – Warhorse Big Blue Nation earned just over $240,000 in his seven seasons and 65 starts on the track. Read more >>