Old Friends 2024_Magazine_compressed (1)

Barbara D.Livingston OLD FRIENDS IS AN ACCREDITED AFTERCARE ORGANIZATION

DAILY RACING FORM Old Friends PAGE 1 OLD FRIENDS FARM Old Friends at Dream Chase Farm 1841 Paynes Depot Rd. Georgetown, KY 40324 (502) 863-1775 www.oldfriendsequine.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT AND CEO John Nicholson VICE PRESIDENT William Van Den Dool SECRETARY Barbara Fossum TREASURER Pat Riley FOUNDER Michael Blowen CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Cynthia Grisolia BOARD MEMBERS Jill Baffert, Susan Chu, Peggy Gdovka, Corey Johnsen, Suzanne Mundy, Clark Nyberg, Mark Simon, Dr. Bryan Waldridge, Ron Wallace, Diane White ADVISORY BOARD Dennis Brida, Rosie Napravnik, Bev Passerello Ron Portell ABOUT OLD FRIENDS Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for over 275 retired racehorses. We provide a dignified retirement to Thoroughbreds whose racing and breeding careers have come to an end. By promoting these once-celebrated horses through a campaign of education and tourism, our goal is to raise awareness of the importance of equine aftercare. Our Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists by appointment. Our satellite facility, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, is located in Greenfield Center, N.Y. For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or visit our website, oldfriendsequine.org. OLD FRIENDS MAGAZINE PRODUCTION Barbara Fossum DRF EDITORIAL Mark Simon Featured horse remembrances written by DRF editors and writers DRF SPONSORSHIP Robert Forbeck, 859-803-4800 SVP/National Advertising Director Information pertaining to pedigrees and production records of North American horses contained herein ©The Jockey Club (2021). All rights reserved. Data provided or compiled by or for Daily Racing Form LLC, Equibase Company LLC, and The Jockey Club Information Systems generally are accurate, but occasionally errors and omissions occur as a result of incorrect data received from others, mistakes in processing, and other causes. Daily Racing Form LLC, Equibase Company LLC, and The Jockey Club Information Systems disclaim responsibility for the consequences, if any, of such errors, but would appreciate their being called to their attention. Welcome Michael Blowen introduces his successor as the founder of Old Friends steps aside. Page 3 Meet John Nicholson The new president of Old Friends talks about his plans for furthering the mission of Old Friends. Page 4 Regional stars A number of Old Friends residents made a lasting legacy while racing in certain states or regions. Page 6 Lava Man ruminates on life at Old Friends The Hall of Famer keeps a daily diary of events at his new home. Page 14 Any Given Saturday comes home The sire is repatriated from South Korea. Page 20 The determination of Bold and Bossy How she overcame adversity and a romp down a highway to win a race when returned to racing. Page 22 The legacy of Josephine Abercrombie The late owner of Pin Oak Stud helped fund the new welcome center at Old Friends. Page 24 Old Friends, indeed Radio host Ercel Ellis sends two horses to Old Friends. Page 26 Little Silver Charm has all the answers The venerable resident of Old Friends answers questions. Page 28 Helping hands Mississippi State University vets come to Old Friends to help with the farm’s horses. Page 29 Saying goodbye Old Friends lost 18 of its residents in the past year, including two champions and a Belmont winner. Page 30 Life at Old Friends Eclipse Award-winning photographer Barbara Livingston turns her lens at the horses and people on the farm. Page 34 ABOUT US How to get to Old Friends .............. 39 Old Friends at Cabin Creek............. 40 How to help......................................41 ALSO Roster of horses............................. 43 Profiles of our residents ................ 61 Old Friends Hall of Fame.............. 101 Past performances....................... 104 FEATURED HORSES Alpha......................45 Any Given Saturday....46 Birdstone...............47 Channel Maker......48 Game On Dude .....49 Lava Man...............50 Little Mike .............51 Milwaukee Brew ...52 Red Knight ............53 Ruler On Ice...........54 Silver Charm .........55 Spooky Channel....56 Stormy Liberal......57 The Pizza Man ......58 Touch Gold ...........59 Zulu Alpha .............60 COVER Channel Maker and Red Knight at Old Friends. Photo by Barbara D. Livingston CONTENTS

PROFILES OF OUR RESIDENTS Adventist .................................. 61 Areyoutalkintome.................... 61 Arson Squad............................ 61 Awesome Gem......................... 61 Bellamy Road........................... 62 Bent on Bourbon ..................... 62 Better........................................ 62 Big Blue Nation........................ 62 Bobby Sands........................... 63 Bold and Bossy........................ 63 Bordonaro................................ 63 Bo’s a Ten ................................. 63 Bourbonize............................... 64 Brandothebartender................64 Brother Chub ...........................64 Bunker’s Edge.......................... 64 Cappucino Kid......................... 65 Charlie’sboywins..................... 65 Cherono.................................... 65 Chocolate Ride........................ 65 Comma to the Top................... 66 Cost Affective........................... 66 Daaher...................................... 66 Deeply Undervalued ............... 66 Diversify................................... 67 Dixieland Squall ...................... 67 Doneraile Court....................... 67 Draxhall Woods....................... 67 Dre Dan..................................... 68 Easy Grades............................. 68 Ed Johnson.............................. 68 Elaborate.................................. 68 El Brujo..................................... 69 Eldaafer..................................... 69 El Gato Malo ............................ 69 El Oh El..................................... 69 Even the Score......................... 70 Exulting..................................... 70 Fabulous Strike........................ 70 Fantastic Day........................... 70 Fearless.................................... 71 Fergus Mac Roich................... 71 Fighting City Hall..................... 71 Foliage...................................... 71 Forte Dei Marmi ...................... 72 Get Western.............................. 72 Gold Round.............................. 72 Gottagoallday........................... 72 Green Mask.............................. 73 Groundshaker.......................... 73 Hair of the Cat.......................... 73 Hallucinogin............................. 73 He Loves Me Not......................74 Hi Dubai (GB)............................74 Ide..............................................74 Ideal Image................................74 Imprimis................................... 75 Interwin..................................... 75 Intidab....................................... 75 Ivan Fallunovalot ..................... 75 Jack a Rose.............................. 76 Javerre...................................... 76 Jimbo Fallon............................ 76 Joey P. ...................................... 76 Johannesbourbon................... 77 Johannesburg Smile............... 77 Joking....................................... 77 Kalamos................................... 77 Kayrawan.................................. 78 Kharafa..................................... 78 King Kreesa.............................. 78 Last Judgment......................... 78 Lion Hunter.............................. 79 Logansport............................... 79 Lou Brissie............................... 79 Lubash...................................... 79 Magic Weisner......................... 80 Marshall Rooster (GB)............ 80 Maybesomaybenot ................. 80 Mike Man’s Gold ..................... 80 Mikethespike............................ 81 Milwaukee Brew...................... 81 Miss DuBois............................ 81 Miss Hooligan ......................... 81 Misszoey Belle......................... 82 Moriah...................................... 82 Mr. Jordan................................ 82 Nana’s Hope............................. 82 Next Shares.............................. 83 Nicanor..................................... 83 Nobiz Like Shobiz.................... 83 Noble Indy................................ 83 Offering Plan............................84 Old Mexico...............................84 Our Goldisox............................84 Own Agenda............................ 84 Paddy O’Prodigy......................85 Patch.........................................85 Persie........................................85 Photon......................................85 Podcast..................................... 86 Pollard’s Vision........................ 86 Poshsky.................................... 86 Private Charm.......................... 86 Quindici Man ........................... 87 Racketeer.................................. 87 Rail Trip..................................... 87 Rapid Redux............................. 87 Rated R Superstar ................... 88 Rathor (Ire)............................... 88 Right to Vote............................. 88 Ring Weekend.......................... 88 Riva Way................................... 89 Rocketry................................... 89 Romance Is Diane................... 89 Royalian.................................... 89 Royal Posse............................. 90 Rumor Has It............................ 90 Saint Aloysius.......................... 90 Sarbonne.................................. 90 Saudi Poetry............................ 91 Say the Word............................ 91 Sean Avery............................... 91 Seek Gold................................. 91 Setna the Wise......................... 92 Shadow Cast............................ 92 Sharp Samurai......................... 92 Shepherd’s Delight.................. 92 Signalman................................ 93 Silenced.................................... 93 Silver Max................................ 93 Skip’s World............................. 93 Smokey Glacken...................... 94 Smooth Air............................... 94 Soi Phet.................................... 94 Sokitumi Samurai ................... 94 Soldat........................................ 95 Special Ring............................. 95 Spensive................................... 95 Starspangled Heat................... 95 Stubbins................................... 96 Summer Attraction.................. 96 Tackle Eligible.......................... 96 Timothy James........................ 96 Tricky Hat ................................. 97 Tuneintobow ............................ 97 Unaccountable......................... 97 U.S. Ranger.............................. 97 V. E. Day................................... 98 Wake Forest (Ger).................... 98 Wally Ballou............................. 98 War Story................................. 98 Weekends Hideaway............... 99 Welder...................................... 99 Wet Your Whistle..................... 99 Wicked Sorceress................... 99 Windy Land............................100 With This Ring.......................100 Wood Art................................100 Zulu Alpha..............................100 CONTENTS

DAILY RACING FORM Old Friends PAGE 3 Welcome By Michael Blowen In January 2024, our Founder, Michael Blowen, announced he is stepping down as President of Old Friends. On February 1, 2024, we welcomed John Nicholson as our President and CEO. Twenty years ago, Old Friends started out with Diane and I and a golf cart and feeding the horses; a little mom-and-pop operation on the corner. Today it’s a multi-million-dollar enterprise, and it needs somebody that can manage that kind of operation; a really good CEO who has managed a much bigger facility than we have. The only way that we can continue to improve the operation is to get more space for more horses, which means more money, more donations, and an executive CEO that knows how to manage big business. I started looking a couple of years ago for the right person. Something that was a big concern for me was to find somebody who had the same attitude toward the horses that I did: someone that put the horses first. It’s not like they’d just be saying it, but that they really must think about the horses first. Then in July 2023, I ran into John Nicholson, and we started talking, and I said to him, “You know, I’m really looking for somebody to take over Old Friends because I’ve really taken it as far as I can take it.” So, when John said he would like to take the position, I just thought this was the greatest thing. I’ve known John for decades, and what he did over at the Kentucky Horse Park as executive director was just phenomenal. I feel that for me, instead of being an old has-been, a big weight has been lifted off my shoulders when John came aboard. So, two things. First and foremost, to have somebody of John’s experience, his sensitivity for the horses, his love of the horses, along with his administrative abilities, and the way he gets along with people – he knows a lot of really important people that would really love to help Old Friends – I just thought it was so obvious that he was the person to take over this organization and elevate us to the next level. The second thing was that we have put together a great team, both on the farm of those taking care of the horses under Antonio’s guidance, and in the office that keeps the farm running smoothly. It’s our “World Series” team and I wouldn’t trade anyone on our staff now. So, I felt like John would be coming into a great situation. This isn’t about me “retiring,” it’s about John Nicholson arriving. Thank goodness. Old Friends has always been reactive. I could never raise money to raise money. It’s a serious flaw. But I could raise money if it involved a specific situation with a specific horse. When we first brought Creator and Sunshine Forever home Barbara D. Livingston Michael Blowen and new Old Friends CEO John Nicholson. from Japan, we had to raise a considerable amount of money. But it was easy because it was about them. The same with any number of Thoroughbreds, from Zippy Chippy to Any Given Saturday. And it always worked out. But now, Old Friends is responsible for hundreds of horses, and many more to come, and it needs a leader to take the operation into the future. There have been a lot of really flattering articles about me lately. And, believe me, I’ve smiled at each gratifying paragraph. But these stories should be about all of you, our invaluable supporters, the fans of these horses at Old Friends. You are the ones about whom all this adulation should be written. In some cases, as the saying goes, it takes a village. In the case of Old Friends, it took a city populated by the kindest, smartest, most generous people I’ve ever met. Not only have you improved the lives of these magnificent athletes, but you’ve also made my life more than a dream come true (I don’t dream this big). I can never thank you enough for allowing me to become the luckiest person on Earth. I’m very confident that, a few years from now when we look in the rearview mirror, we’ll see an Old Friends with more horses, more fans, and an even stronger foundation.

PAGE 4 Old Friends DAILY RACING FORM Nicholson: It’s about the horse At the end of 2023, which was the 20th anniversary of the opening of Old Friends, Michael Blowen, our Founder, announced he was stepping down as President. On Feb.1, our longtime friend John Nicholson assumed the reins as President and Chief Executive Officer. John is best known in Kentucky as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park, a position he held from 1997 to 2014. He led the largest expansion in the history of the park, and in 2010 served as president of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, while hosting the event at the park. In addition, John spearheaded the expansion of the National Horse Center, which today consists of offices and headquarters of 33 national, regional, and state equine organizations. After leaving his position at the Kentucky Horse Park in 2014, John spent five years as the Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia Horse Center, in Lexington, Va., bringing financial stability, renovations, and upgrades to the center’s facilities, and increased support from the regional horse community. By John Nicholson I am thrilled to have the opportunity of joining the Old Friends family to continue and enhance Michael’s vision and values. Old Friends has been at the vanguard of the Thoroughbred aftercare movement, and I feel privileged to be a part of such an important cause. I have always had a deeply felt respect and appreciation for Michael’s vision and tenacity. What he has accomplished is beyond remarkable. I have treasured our friendship over the years, especially having had a great collaborative relationship between Old Friends and the Kentucky Horse Park. He and I have always shared the belief that the horse has given far more to us than we could ever give in return. Old Friends is making an important and vital contribution, not only to the racing industry, but most importantly to the lives of the horses who have given so much to us. I have been fortunate in my career to be a part of some meaningful endeavors, but Old Friends offers all of us who love the horse a unique opportunity to serve the animal who has served us so well. It is also very gratifying and reassuring that Michael will remain a part of the daily world of Old Friends as our Founder. We are blessed that he is in good health and his passion for the mission of Old Friends is undiminished. I plan to sit at his knee in the weeks and months ahead to listen and learn. I know for certain that working with him and the Old Friends team will be exhilarating and rewarding. I will always work to cement the culture and philosophy that Michael has espoused and established. If our hearts and minds stay focused on the well-being of the horse, then there will always be a growing and thriving Old Friends. And, at this stage of my life and career, having had much experience in the equine, tourism, and non-profit worlds, I believe I am in a position to help assure that Old Friends will remain a strong and viable force for all the good things it does for decades and generations to come. Barbara D. Livingston John Nicholson with classic winner Touch Gold.

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PAGE 6 Old Friends DAILY RACING FORM The triumph of regional stars By Rick Capone There are times in racing when a Thoroughbred excels at a specific track or region and captures the hearts of local fans. This can happen for a number of reasons – a horse has an affinity for a certain track; a horse races a lot of times in a region, becoming well known to fans year after year; a horse dominates his statebred peers – but however it happens, fans take these horses to heart and enjoy seeing them compete. “Suffolk Downs, the Boston track where Cigar and Skip Away each won the Massachusetts Handicap twice, was also home to some local heroes, including Timely Writer and Waquoit,” said Michael Blowen, founder of Old Friends. “While those athletes secured their classy status all over the country, there were other hometown heroes that were the backbone stars of tracks throughout the United States. And we are fortunate to now continue to show them off to all their fans.” Here, in alphabetical order, are just a few Thoroughbreds who became loved and followed by local fans through their racing careers. These horses now enjoy retirement at Old Friends, and their fans can visit them and remember their accomplishments. Brandothebartender Brandothebartender captured the hearts of California fans while competing at all of the state’s major tracks – Santa Anita, Del Mar, Golden Gate, and Los Alamitos. Bred by John R. Haagsma and Wesley Ward, Brandothebartender was foaled in California in 2013. The son of Tribal Rule had a six-year racing career, from 2016-21, and finished his career with nine wins, seven seconds, 15 thirds, and $772,864 in earnings in 46 starts. He won four stakes and was second or third in 12 others. He began racing as a 3-year-old in 2016, and won his first start in a maiden special weight at Santa Anita. As he got older and better, his fan base grew. His most notable wins included the $100,000 California Flag Handicap at Santa Anita as a 5-year-old in 2018, but he saved his best for last. In his final year of racing, as an 8-year-old, he earned more than $269,000, winning the Sensational Star and Crystal Water stakes at Santa Anita, and the California Dreamin’ Stakes at Del Mar. Following the California Dreamin’, the now11-year-old gelding Brandothebartender was retired and sent to Old Friends in Georgetown, Ky. He arrived in December 2021. Michael Blowen: “Brandothebartender has the perfect show business name. Now, his fans all belly up to the fence to feed him carrots . . . neat.” Ivan Fallunovalot This is another of Old Friends’ geldings who became a fan favorite at every track he raced because of his gutsy, never-give-up attitude. He was most especially loved at Remington Park, where he won four consecutive runnings of the David M. Vance Sprint Stakes, from 2014-17, and the Remington Park Sprint Cup Stakes in 2015. That gave him five wins in eight career starts at the Oklahoma track. Barbara D. Livingston Ivan Fallunovalot starred at both Remington Park in Oklahoma and Oaklawn Park in Arkansas, winning seven stakes at the two tracks.

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PAGE 8 Old Friends DAILY RACING FORM But his real home, and where he was a fixture and very successful, was at Oaklawn Park, making 40 percent of his career starts at the Arkansas track, winning two stakes there and placing in five others. Bred in Texas by Eileen H. Hartis, Ivan Fallunovalot is a gelding is by Valid Expectations out of Flashdance Missy, by Horse Chestnut, and a foal of 2010. Ivan Fallunovalot raced six years, from 2013-18, started 32 times and finished with a record of 17 wins, six seconds, two thirds, and earnings of $1,010,903. He began his racing career in his home state of Texas, winning his debut in a maiden race at Sam Houston in February 2013 as a 3-year-old. His biggest career triumph came far from the Southwest, when he shipped to the East Coast and won the Grade 3 Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash Stakes at Laurel Park as a 6-year-old. At Oaklawn Park, the bay gelding twice won the $100,000 King Cotton Stakes. Ivan Fallunovalot’s last race came in 2018 as an 8-year-old, when he finished fifth in the Grade 3 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap at Oaklawn Park. He was retired following that race and came to Old Friends in September of that year, courtesy of his owner, Lewis Matthews Jr., with assistance from trainer Al Stall Jr. Michael Blowen: “Ivan Fallunovalot was adored by his owner, Lewis Matthews, and thousands of his fans throughout the South. From Remington Park to Oaklawn, he ran until he was 8. We still get a smile from Al Stall Jr. every time we mention Ivan’s name.” Joey P. Joey P. made a name for himself by racing and winning a lot of races at Monmouth Park, where he was a fan favorite. Of his 48 career starts, 31 came at Monmouth, where he won 14 times and was second eight times. He won 10 stakes at the New Jersey track. Bred in New Jersey by John Petrini, Joey P. is by Close Up out of Luckey Lipco, by Luckey Jin Beau, and foaled in 2002. Campaigned by his owner, Joey P. enjoyed an eight-year racing career, from 2004-11, starting off at 2 by winning his first five starts, all at Monmouth. It began with a win in a maiden special weight followed by an allowance win, and then at age 3, he recorded three more consecutive wins to start the year, culminating with a victory in the Grade 3 Jersey Shore Breeders’ Cup Stakes. His other top performances at Monmouth Park included being a three-time winner of the John J. Reilly Handicap and a two-time winner of the Friendly Lover Handicap. He also set a Monmouth track record in winning the 5 1/2-furlong Decathlon Stakes. His richest career triumph came out of state, when he traveled to Charles Town in West Virginia to win the $200,000 Charles Town Dash Invitational Handicap at 4 1/2 furlongs. At age 9, following a fifth-place finish in the Colts Neck Handicap at Monmouth, Joey P. was retired. He finished his career with 18 wins, 10 seconds, one third, and $1,081,167 in earnings. Joey P. was donated to Old Friends and arrived at the farm in May 2018. Michael Blowen: “Joey P. may be the most famous Jersey-bred since Frank Sinatra and Bruce Springsteen. He dominated Monmouth Park, drawing faithful fans and rewarding handicappers by winning year after year after year.” Mike Man’s Gold Foaled in Washington in 2010, and racing almost exclusively at Emerald Downs in Auburn, Wash., Mike Man’s Gold took horse racing fans at the Pacific Northwest track on a wild ride for 11 years, competing from 2012-22. Bred and owned by Keith and Jan Swagerty, the owners of Swag Stables, Mike Man’s Gold was cared for by Karen Angelos, who was the broodmare manager at the farm. By Liberty Gold out of Chedoodle, by Slewdledo, the dark bay gelding became one of racing’s iron horses, making 86 starts, winning 26 races, finishing second eight times, and third eight times, earning $380,427. What endeared Mike Man’s Gold to the Emerald Downs fans was that all 26 of his wins came at that track. Mike Man’s Gold began his racing career as a 2-year-old and won his first three races, all at Emerald Downs. His first win came in a maiden special weight, followed by wins in the Premio Esmeralda Stakes and the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders Association Lads Stakes. His other stakes victories came in the Seattle Slew Handicap and the Muckleshoot Tribal Classic Stakes. When he was older, he raced regularly in claiming races, and was claimed a number of times. However, according to Angelos, the Swagertys loved the horse and kept claiming him back every chance they got. In 2022, as a 12-year-old, Mike Man’s Gold was unplaced in three races. Following a fourth-place finish in a claiming event at Emerald Downs, he was retired. It was the only year he did not win a race. After his final race, he went back to the Swagertys’ farm. Once there, Keith Swagerty signed him over to Angelos as his guardian and owner. When Swag Stables closed, Angelos looked for a place to retire the horse, and, after talking with Blowen, the decision was made to send him to Old Friends. He arrived at the farm in September 2023. Michael Blowen: “Mike Man’s Gold may not be recognized beyond the grandstand at Emerald Downs, but this Washington-bred ran his heart out for them for more than a decade. What more could you ask for?” Mikethespike Mikethespike, a hard-working gelding, earned a well-deserved retirement at Old Friends. This hard-knocker made 126 career starts, a number not seen often among racehorses today. The son of Anet ran for eight years, endearing him to horse racing fans in Florida, where he started his career, but mostly to fans in the Midwest, because 58 of his starts came in Ohio at River Downs, Beulah Park, and Thistledown, and in northern Kentucky at Turfway Park. Bred in Florida by Donald R. Dizney, Mikethespike, out of the Black Tie Affair mare Black Tie Royalty, was foaled in 2000. He got off to a promising start as a 3-year-old, winning his first start at Tampa Bay Downs, competed in some allowance races, and even started in a stakes race, but soon ended up in claiming races in the Midwest, first in Michigan and later in Ohio. As the years went by, Mikethespike kept finishing in the money each year in a few races, and because he tried so hard every time he stepped on the track, fans began to fall in love with him and cheered him on each time he raced. Meanwhile, another gelding, Appygolucky, a track record holder at Beulah Park and an Old Friends retiree, passed away at age 12 in October 2009. His honorary owner, Vivien Morrison, asked Blowen if she could work on a fundraising project in Appy’s memory to help another hard-knocking horse in need. Blowen agreed, which set in motion the effort by Morrison to find a horse to be retired in Appy’s honor. On a cold day in January 2010, she traveled to Beulah Park and found the horse she wanted. It was Mikethespike, a beautiful gray 10-year-old gelding who was running in his 120th race. In addition, he was a grandson of the late Black Tie Affair, once an Old Friends retiree. With help from Gail Hirt, a rescue advocate in Michigan and founder of Beyond the Roses Equine, Morrison made Mikethe-

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PAGE 10 Old Friends DAILY RACING FORM spike’s owner an offer to buy the horse and retire him to Old Friends. It took six more races, but following a fourth in a claiming race on June 27, 2010, at Pinnacle Race Course in Michigan, a race in which Mikethespike suffered an injury, the gelding was purchased and retired thanks to funds from the Appygolucky Memorial. Mikethespike finished his racing career with a record of 12 wins, 11 seconds, 17 thirds, and $85,301 in earnings. After the purchase, Mikethespike stayed at Hirt’s farm for a while to recuperate from some bone chips and a sesamoid injury, and then shipped to Old Friends to enjoy his retirement. He arrived at the farm in December 2011. Michael Blowen: “Mikethespike, a grandson of the great Old Friends resident Black Tie Affair, was made of steel. After racing for eight years, he was adopted by longtime Old Friends supporters Vivien Morrison and Gail Hirt. Running mostly in Ohio, his longevity endeared him to fans. And, now, to us.” Rated R Superstar Bred and initially raced by Thorndale Stable, Rated R Superstar was foaled in Kentucky in 2013. The chestnut gelding, by Kodiak Kowboy out of the Gold Case mare Wicked Wish, won eight stakes, three of them graded, during his nine-year career, becoming a fan favorite the older he got. Originally trained by Kenny McPeek, Rated R Superstar began his racing career as a 2-year-old in 2015 and broke his maiden his second time out in a maiden-claiming race at Ellis Park. That year, he finished 11th in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland. Rated R Superstar won his first graded stakes in 2016 when capturing the Grade 3 Carry Back Stakes at Gulfstream Park. In addition, he won the Grade 3 Ben Ali Stakes in 2018 at Keeneland. Rated R Superstar switched ownership through the claiming box a number of times during his career. In January 2021, Danny Caldwell claimed him for $50,000 to become his final owner. Rated R Superstar went on to win six races, five of them stakes, for his Caldwell and his new trainer, Federico Villafranco. His wins included the Grade 3 Essex Handicap and the Fifth Season at Oaklawn Park, plus the Governor’s Cup and the Jeffrey A. Hawk Memorial at Remington Park. The hard-working gelding returned to the track in 2023 as a 10-year-old and raced five times, all at Oaklawn. His best effort was a third-place finish in the Fifth Season. After running fifth in an allowance, Caldwell retired his horse. He finished his career with 13 wins, 10 seconds, nine thirds, and $1,847,397 in earnings in 70 starts. Rated R Superstar arrived at Old Friends in June 2023. Michael Blowen: “This 10-year-old gelding lived up to his name. Maybe not the Rated R part, but he certainly is a superstar. This gorgeous chestnut proves, like Soi Phet and Welder, that a horse who gets time off and is treated with respect can compete for a long,

DAILY RACING FORM Old Friends PAGE 11 long time. And retire completely sound. He frolics every day with Welder. And watching them, I maintain, is a bigger thrill than winning the Derby.” Soi Phet Soi Phet was a rags-to-riches star on the West Coast, becoming a fan favorite in California by racing at all the state’s major tracks and winning in top company. A son of Tizbud, California-bred Soi Phet was bred by ARCHA Racing, In his seven-year racing career, from 2012-18, he won eight stakes and earned more than $1 million, not bad for a $16,000 claim. Soi Phet did not make his first start until he was 4, and did not win until his seventh start, taking a maiden-claiming race at Hollywood Park. On May 23, 2013, in his 16th career start, Gerald and Sandra Benowitz, Mathilde Powell, and Paul A. Viskovich claimed the 5-year-old gelding for $16,000 and put him in the hands of trainer Leonard Powell. For his new owners, Soi Phet would win the $200,000 Los Alamitos Mile Stakes in 2014; the Bertrando Stakes at Los Alamitos in 2014 and 2018; the E.B. Johnston Stakes at Los Alamitos in 2016 and 2017; the McCann’s Mojave Handicap at Santa Anita; and the Harry F. Brubaker Stakes at Del Mar in 2016. He also set two track records at Los Alamitos. In 2018, as a 10-year-old, he captured the Crystal Water Stakes at Santa Anita to become the oldest stakes winner in the racetrack’s history. After three unplaced finishes in 2019, he was retired, closing his career with 15 wins, seven seconds, six thirds, and $1,023,917 in earnings in 64 starts. Soi Phet was retired to Old Friends, arriving in July 2019. Michael Blowen: “It seems as if everyone in California loved Soi Phet, especially the Benowitz family, who owned him, and Leonard Powell, who trained him. Now, everyone loves him, no matter where they are from. The multiple stakes winner captured everyone’s heart with his courage, durability, and talent. And he retired completely sound. Many thanks to Sandra Benowitz and Leonard for taking such great care of him and allowing us to adore him every day.” Wally Ballou Washington-bred Wally Ballou captured the hearts of horse racing fans in the Pacific Northwest by racing 66 times at Emerald Downs, which is more than 70 percent of his career 91 starts. Wally Ballou was named for the inept news reporter created by the comedy team Bob and Ray. The son of Game Plan was bred by John T. Short Jr. and raced mostly in lower-level claiming races throughout a nine-year career. He won his first race in his eighth start, a maiden special weight at Turf Paradise in December 2001. Wally Ballou would win nine of his 13 career starts at Emerald Downs, but also was won two races in Northern California at Golden Gate Fields. As an 11-year-old in 2009, he raced 11 times, In Honor of CHOCOLATE RIDE and all the horses who touched our lives We are so very grateful to Old Friends for the fantastic home they provide for him and so many others! Caton & Doug Bredar Photo Credit: Hodges Photography

PAGE 12 Old Friends DAILY RACING FORM but his best finish came when third in a claiming race at Emerald Downs. He made his last start in September 2009, and retired with a record of 13 wins, 13 seconds, 16 thirds, and $144,520 in earnings in 91 starts. According to an article in the Old Friends Winter 2023 Newsletter: “After his final race, Wally disappeared. In early July 2022, he turned up in the California yard of an elderly couple. They contacted nearby horsewoman Cezanne Ryerson-Jodka, who took Wally home to her Quarter Horse ranch. He was judged to be in relatively good health, suffering mostly from sore feet and a subsequent leg injury that occurred during a local fire evacuation.” Cezanne contacted Old Friends about possible retirement for Wally, and Michael Blowen’s wife, Diane, urged, “With a name like Wally Ballou, we have to take him!” He arrived at the farm in October 2022 at the age of 25 for his retirement. Michael Blowen: “Wally Ballou needed a home. Diane and I have always been fans of Wally Ballou . . . not the horse, the character. Many decades ago, on “The Bob and Ray” radio program, Bob played a bumbling reporter named Wally Ballou. So, when Wally Ballou [the horse] needed a home, we flew open the doors and ordered some “Wally Ballou For Mayor” campaign buttons that were left over from his namesake’s doomed attempt to become the mayor of New York City. Now, of course, we love both Ballous.” Welder Oklahoma-bred Welder is something of a legend in Oklahoma. That status was further embellished when in 2023 he was inducted into the Oklahoma Horse Racing Hall of Fame after a record-breaking, seven-year racing career from 2015-21. He was a standout at tracks in Oklahoma – Remington Park, Fair Meadows, and Will Rogers Downs – making 34 of his 44 career starts in the state. By The Visualiser, Welder was bred by Center Hills Farm in 2013. He was bought privately before he started racing by Clayton Rash’s Ra-Max Farms and trained his entire career by Theresa Sue Luneack. The gray gelding began his racing career at Remington as a 2-year-old in 2015, winning his second start. He came back at 3 to win his first two starts, recording his first stakes victory in the TRAO Classic Sprint Stakes. Following that win, he continued to improve and as his victories piled up, he attracted a growing fan base. By the time he retired, he had won 27 of 44 career starts and had earned $1,263,359. Of his 27 victories, 26 came in Oklahoma at either Remington Park or Will Rogers Downs. Here are some of his other major career accomplishments: At Remington Park: ◗ Four-time winner of the Silver Goblin Stakes (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020) ◗ Two-time winner of the Remington Park Turf Sprint Stakes (2018, 2020) ◗ Two-time winner of the David M. Vance Stakes (2018, 2019) ◗ Three-time winner of the Oklahoma Classics Sprint Stakes (2018, 2019, 2020) At Will Rogers Downs: The Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma and Remington Park are so happy the Oklahoma Hall of Famer Welder will be enjoying his retirement at Old Friends. 

DAILY RACING FORM Old Friends PAGE 13 ◗ Five-time winner of the TRAO Classic Sprint Stakes (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020) ◗ Two-time winner of the Highland Ice Stakes (2017, 2019) He was a three-time Oklahoma horse of the year, a three-time Remington Park horse of the meet, and a five-time Will Rogers Downs horse of the year. He holds the record for most wins (16) at Remington Park. Following a third-place finish in the Oklahoma Classics Sprint Stakes at Remington Park in October 2021, he was retired to his owner’s Ra-Max Farms. However, when Clayton Rash died in 2022 and Ra-Max Farm was closed, plans were made by Welder’s trainer, Luneack, to retire their champion to Old Friends. He arrived at the farm in August 2023. Michael Blowen: “Recently inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, this gorgeous white gelding is the King of Remington Park, with an astounding 16 career victories over the Oklahoma City oval. He raced for eight years and retired completely sound. Now, he’s best friends with Rated R Superstar. We get to see them run against each other every day.” Barbara D. Livingston Oklahoma-bred Welder won 18 stakes in the state and was voted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.

PAGE 14 Old Friends DAILY RACING FORM Lava Man’s daily diary Transcribed by my personal secretary, Mary Greene Hi everyone! I am Lava Man. Everyone knows me. I was a really fast racehorse. I’m in the Racing Hall of Fame. And I was the best stable pony in the history of the universe! But in 2022, it was time to try something new: retirement. But retirement with a twist. I’ve hosted more than 12,500 visitors at this place called Old Friends. It’s where retired racehorses live, and where their friends and fans can come see them. I’ve met a lot of my fans and made some new human and equine friends. And I’ve scored a lot of carrots and Mrs. Pastures cookies. Because of my popularity I decided to document my year, so that I could share my experiences with the world. So here it is, my diary. November 8, 2022 – Moving In This morning, when I walked onto the trailer, it felt different for some reason. Now I know why – I’m in a new place with new people and new horses. And I don’t know anyone here. In the afternoon, a stallion came into the stall next door. He introduced himself as Silver Charm. I’d heard of him before! Who hasn’t? But he’d retired a long time ago. Is that what’s happened to me? Am I retired now? What does that really mean? I asked Silver Charm, and he told me, in his very quiet and calm way, that retirement would be whatever I made it. He said my job at the track was done, and now the time I had was mine to decide how to spend it. November 10, 2022 – Meet and Greet So I’ve spent the last couple of days meeting the people here on the farm. There’s one guy they call Michael, who is awesome. I met him at Keeneland before I came here, and I think he’s pretty important. He has a big, friendly smile and makes me feel very much at ease. He also has cookies and carrots for me every time we meet. I haven’t decided if I want to go outside yet. I’m still getting to know the people around me. Maybe tomorrow. November 11, 2022 – Decisions So today they opened the door to my turnout. I just stood in the doorway for a very long time. It was my decision to make, wasn’t it? To be honest, I was pretty unsure about it. The smells were new. The sights were new. The sounds were familiar, but still new. Antonio, the main horse guy here, came by to check on mary simon That’s me, Lava Man, decked out in my preferred coat, a coat of a lot of gooey, icky sloppy mud, mud, mud. I love it!

Gioia Repole Thank you to Old Friends for providing Fearless a great home. I will always support the initiatives in aftercare both financially and strategically. We all need to do our part. Our responsibility to our equine athletes remains long after we enjoy their efforts on our behalf. We owe them a great life after racing! Horse welfare, safety and aftercare should be and will be the number one priority in our sport. -Mike Repole

PAGE 16 Old Friends DAILY RACING FORM me every few minutes. But I still wasn’t ready to step out the door. Then a lady who had visited me several times, came and stood outside my turnout, right near the door, and talked me into taking a step outside. She stayed until I made it almost halfway to the end of the turnout before going back inside. November 12, 2022 – Success I did it! I went all the way to the end of the turnout and even had a good roll in the dirt. Silver Charm’s paddock is just across from there. He gave me a nod. I know we’re both Hall of Famers, but man, it made my day. November 14, 2022 – Leaving Clean Behind It rained! And boy is it muddy!! I am so dripping nasty, and it has made everyone laugh so hard. I think they thought I was some kind of pampered dandy. Well, they weren’t entirely wrong, but this is retirement and I make the decisions now, right? Today, my decision was mud. Icky, sloppy mud, so unlike any other mud I’ve ever met. I think I’m in love with it. November 21, 2022 – Social Secretary So I found out that the woman who came and sat with me when I was nervous about leaving my stall (and who has visited me almost every day since) is actually my secretary! Today we’re making our first post together on my Facebook page so I can keep my adoring fans updated on my life in retirement. Hope they enjoy my mud shots! November 26,2022 – Party Time Wow! Just “Wow!” They threw a Welcome Party for me today! I met so many nice people! I ate so many carrots and Mrs. Pastures cookies! I was in so many selfies! I am so overwhelmed and happy! December 1, 2022 – Let’s Dance The guys cleaning the stalls in the mornings play music that reminds me of California. I like dancing to it. Some thought it might be stressing me out, but when they asked my family they said, “No. That’s just Lava being Lava.” I miss them, but I’m getting really comfortable here. It’s what I’m making it ... and that’s home. December 25, 2022 Merry Christmas!!! I got a Christmas stocking full of carrots! With tops still on! And I got to make a Christmas greeting for Old Friends with Silver Charm! Hope your holidays were as cool as mine! December 26, 2022 – It’s snow? When they opened the door to my turnout, my mud was hard and covered with this white stuff ... snow!! Pretty cool! (You saw what I did there, right?) December 29, 2022 The snow is gone, and the love of my life is back! Yes! Muuuuuuudddddd!!!!! February 4, 2023 – So Much Goodness It has been brought to my attention that the folks at Mrs. Pastures Cookies, my favorite things in the world, have decided to be a sponsor of Old Friends because of my love for those lovely, incredibly habit-forming bits of crunchiness. And somebody better open up all of these dang buckets of goodness right now! They say I should be willing to share. We’ll see. February 10, 2023 – Super Pick Today Michael and Mary put two buckets in my paddock ... both with cookies inside. I went straight to one and ate the cookies. They said they hoped I had picked the winner, whatever that means. They said something about a “super” bowl, but any cookie is a winner to me. February 14, 2023 – Be My Valentine I’m not sure why, but these red and white and pink pieces of paper have been hung up all around my stall door. Something about a thing called Valentine’s Day? Apparently, some people have a crush on me, so they sent me these “cards” asking me to be their Valentine . . . whatever that is. I just know I love the attention – and the cookies I’m getting. And I heard there are over 200 cards stuck out there. Holy smokes!! Then people kept coming by and kissing my nose. When I asked why they said it was because I had a “Kissing Booth” sign on my stall door ... whatever that is ... I’ll gladly take the kisses. March 20,2023 – Birthday Me Happy foaling day to me!! I’m 22 and I got one of Joyce Pacti’s special birthday cakes! It had green top carrots and scrumptious feed with extra carrot slices mixed in! Michael brought a copy of my National Horse Racing Hall of Fame plaque for me to see. He said Old Friends is the only place allowed to have copies of them. I’m feeling pretty special today. May 7, 2023 – Homecoming Today there was a huge party in the barn next door. They call it Homecoming. There were a lot of people here, obviously to meet me. It was quite exciting. I’m tired now. May 10, 2023 – The Big Paddock They’ve been hand-grazing me in a huge, lush paddock a short distance from my stall. I’m glad because the grass is fab-u-lous. But it’s so wide open and I can see so many horses that I don’t know yet and the traffic on the road in front of the farm is noisy. Then today when I went out, a handsome chestnut guy named Ruler On Ice was there. I was pretty nervous. I haven’t had a roommate in a long time, and I wasn’t sure we would get along. He seems like a nice enough roommate, and we saw our first tour group in our new home today. If I keep getting this many carrots, I’m afraid I may have to start working out again. July 25, 2023 – My Tree Fell Down There was a big storm overnight, a loud bang (made me say things I probably shouldn’t repeat here), and the next thing I knew, Ruler and I had a huge tree laying in our paddock. It took out part of our fence and crunched our gate, but blocked our way so we couldn’t get out and go running around. (Dang it!) They put up a temporary fence so we could watch them cut it up and take it away. That was pretty exciting, but not as exciting as when it fell! They fixed our fence and put in another gate. Show’s over. Bring on the tour guests! We need treats for not escaping! August 29, 2023 - Neighbors Our good friend, 2002 Belmont winner Sarava, died a few days ago. That guy loved telling us mary simon A mini version of me arrived in September, and was put into the Abercrombie Center. I think young, little people ride it. Cool.

Old Friends For taking such great care of my children ARSON SQUAD, EL OH EL and RAIL TRIP! It is great to know they have such a fantastic home where they can get the attention they deserve! Sincerely, Samantha Siegel – Jay Em Ess Stable RAIL TRIP EL OH EL ARSON SQUAD Photo credit Laura Battles

PAGE 18 Old Friends DAILY RACING FORM how he beat War Emblem (and everyone else) that day after going off at 70-1 odds. He deserved to tell it as often as he wanted. It was a great accomplishment, and he was a great horse. Today, a couple of newbies moved into that paddock. Being the friendly guy that I am, I walked with them down the lane. They tell me they belonged to Ercel Ellis, who has done a weekly horse racing radio program for about 25 years. (I don’t really know what that is, but they were proud of it.) He’s well known in the horse racing industry and is Michael’s friend, so that’s one reason how they got here. I like them a whole lot! They are going to be great neighbors. September 12, 2023 – Mini-Me We got a new horse today, but not a real one. The little people used to sit on it and ride it, but its owner had retired it to Old Friends. It needed some grooming and new tack. The folks at Horse Cents who make all of the halters and other things for the farm were going to make his new tack. Then Steve over there said it would be cool to groom him out to look just like me even though his name is Sandy the Wonder Horse. How cool is that!! I was so floored and honored. I didn’t know what to say. People never cease to amaze me with their kindness. October 3, 2023 – Taste Tester Mrs. Pastures Cookies for Horses came up with a new flavor and asked some of us to taste test for them. It’s a very important job. We ate a lot of them. We love them! When can we have more? October 25, 2023 – Visitor One of my best friends from my time at the racetrack, Sabas, came to visit me today! I was over the moon! I missed my brother! He said everyone in my barn misses me. I said, me, too, but I am really happy here and have lots to do. It was good to see him. November 2, 2023 – Chocolate Ride There have been some changes in my paddock. Ruler and I had to part ways, and I have a new roomie. His name is Chocolate Ride. At first, I wasn’t sure I wanted anything to do with him. What if it doesn’t work out? Then I realized how upset that was making him and that’s just not who I am. I remembered Silver Charm telling me that my retirement would be what I decided it would be. And in that moment, I decided it was going to include a friendship with Chocolate Ride. Since then, we have been great buddies. We graze together. Play halter tag together. We run and buck and just have a great time. We both love meeting guests. We both love eating carrots and cookies! I am happy to call him my paddock mate and friend. November 8, 2023 – Full Circle Well, it’s a year to the day since I arrived at Old Friends. I’ve had my challenges. When I thought I couldn’t meet them, those who love me stood in my corner and assured me that I could. So, I did. I learned to make decisions for myself and to tell the people who take care of me what I needed and how I needed it. I’m glad Doug, Sabas, Sharla, and all of my track family saw to it that I had a soft landing here. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I hear many horses don’t always fare so well. I am thankful to Michael for making every day as happy as can be for this retired guy. Here’s to many more. I am [still] Lava Man! Learn more at georgetownky.com 844-863-8600 “All there is to do is sit around!” Full of best-kept-secrets, off-the-beaten-path exploration, and “if you know, you know” hidden gems, Georgetown is the home of Bluegrass adventure. We promise you’ll leave with a happy heart and plans to return. That’s Georgetown, Kentucky for ya!

䈀愀漀洀愀 䌀漀爀瀀 瀀爀漀甀搀氀礀 猀甀瀀瀀漀爀琀猀 伀氀搀 䘀爀椀攀渀搀猀 ㈀　㈀㌀ ⌀㄀ ㌀爀搀 挀爀漀瀀 䘀䰀 匀椀爀攀 ㈀　㈀㌀ 倀爀漀最攀渀礀 䔀愀爀渀椀渀最 ␀㄀Ⰰ㔀　　Ⰰ　　　 嘀愀氀椀愀渀琀 䴀椀渀椀猀琀攀爀

PAGE 20 Old Friends DAILY RACING FORM Coming home By Cynthia Grisolia In March of 2023, Old Friends welcomed multiple graded stakes winner and 2007 Kentucky Derby contender Any Given Saturday to its Georgetown, Ky.-based Dream Chase Farm. The dark bay son of Distorted Humor is the first stallion the organization has repatriated to the U.S. from South Korea. Since its inception, Old Friends has returned eight former U.S. stallions from overseas, all from Japan: Creator, Sunshine Forever, Fraise, Ogygian, Wallenda, War Emblem, Silver Charm, and Charismatic. Any Given Saturday represents an auspicious new collaboration with the Korean Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (KTBA). Any Given Saturday’s return was sparked, in part, by KTBA bloodstock agent Jun Park, who, along with Old Friends founder Michael Blowen, had kept tabs on the horse in recent years. “Michael would always ask me how he was doing,” Park said. “We knew there would come a time when the stallion would retire. So, when we learned that he had only bred six mares in the last year, Michael thought it was time. Any Given Saturday was owned by the KTBA, and when I suggested the return, they were happy to let him go back to the U.S.” The relationship with South Korea, now a major hub for Thoroughbred breeding, seemed apt following the growth of local retirement options in Japan. “Japan has opened its own version of Old Friends at the Hiruzen Horse Park in Maniwa Barbara D. Livingston Any Given Saturday was repatriated to Old Friends in March 2023 after standing eight years at stud in South Korea.

DAILY RACING FORM Old Friends PAGE 21 City,” said Blowen, “so we knew we wouldn’t have to continue to raise money to bring them home. They were going to have a nice place to live. I knew the KTBA was purchasing a lot of horses, so it opened up something.” A homebred for the Versailles, Ky.-based WinStar Farm, Any Given Saturday was trained by Todd Pletcher and showed great promise as a 2-year-old when capturing his first two starts and his first stakes, the Sam F. Davis Stakes, at age 3 in 2006. Following that win, WinStar sold an interest in the colt to Satish and Anne Sanan’s Padua Stables. As a 3-year-old, under the new owner partnership, he finished second in the Grade 3 Tampa Bay Derby and third in the Grade 1 Wood Memorial Stakes. Later that year, he found his stride with consecutive victories in the Grade 2 Dwyer Stakes and the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational Stakes, where he bested future Grade 1 winner Hard Spun and eventual two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, who had won that year’s Preakness Stakes. Any Given Saturday finished his racing career with an unplaced finish in the Breeders’ Cup Classic and retired with six wins from 11 starts and earnings of $1,083,533. Soon after, Godolphin acquired Any Given Saturday to stand at its Darley Jonabell Farm in Kentucky, and he launched his stud career in 2008. Through 2023, he had sired 452 winners, including 27 stakes winners, eight of which won graded stakes. His top performers include multiple Grade 1 winner and $4.7 millionearner Hoppertunity, Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner Mongolian Saturday, Grade 2 winner Cristina’s Journey, and graded stakes winners Adventist (a fellow Old Friends resident) and Hey Leroy. In 2014, Any Given Saturday stood for one season at Pin Oak Lane Farm in Pennsylvania before being exported to Korea, where he spent eight years. “He spent his career in Jeju-do, Korea, where most breeding farms are located,” says Park, who added that despite his long tenure overseas, the now-20-yearold stallion made the long journey back to his old Kentucky home like the champ he is, with little difficulty. “He was on the flight from Incheon, Korea, to Chicago, via Anchorage, Alaska, for refueling. It usually takes about 15 hours. But everything went very well.” While Park notes that the trip was uneventful, it did take a handful of concerned friends to make the journey happen. In addition to the KTBA and Old Friends, “Godolphin also helped a lot,” noted Park. “From start to finish, I kept them updated. They were super excited to have him back home.” Michael Banahan, director of bloodstock for Godolphin USA, said the farm was very excited to have the opportunity to lend a hand with pensioning Any Given Saturday in Kentucky. “We felt it was very important to work together with the KTBA to bring him home,” Banahan said. “Now, under the watchful eye of Michael Blowen at Old Friends, he will be visited by fans and enjoy a long and happy retirement. We’re grateful to everyone who has been involved in making this happen.” Blowen agrees: “This is a great example of how we can all work together for the betterment of these invaluable athletes.” Now on the farm, Any Given Saturday has settled perfectly into his new surroundings, Blowen reports. “He’s so smart,” said Blowen. “If you go over and say ‘I’ve got carrots,’ he’ll come running. I think he understands English and Korean.” Any Given Saturday’s long journey home would not have been possible without the team efforts of Jun Park, the Korea Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, IRT Horse Transport, Korean Air Cargo, Aprile Horse Transport, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, and Godolphin. Our gratitude to all. ROOD & RIDDLE IS PLEASED TO SUPPORT THE WORK OF OLD FRIENDS LEXINGTON SARATOGA WELLINGTON A WORLDWIDE LEADER IN EQUINE VETERINARY HEALTH CARE, PROVIDING SERVICES IN: AMBULATORY, DENTISTRY, IMAGING, INTERNAL MEDICINE, LAMENESS EVAULATION, PODIATRY, REPRODUCTION, SUGERY, SPORT HORSE MEDICINE, RETAIL & COMPOUNDING PHARMACY

PAGE 22 Old Friends DAILY RACING FORM The definition of grit By Rick Capone The life of Bold and Bossy is one that demonstrates the spirit, heart, and courage of a Thoroughbred. No matter how much chaos surrounded her, this sweet, bay mare managed to fight through adversity and make a storybook comeback that will be remembered for a long time. By Strong Mandate out of Happybirthdaybaby, by Successful Appeal, Bold and Bossy was bred in Kentucky by Richard and Connie Snyder, and trained by Michael Ann Ewing, who owned her in the name of her Bantry Farms. Bold and Bossy made headlines before she even made her first start, embarking on an unexpected adventure that captured national attention. In August 2021, as the then2-year-old Bold and Bossy was heading to the starting gate at Ellis Park in Henderson, Ky., for her first race, something spooked her, she started bucking, and threw her jockey, Miguel Mena. She then ran down the track, jumped a fence, and found herself on a highway. According to Ewing, “She was loose and ran down various highways for about 30 minutes. The only way we could track where she was running was on Facebook, as many people were videoing her as she ran by them on the highways and freeways. After she was found and caught by a trainer and a policeman about 10 miles away, she was treated with fluids and medication for severe dehydration. It was decided in the interest of safety to leave her overnight in the receiving barn at Ellis Park and bring her home to the Thoroughbred Training Center [in Lexington, Ky.] in the morning.” However, Bold and Bossy’s day wasn’t over just yet, as it took on an even more ominous turn. A fire broke out in the receiving barn that night. Thankfully, quick action saved Bold and Bossy as well as all the other horses in the barn. Bold and Bossy was sent to Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, where she remained for several days to be evaluated. While her lungs were okay, she had some burns on her back that caused her to lose some hair and skin. In addition, the veterinary staff took care of her hooves, which were injured during her run on the highways. In time, Bold and Bossy returned to her home at the Thoroughbred Training Center and then to a farm to heal from her injuries. For many horses, that ordeal would have been the end of their racing career. But Bold and Bossy was determined to make a comeback, and after recuperating. Ewing said the filly happily resumed training. On July 5, 2022, almost a year after her off-road adventure and barn fire experience, Bold and Bossy returned to the track for a maiden special weight race at Belterra Park in Ohio. The fact that she even made it back to race was exceptional, but Bold and Bossy went one better, and, with jockey Rafael Mojica Jr. riding, finished third. Then, to add even more to her legacy, on August 8, 2022, at Thistledown, in a maiden special weight race, Bold and Bossy, with jockey Malcolm Franklin up, won by a length to complete her amazing comeback. In a post on the Michael Ann Ewing Racing Facebook page following her win, the team celebrated and shared the win with fans of the gutsy little filly. “We are SO proud of Bold and Bossy, who broke her maiden today! It is truly amazing that this filly has not only made it back to the races but has managed to actually win a race! We’ve always known she was a tough filly with a big heart and she proved that today. We are truly touched by all the support she has received from all over the world. It’s beautiful to see how loved she is even by those outside of the Michael Ann Ewing barn. A big thank you and congratulations to the whole MAE team and of course to (jockey) Malcolm Franklin for getting her safely around the track and to the winner’s circle.” Bold and Bossy ran four more times after that: finishing third in an allowance race at Thistledown that same year, and then at age, 4, she ran three times though Barbara D. Livingston Bold and Bossy survived a run down a highway and a barn fire before making her first start, and months later she showed her mettle by returning to race – and win.

DAILY RACING FORM Old Friends PAGE 23 out of the money each time. She was then retired with a record of one win, two third-place finishes, and $21,784 in earnings in six starts. Ewing then contacted Old Friends to ask if the filly could be retired to the farm. “She deserves a forever home,” wrote Michael Ann Ewing when she contacted Old Friends. “I don’t think she can stand up to the rigors of racing mentally and would run at a lower level. I’m not sure that her scarred back would hold up for someone who might want to ride (her) for a couple hours, so I have not sought out a retirement placing as a future show or just riding horse. “She is pretty well known and, in the year that followed, because of all she went through, people would just call to stop by and see her. She gained a lot of interest on Facebook at the time with quite a few followers.” Michael Blowen, founder of Old Friends, agreed to accept the filly to the farm, and she is now happily settling into her new life of retirement in Georgetown, Ky., with paddock mate Moriah. “She is bold, bossy, and beautiful,” Blowen said. “We’re very grateful to Michael Ann for allowing us to care for her lovely filly. She’s got quite a story, and we’ll never tire of telling it.” Barbara D. Livingston Bold and Bossy has settled into retirement at Old Friend with paddock mate Moriah. Wishing Channel Maker best of luck in his well deserved retirement. He is a truly special horse & it was a privilege to be one of his owners. Photo credit Laura Battles -Adam Wachtel

PAGE 24 Old Friends DAILY RACING FORM A dream realized It had long been a dream of those running Old Friends to renovate the main tobacco barn on Dream Chase Farm into a state-of-theart facility where the retirees can truly be celebrated as the tremendous horses and athletes they are. Thanks to some amazing supporters and the generosity of the late Josephine Abercrombie’s Pin Oak Foundation, in 2023, that dream became reality. The Josephine Abercrombie Center, which was first open to the public the day after the 2023 Kentucky Derby, is named in honor of the horsewoman, philanthropist, and late owner of the renowned Pin Oak Stud, and serves as a fitting legacy to her longtime support of Old Friends, and her staunch commitment to horses and their welfare. Boyd Browning, president and CEO of Fasig-Tipton sales company, was instrumental in introducing the Abercrombie Foundation to the idea of a structure to memorialize Ms. Abercrombie’s legacy. “After watching the television coverage regarding Old Friends on Kentucky Derby day [in 2022], where Michael discussed wanting to build a new visitor’s center, I called him and offered to help with the fundraising because I believed that it would fulfill a great need for the entire Thoroughbred industry,” Browning said. “I can’t think of a better combination than Old Friends and Ms. Josephine Abercrombie, because they symbolize such a wonderful commitment to horse welfare.” According to Clifford Barry, longtime Pin Oak Stud farm manager, such a facility at Old Friends is something Ms. Abercrombie would have strongly supported. “Ms. Abercrombie had entrusted us with some charitable endeavors, and after her The Josephine Abercrombie Center at Old Friends was created by converting an old tobacco barn into a multi-purpose facility. Architect Ted Gralla was recruited by Old Friends board member Corey Johnsen to redesign the barn.

DAILY RACING FORM Old Friends PAGE 25 passing, we felt like this was something that was very close to her heart and something she’d be very passionate about,” Barry said. “Through her whole life, it had been about the care of the horse. And this is a wonderful way to honor her name and her legacy here in the Bluegrass. “Ms. Abercrombie was a part of the Bluegrass for a long, long time,” he continued. “She had a vision for philanthropy and did a lot of great things here locally, and I think this will just be one of those impactful contributions that would mean a lot to her. And, I think it would mean a lot to all her friends, too.” To kick-start the project, Old Friends board member Corey Johnsen enlisted the services of Todd Gralla, director of equestrian services at Populous, and the architectural firm’s staff member who was responsible for the planning and design of the equestrian facilities at the 2012 London Olympics, among other projects. In addition, Johnsen, who is the president of CJ Thoroughbreds, encouraged horse partner Dave Steinbrecher to get involved. Steinbrecher’s firm, Derek Engineering, was the general contractor on the project. The Abercrombie Center features display space showcasing a collection of racing trophies donated to Old Friends by trainer Bobby Frankel’s estate; horseracing memorabilia and artwork; large-screen monitors and a kiosk to showcase videos of our retirees’ awe-inspiring races; a meeting space; and a stage facilitating seminars, symposiums, guest presentations, and events celebrating Thoroughbred horse racing. The Josephine Abercrombie Center serves as a fitting venue that pays tribute to our Thoroughbred heroes, and recognizes the benevolence of Ms. Abercrombie, a trailblazing pillar of the horse racing and breeding industry. We are forever grateful. Barbara D. Livingston The late Josephine Abercrombie set up a foundation to be used to help fund initiatives that support Thoroughbreds. Thank You Old Friends! 100% COMMITMENT TO OUR HORSES Home of Bent on Bourbon Bourbonize Johannesbourbon Bent on Bourbon Bourbonize Photos Courtesy of Old Friends Johannesbourbon

PAGE 26 Old Friends DAILY RACING FORM Old Friends, indeed For 20 years, Ercel Ellis and Michael Blowen have held court on Ercel’s Saturday morning radio show, “Horse Tales,” expounding on anything and everything about horse racing. One of Old Friends’ earliest supporters, Ercel understood the importance of caring for our Thoroughbred heroes in retirement long before it became fashionable to do so. Fast forward to 2023, when the relocation of Ercel’s two favorite senior horses, Hallucinogin and Tackle Eligible, became necessary, and Old Friends was a natural fit, and those two joined the ranks of Old Friends retirees. Michael Blowen: Ercel Ellis, at 92, prospers on inhaling the air of the Bluegrass and the smell of the Thoroughbred. His mind feeds on antique books by Joe Palmer, Joe Hirsch, and dozens of other turf writers whose work has outlived their bodies. His heart beats knowing that Hallucinogin and Tackle Eligible, two retirees he and his wife, Jackie, and daughter Betsy took care of for three decades, are safely living out their dotage at Old Friends. When I arrived in Kentucky in 2001 to work for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, Ercel invited me to talk about aftercare and other race-related topics, including my special “loser of the week selection” on his Saturday morning radio program, “Horse Tales.” I never left. It was his support that helped establish Old Friends in 2003 and, with his implied support, made it safe to spread the word among a more reluctant class of hardboots. The expression “living encyclopedia” is overused and misapplied, but it accurately describes Ercel’s horse racing knowledge. His recall of ancient rivalries is unmatched. To hear him talk of attending Man o’ War’s funeral with his father (also Ercel, who was for a longtime Dixiana Farm manager), is akin to climbing aboard a time machine and experiencing the event as if you were there with them. I highly recommend Ercel’s book “Horse Tales.” I only wish he would record an audio book so his vocal conviction would be obvious to all. Trainer. Writer. Editor. Handicapper. Ercel has done it all. And, to the surprise of many who don’t know him, he continues to express his adoration for these incredible equine athletes. And he’s my great friend. What could be better? Ercel Ellis: In the Fall/Winter 2023 edition of the Old Friends newsletter, there was a section entitled “Meet Our Newest Old Friends.” Under a picture of Hallucinogin and Tackle Eligible it read, “Michael does Ercel Ellis’ weekly radio show, ‘Horse Tales,’ every Saturday. When Ercel’s two seniors were looking for a new home, we were a natural fit. In the gently rolling paddock behind the office, they are attached at the hip and go everywhere together.” That description of being attached at the hip pretty much describes those two. They have been turned out together for the past 17 years on our little farm in Bourbon County. The problem is that they were not the only ones growing old. Hallucinogin (Major) is 25, Tackle Eligible (Tubby) is 29, and I’m 92. It has been a habit of mine when asked how many horses we have, I would reply, “Just two old geldings I am trying to outlive.” That was beginning to be of some concern. It was going to be nip and tuck. Besides, anyone that needs a cane to get around should not be taking care of horses. I decided to call Michael and see if he had a place for them. He said, “Bring them over.” Thank you, Michael. Jackie and I have done our best to provide homes for our horses when their racing or breeding days were over. Most spent their last days with us. So when, years ago, we found out that there was a guy over in Midway that was involved with aftercare, we invited him to come on the radio show that we do every Saturday morning. Michael is not only a great person, he is great on the radio. The show would not be the same without him. We were initially skeptical about the idea of Old Friends. Then, over the years, Michael proved us wrong. Old Friends is the best program for retired horses in the world. I don’t think that there is anyone else that could have accomplished what Michael has, and he took a lot of chances along the way. Come to Kentucky for a visit. You’ll find classic winners, Breeders’ Cup winners, and Grade 1 winners, and even some old claiming horses like Tubby and Major. Mary Greene Tackle Eligible and Hallucinogin, owned by radio host Ercel Ellis, arrived at Old Friends in 2023.

Thank you to Old Friends. We appreciate all that you do for Silenced. -CRK Stable, LLC Lee & Susan Searing

PAGE 28 Old Friends DAILY RACING FORM Ask me By Little Silver Charm I’m Little Silver Charm, the little horse with all the answers. I need no introduction. But, if you insist. I am the hardest-working horse on the farm. Our retired Thoroughbreds lounge around in their paddocks all day, waiting to be admired, while I work my little hooves to the bone – leading tours, posing for photographs, initiating public outreach, raising money, and a lot more – so that they can continue to stand around and do nothing. I continue to branch out in all directions. If you have a question, just ask me. If I don’t know the answer, well no one does. Dear Little Silver Charm, As everyone must know by now, the most important of your many roles at Old Friends is working with newly arrived horses to help them adjust to retirement. Obviously, you do a marvelous job. But I wonder, have any horses been difficult to work with? Have any resisted benefiting from your hardwon wisdom? – Curious, Cowslip, Kentucky Thank you. I have indeed done a wonderful job teaching our new retirees. Everybody tells me so. However, it hasn’t always been easy. Over the years, there have been some who have refused to heed my advice. Eventually they come to realize that I have their best interests at heart and they get with the program, so to speak. Only one horse has steadfastly resisted my attempts to help him. I will mention no names, but a certain Belmont Stakes winner will know who I’m talking about. Dear Little Silver Charm, I’ve heard that one of your newer retirees, Bold and Bossy, is famous for an escapade involving a trip to a shopping mall. Details, please. – Uninformed, Mixed Message, Ohio Just before Bold and Bossy’s first race, as she was approaching the starting gate at Ellis Park, she bolted, dumped her jockey, jumped a fence, and headed down the highway. She ran for 30 minutes before horsemen from the track managed to catch her, near an exit to a shopping mall. There has been speculation that she was headed for a Victoria’s Secret store, but this seems far-fetched, even for a girl as smart, adventurous and fashion forward as our Bold and Bossy. Dear Little Silver Charm, Who decides which horses go where? How can you be sure prospective paddock mates will get along? – Prying, Possum Haven, North Carolina Our farm manager, Antonio, is in charge of choosing which horses to match up. He does a great job, but sometimes even he hesitates to make a decision. That’s when he turns to me for advice, to take advantage of my equine intuition. For example, he was thinking of pairing Channel Maker and Red Knight, two veteran turf stars, but he worried that they might not get along. I had no doubts. They have so much in common. They raced against each other eight times. I suggested that he put them in the paddock next to mine, so I could keep an eye on them and help them adjust to their new roles as Thoroughbred ambassadors. They are now the best of friends, thanks in part to my unflinching faith in my own judgment. Dear Little Silver Charm, What’s Silver Charm really like? – Nosy, Derby City, Utah Silver Charm is a perfect gentleman, kind, friendly, and dignified without being aloof. He is everything his admirers say he is, and more. In contrast with some other champions who live and have lived at Old Friends – I will mention no names – he is gentle and even-tempered. And he has a great sense of humor. He always laughs at my jokes. Dear Little Silver Charm, Do lots of people come to visit you? – Fawning, Random Horse, Montana Thousands! They come from everywhere, from as far away as Mongolia and South Africa and Australia! It’s possible that they come to visit some of our other horses at Old Friends, but I’m the one they talk about when they’re heading home. I may be little, but I make a big impression. Barbara D. Livingston Little Silver Charm knows more about Old Friends than anybody else. Just ask him.

DAILY RACING FORM Old Friends PAGE 29 Our friends from Mississippi Dr. Bryan Waldridge, a current faculty member with Mississippi State University Pathobiology and Population Medicine Department, oversees the veterinary care of the Old Friends herd. He excels at devising treatments and solving medical issues common to racehorses, breeding stallions, and our senior retirees. Because he is committed to providing a wide range of medical services, all free of charge, to Old Friends, it is impossible to overstate the benefits of his contributions and generosity. In 2022, Dr. Waldridge launched a unique, hands-on curriculum when a group of Mississippi State University vet students traveled to Kentucky to administer Old Friends’ spring vaccination and deworming program to our 150-plus residents. With this ongoing program, students get practical experience, and our herd receives protection from myriad health threats. Old Friends Veterinary Director Dr. Bryan M. Waldridge, D.V.M.: Silver Charm was the first Kentucky Derby winner that I ever touched. Pollard’s Vision was the first Kentucky Derby runner that I ever worked on. He was just starting his stallion career. I remember him well because I was scared to work on this horse that had run in the Derby. Now, I get to see them every time that I go to Old Friends. I don’t know how many Derby horses I have worked on now, but I am grateful for each one. I consider myself extremely fortunate to work on these great horses and others that I have watched race and become famous. Every veterinarian should give back to the animals that help make their living. It is hugely rewarding to me to take students to Old Friends. I proudly tell them that I never got to work on a Kentucky Derby winner in veterinary school at Auburn – but they can! All of my veterinary colleagues in Kentucky have been very gracious to meet the students and tell them about their work. Our students get to see the equine industry at its finest. Mississippi State University is unique in offering this experience to students. I am grateful to the MSUCVM administration, Old Friends, Antonio Marin, and everyone in Kentucky for being so supportive of our visits. Ella Swales, D.V.M. candidate 2024, MSU College of Veterinary Medicine: I had such a wonderful time taking care of the lovely horses at Old Friends Farm. It is incredibly special to be able to not only meet, but also provide veterinary care for the living legends of racing. It is so refreshing to see horses that are well cared for and clearly loved. The team at Old Friends truly is top notch. As the owner of several offthe-track Thoroughbreds, it was very cool to meet some of their sires, grandsires, and greatgrandsires. Michael Blowen and I talked a lot about (past Old Friends resident) Charismatic, sire of a gelding named Katzmetic that I had the pleasure to train and ride after his career on the track. They sounded like such similar characters, and I cannot describe how special it was to see Michael’s excitement when showing pictures of Katz in his second career and talk about both boys’ antics! On the farm, my favorite was definitely Lava Man. He was such a sweetheart and loved all the attention. From growing up watching racing, to pursuing a career in equine veterinary medicine, it was surreal to have an experience blended of childhood dreams and career. The chance to visit and care for the retirees at Old Friends Farm was special. I don’t think many people understand how “once in a lifetime” it was for all students on the trip. I am so thankful to Dr. Waldridge, Michael, Antonio, and all the amazing people at Old Friends for welcoming us with open arms and allowing us the opportunity to visit. Old Friends received veterinary help from Megan Bright, Mandy Hilliard, Dr. Bryan Waldridge, Dr. Kaitlyn Ieradi, and Dr. Allie Salinger.

PAGE 30 Old Friends DAILY RACING FORM By Mary Simon In 2023, we lost 18 of our Old Friends, including two sprint champions; a muchloved 31-year-old patriarch and leading regional sire; a Belmont Stakes winner; the best son of a Hall of Fame racemare; several graded and group stakes-winning millionaires; and six Old girlFriends. We will remember them when they enjoyed the good life in fields of Kentucky blue grass. Afternoon Deelites Dk. b. or br. h., 1992, by Private Terms–Intimate Girl, by Medaille d’Or Afternoon Deelites spent the last 12 years of his life here before claimed by colic at 31. His passing followed by six days that of Burt Bacharach, the legendary songwriter who had bred and raced him. The big bay was a Clark Gable on hooves, and he ran to those looks as a Grade 1-winning millionaire. Retired first to Airdrie Stud, he eventually relocated to Louisiana, where he led the state sire list four times. Afternoon Deelites was pensioned to Old Friends in 2011. Here, he became a popular attraction, in part because he spent most days in the barn where visitors could get up close and personal with him. He was kind, but of a regal mindset. Though begging for carrots wasn’t in his DNA, Afternoon Deelites would patiently accept them as his due. Day trips to the barn won’t be the same without him. Amazombie B. g., 2006, by Northern Afleet—Wilshe Amaze, by In Excess (Ire) We lost the first of our two resident sprint champions on Sept. 18, 2023, with the unexpected passing of the brilliant California-bred Amazombie. Despite being by an accomplished sire, his credentials on the dam’s side were slim. No matter. Amazombie would create his own legacy. Trainer Bill Spawr privately acquired the son of Northern Afleet as a yearling as the supposedly lesser half of a $5,000 two-horse deal. The sturdy bay developed slowly and was gelded after his sixth start. A maiden winner at 3 and an allowance winner at 4, Amazombie exploded onto the national scene in 2011, when he recorded five stakes victories, most notably the Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Churchill Downs. He was voted champion sprinter for that year. On the board in 24 of 29 starts and with earnings of $1.9 million, Amazombie arrived in 2014 at Old Friends, where he enjoyed nine happy years alongside Rapid Redux, winner of a Special Eclipse Award. Disturbingthepeace B. g., 1998, by Bold Badgett—Regal Riot, by Sovereign Dancer California-bred Disturbingthepeace was one of the finest sprinters ever to call Old Friends home. The 1998 paternal grandson of the great Damascus campaigned four seasons but did not hit his best stride until age 4. He won six in a row in 2002 for trainer Darrell Vienna, including three graded sprints at Hollywood Park and Del Mar, and established himself as one of the best sprinters in America. Disturbingthepeace retired at 6 with earnings of $666,020. The goodnatured gelding arrived here in 2013 and spent 10 years with us before we lost him to colic. According to Michael Blowen, “He was completely and inappropriately named because he never disturbed anyone. He was the gentlest, quietest horse we ever had, and he will be missed.” Eye of the Tiger B. h., 2000, by American Chance—Dial a Trick, by Phone Trick Kentucky horseman John Gunther achieved a measure of breeding immortality when Justify, a colt he bred and sold, won the 2018 Triple Crown. But Gunther had been in racing for 40 years by then and had enjoyed a great deal of success. Among the good ones he had bred was Eye of the Tiger, a multiple graded stakes winner of $535,679 for Gunther. Though he never won a Grade 1 race, he beat plenty of those who did, topping his career by winning the Grade 2 Washington Park Handicap. Eye of the Tiger stood at Gunther’s Glenwood Farm, where he sired a handful of foals before being pensioned and sent here in 2016. He wasn’t a particularly social creature, preferring to mind his own business, even if it meant missing treats. Michael aptly referred to him as “the Garbo of Old Friends . . . give me what I need and get lost.” Eye of the Tiger died last spring at age 23. Saying goodbye Barbara D. Livingston The popular Afternoon Deelites was at Old Friends for 12 years before his passing.

DAILY RACING FORM Old Friends PAGE 31 Favorite B. m., 1995, by Chief’s Crown—Mimi Baker, by What Luck Old girlFriend Favorite had the bloodlines to be anything – being by champion and noted sire Chief’s Crown, from a distaff line of champions. But it turns out, she never made it into a starting gate and later proved difficult to get in foal. Last year, we said goodbye to the 28-year-old mare. Though her legacy on the racetrack and in the breeding shed will not be lasting, Favorite will continue to hold a special place in our hearts. Hussonfirst Ch. g., 2005, by Hussonet—Bo Bo’s Sister, by Talc Hussonfirst was not the most successful ex-racehorse to reside at Old Friends, nor was he blueblooded. But in this egalitarian haven, the sweet-natured fellow found his special place and was lovingly cared for, right up to the day we lost him to colic. The New York-bred by leading Chilean sire Hussonet raced exclusively in his home state for Trackman Golf Club Stable and showed promise in winning his 2007 debut at Saratoga. An injury soon ended the gelding’s career before it could take off. At age 3 in 2008, Hussonfirst became the youngest Old Friends pensioner. Inaspecial Way B. m., 2000, by Seattle Sleet— Special Image, by Farma Way Inaspecial Way was another cherished member of our Old girlFriends clan lost in 2023. The Indiana-bred did not race but eventually produced six winners from seven starters – her best being Forbidden Bear, a stakesplaced winner of $220,000 who set a course record at Woodbine. After several barren seasons, Inaspecial Way was donated in 2017 to live out her days at Old Friends. Jonesboro Ch. h., 2002, by Sefapiano—Mom’s Command, by Top Command The late Peter Fuller was one of Old Friends’ earliest supporters, so when we learned in 2022 that the best son of his Hall of Fame homebred Mom’s Command was retiring from stud, we wanted him. After standing his entire career in Arkansas, where he ranked perennially among the leading sires, Jonesboro headed north to Kentucky. As a racehorse, he proved quite the bargain, a $27,000 yearling purchase who earned $1.55 million and won 10 stakes. Jonesboro’s biggest victories came in the 2009 Prairie Meadows Cornhusker and the Texas Mile at Lone Star, both $300,000 graded stakes. After just eight months here, Jonesboro passed unexpectedly, and far too soon. Lady Grizzley Dk. b. or br. m., 2006, by Canadian Frontier—Goldilock’s Bear, by Irish Tower At 17, Lady Grizzley was the youngest Old girlFriend to cross over last year, passing due to bladder complications. The nearly coal black mare was bred by former Kentucky Gov. Brereton Jones. She won her maiden at first asking, then followed up with a second-place finish behind the great Rachel Alexandra at Keeneland. A winner twice in five starts, Lady Grizzley had no luck as a broodmare in later years, producing just two foals to survive, neither of which raced. The gentle mare with the elegant head came to Old Friends in 2016, where she lived happily for seven years. Miss Saigon B. m., 1993, by Literati—Grab Your Socks, by Cox’s Ridge Thirty-year-old Miss Saigon was the most senior of the Old girlFriends who left us last year. The Florida-bred campaigned a quarter-century ago in the Northeast, where she won 2 of 15 starts and earned $25,885. Both of her wins came at a mile on grass in allowance company at the now-defunct Rockingham Park. As a broodmare, Miss Saigon produced two winners before pensioning in 2017 to Old Friends, where she spent the last years of her long life grazing the pastures at our Mari Hulman George annex. Mystery Trip Dk. b. or br. m., 2001, by Belong to Me—Weekend Surprise, by Secretariat Chronic hoof issues ultimately claimed the life of Old girlFriend Mystery Trip in 2023. The mare was beautifully bred, by Belong to Me and, more importantly, being a half-sister to Hall of Famer and legendary progenitor A.P. Indy. Expectations for the filly were high. But as fate would have it, she never raced – though eight of her 10 offspring would win, and three would place in stakes company. In 2016, Mystery Trip was purchased for $230,000 by LNJ Foxwoods; four years later, she was one of two mares donated to Old Friends and supported by Foxwoods with a special paddock. The lovely old gal, ever a queen, will be missed. Nicer Than Ever Ch. m., 2005, by Pulpit—Do Nice, by Unbridled As previously noted, 2003 was a difficult year for our Old girlFriends, as during the year we lost six of them. Among those was Nicer Than Ever, a daughter of A.P. Indy’s splendid son Pulpit, out of a mare by Kentucky Derby winner Unbridled. Nicer Than Ever won just 1 of 8 starts, a maiden race on grass at Remington. It was downhill from there, and she ended up running for a $16,000 claiming tag. After producing three winners, she found her way to Old Friends in 2023 at age 18. We wish we’d had her longer. Sarava Dk. b. or br. h., 1999, by Wild Again— Rhythm of Life, by Deputy Minister Old Friends lost its very first classic winner and a beloved Barbara D. Livingston Champion sprinter Amazombie, winner of the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Sprint, had been at Old Friends since 2014.

PAGE 32 Old Friends DAILY RACING FORM ambassador for the farm in August 2023 with the passing of Sarava. The 24-year-old stallion had been in residence for 11 years, he with an outsized personality, proud and regal, with more than a hint of arrogance, greeting visitors and conniving for carrots from the paddock directly behind the office. Sarava was often the first horse guests would meet upon arriving at Old Friends on tours, and he left an impression. As a racehorse for New Phoenix Stable, he won only 3 of 17 starts, but one of those scores, the 2002 Belmont Stakes, draped him in lasting glory. At 70-1 that afternoon – the longest winning odds ever in the classic – Sarava outran the likes of Medaglia d’Oro and Proud Citizen, and notably, ended the Triple Crown dreams of War Emblem, who also would become a resident of Old Friends. Sarava stood in Florida and Kentucky with limited success, before coming to Old Friends in 2012. Saratoga Episode Ch. g., 2001, by Wheaton—Cherokee Mist, by Cherokee Fellow Early in 2003, Sackatoga Stable had a pair of chestnut geldings, one age 2 and one age 3, whose destinies would be intertwined. Both were bred in New York and were April foals born a year apart; each sold at auction for less than $25,000; both landed in the skilled hands of trainer Barclay Tagg. But their paths diverged – one was destined for greatness; the other, not so much. The older of the two, Funny Cide, won two classics and a championship, while Saratoga Episode consistently compromised his own chances right out of the gate – breaking slowly, greenly, and awkwardly. He finally managed a third-place finish in a restricted stakes, but that proved the apex of a 12-start career. With two wins and earnings of $75,665, Saratoga Episode came to Old Friends in 2011, while $3.5 million-earner Funny Cide ended up six miles down the road at the Kentucky Horse Park. In the summer of 2023, the two passed away within three weeks of one another. Barbara D. Livingston Sarava, winner of the 2002 Belmont Stakes and the longest-priced winner ever in the race, was Old Friends’ first classic winner. Centennial Farms is proud to support aftercare and that Rocketry is an Old Friends ambassador! centennialfarms.com

DAILY RACING FORM Old Friends PAGE 33 Star Plus (Arg) B. g., 2003, by Alpha Plus—Nannar, by Big Play The story of Star Plus could have ended badly. That it didn’t is testament to the fact that goodness still exists in the Sport of Kings. Star Plus was a Group 1 winner in Argentina when imported by Earle Mack in 2008. While high hopes and expectations for the horse didn’t pan out, he managed victories in Keeneland and Gulfstream Park allowance races and placed in a graded stakes at Turfway Park. When Star Plus suffered a career-ending injury, he was sold to a small breeding farm with the stipulation that he would never race again. That contract was violated within months, as the once fiery competitor returned to the track at age 8 to twice finish last in claiming company, beaten by 81 combined lengths. On learning of this betrayal, Mack headed a successful group effort to retire him permanently, and in 2012 Star Plus was sent to his forever home at Old Friends. He shared a paddock with Breeders’ Cup Marathon winner Eldaafer and Yahoo the goat at the time of his passing in early 2023. Sun King Dk. b. or br. h., 2002, by Charismatic— Clever But Costly, by Clever Trick Beloved champion Charismatic died at Old Friends on Feb. 19, 2017, after only a few weeks of residence. It was a devastating loss, but some balm to the wound came six days later with the arrival of his best American son, $2.24 million earner Sun King. He had been among the best of his generation a decade before, winning four graded stakes and defeating more than 20 Grade 1 winners, including Old Friends resident Lava Man. At stud in Kentucky and Louisiana, he failed to replicate himself, and with declining fertility, he was donated in 2017 to Old Friends. Unlike with Charismatic, we were fortunate to have Sun King for many years before cancer claimed him in 2023. Tom’s Ready Dk. b. or br. g., 2013, More Than Ready—Goodbye Stranger, by Broad Brush At just 10, Tom’s Ready was the youngest of our Old Friends to depart in 2023. The handsome dark bay was euthanized following colic surgery. Once described as the best-looking son of renowned international sire More Than Ready, the Pennsylvania-bred became the first yearling auction purchase by late New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson. For Benson and his wife Gayle’s GMB Stable, he won three graded stakes and earned $1,036,267. He was retired to stand at stud at Spendthrift in 2018, but he got just one small, 12-foal Kentucky crop before relocating to Louisiana. Two years and three foals later, he was donated by Gayle Benson to Old Friends, arriving in 2000. Work All Week Ch. g., 2009, by City Zip—Danzig Matilda, by Repriced Work All Week seemed an unlikely champion. The Illinoisbred was well beaten in his only start at 3, hardly a predictor of the glories to come. But he would never finish worse than third in 18 subsequent starts for owner-breeder Midwest Thoroughbreds. He was his best at 5, with four stakes wins, the Breeders’ Cup Sprint – becoming only the second Illinois-bred to win a Breeders’ Cup race – and being voted champion sprinter. He retired with earnings of $1.5 million. After serving several seasons as a pony horse for trainer Roger Brueggemann, Work All Week came to Old Friends in 2020 along with fellow Midwest Thoroughbreds star The Pizza Man. Sadly, we bade farewell to the champion gelding last November. And the “Word” is Thanks!  On behalf of Agave Racing Stable and Sam-Son Farm, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to our new friends at Old Friends. You make a difference! “Say the Word”

PAGE 34 Old Friends DAILY RACING FORM LIFE AT OLD FRIENDS Photos by Barbara D. Livingston

DAILY RACING FORM Old Friends PAGE 35 Opposite page, top: Sunset at the Georgetown, Ky., farm; multimillionaires Game On Dude and Little Mike. This page, clockwise from top: The incomparable Silver Charm; millionaire turf earners Channel Maker and Red Knight; multiple graded stakes winner Rated R Superstar and the gray Oklahoma Racing Hall of Famer Welder.

PAGE 36 Old Friends DAILY RACING FORM Clockwise from top: Little Silver Charm arrives at the home of Michael Blowen to watch some movies; Patch and Stormy Liberal in their paddock; Bellamy Road has a message for his fans; paddock mates (left to right) Seek Gold, El Brujo, and Shepherd’s Delight; Belmont Stakes winner and sire Touch Gold.

DAILY RACING FORM Old Friends PAGE 37 Clockwise from top: Mikethespike stands out in his paddock; new arrival Alpha feels good about his new home; the cemetery at Old Friends.

*STATS DERIVED FROM A RECENT INTERNAL DATA REVIEW OF PP DOWNLOADS Over a recent two-month span, trainers, owners, breeders and other horsemen downloaded more than 200,000 sets of DRF past performances During that time, 40% of the Top 20 PP downloads were from Horsemen REACH OWNERS, TRAINERS AND BREEDERS WITH DRF! Put your message where you know it’s going to be seen and reach your target audience with a laser focused DRF marketing campaign Please contact Daily Racing Form for more info. *STATS DERIVED FROM A RECENT 212-366-7634 | [email protected] INTERNAL DATA REVIEW OF PP DOWNLOADS Over a recent two-month span, trainers, owners, breeders and other horsemen downloaded more than 200,000 sets of DRF past performances During that time, 40% of the Top 20 PP downloads were from Horsemen REACH OWNERS, TRAINERS AND BREEDERS WITH DRF! Put your message where you know it’s going to be seen and reach your target audience with a laser focused DRF marketing campaign Please contact Daily Racing Form for more info. 212-366-7634 | [email protected] *STATS DERIVED FROM A RECENT INTERNAL DATA REVIEW OF PP DOWNLOADS Over a recent two-month span, trainers, owners, breeders and other horsemen downloaded more than 200,000 sets of DRF past performances During that time, 40% of the Top 20 PP downloads were from Horsemen REACH OWNERS, TRAINERS AND BREEDERS WITH DRF! Put your message where you know it’s going to be seen and reach your target audience with a laser focused DRF marketing campaign Please contact Daily Racing Form for more info. 212-366-7634 | [email protected] *STATS DERIVED FROM A RECENT INTERNAL DATA REVIEW OF PP DOWNLOADS Over a recent two-month span, trainers, owners, breeders and other horsemen downloaded more than 200,000 sets of DRF past performances During that time, 40% of the Top 20 PP downloads were from Horsemen REACH OWNERS, TRAINERS AND BREEDERS WITH DRF! Put your message where you know it’s going to be seen and reach your target audience with a laser focused DRF marketing campaign Please contact Daily Racing Form for more info. 212-366-7634 | [email protected] *STATS DERIVED FROM A RECENT INTERNAL DATA REVIEW OF PP DOWNLOADS Over a recent two-month span, trainers, owners, breeders and other horsemen downloaded more than 200,000 sets of DRF past performances During that time, 40% of the Top 20 PP downloads were from Horsemen REACH OWNERS, TRAINERS AND BREEDERS WITH DRF! Put your message where you know it’s going to be seen and reach your target audience with a laser focused DRF marketing campaign Please contact Daily Racing Form for more info. 212-366-7634 | [email protected]

DAILY RACING FORM Old Friends PAGE 39 ADDRESS Old Friends 1841 Paynes Depot Rd. Georgetown, KY 40324 PHONE (502) 863-1775 WEBSITE oldfriendsequine.org EMAIL [email protected] WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT OLD FRIENDS TOURS Old Friends offers guided tour experiences that get you up close and personal with our amazing Thoroughbred athletes. Tour details can be found on our website. Call for current safety policies and restrictions. We look forward to offering you a safe, fun, and uniquely Kentucky horse farm experience. GENERAL TOURS • PRIVATE TOURS • GROUP TOURS • FOUNDER’S TOURS • Reservations are required for all tours. Payment required upon booking. • Tours are approximately 90 minutes in length. • Tour day and time subject to availability. • Tour cost varies based on tour type. • Meet approximately 15 of our retirees, including two members of the Racing Hall of Fame, and winners of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont, Dubai World Cup, and Breeders’ Cup. TO BOOK A TOUR Online: oldfriendsequine.org Phone: (502) 863-1775. Old Friends Dream Chase Farm Lexington DIRECTIONS FROM BLUE GRASS AIRPORT 1. Head southeast on Terminal Drive toward Air Freight Drive 0.1 mi 2. Continue straight onto Air Freight Drive 0.2 mi 3. Slight right onto Terminal Drive 0.1 mi 4. Take the first left onto Man o’ War Boulevard West 0.3 mi 5. Take the first right onto Versailles Road 1.5 mi 6. Merge onto KY-4 N/New Circle Road via the ramp to I-75/I-64 0.6 mi 7. Continue onto KY-4 N/US-60 Bypass west/New Circle Road 2.2 mi 8. Take Exit 7 for US-421 toward Frankfort/Lexington 0.2 mi 9. Turn left onto US-421 N/Leestown Road 7.2 mi 10. Turn right onto US-62 E/Paynes Depot Road 4.0 mi 11. Turn left onto Neel Lane 12. Arrive at Old Friends 16.6 miles, 31 mins. Dream Chase Farm

PAGE 40 Old Friends DAILY RACING FORM What JoAnn and Mark Pepper and their band of intelligent, invaluable volunteers have done with Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division in Greenfield Center, N.Y., is nothing short of remarkable. The facility, built nearly single-handedly by Mark, is a picture postcard – a Shangri-La – of Thoroughbred retirement. Home to twotime Whitney victor Commentator and New York Horse of the Year Naughty New Yorker, Cabin Creek has done things so well that when I visit I pick up pointers on how to improve our facility in Kentucky. Over the years, the Peppers have shown great faith in the Old Friends concept. In the beginning, before the current surge in support from New York owners and breeders and some great fundraising during the Saratoga meet, donations were hard to come by. However, with the unerring faith of Vivien Malloy, Jack Knowlton of Sackatoga Stables, Terry Finley of West Point Thoroughbreds, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, and Mike Repole, who allowed us to retire Cool N Collective, a great son of Ruhlmann, Cabin Creek has prospered. Every one of its retirees has had a great story. From King Congie’s unwavering support from West Point, his original owners, when he found himself in a dangerous situation, to late Travers Stakes winner Will’s Way, JoAnn treats them all the same. Visitors who have never been to a horse race mingle with savvy trainers, owners, and jockeys during tours that are both entertaining and enlightening. And, while it might take some twisting and turning through the back roads of rural Saratoga County, I’ve never met one person who said it wasn’t worth the trip. It’s a tribute to the Peppers, the Saratoga community, and all of our great retirees. The horses always look great. And that’s the most important thing. Cabin Creek is located in Greenfield Center, N.Y., just 10 minutes from Saratoga Racecourse. For information and current tour information, call Cabin Creek at (518) 698-2377. – MICHAEL BLOWEN Old Friends at Cabin Creek Farm DIRECTIONS FROM DOWNTOWN SARATOGA SPRINGS 1. Head west on Lake Avenue toward Broadway 72 ft 2. Continue onto NY-9N N/Church Street 3. Continue to follow NY-9 North 2.9 mi 4. Turn left onto County Road 21/Middle Grove Road 4.1 mi 5. Turn right onto County Road19/North Creek Road 1.4 mi 6. Turn left onto Sand Hill Road, Destination will be on the right 9.1 miles, 18 mins. Saratoga Springs 9N 9N Cabin Creek Farm ADDRESS 483 Sand Hill Rd. Greenfield Center, NY 12833 PHONE (518) 698-2377 WEBSITE Oldfriendsatcabincreek.com EMAIL [email protected] TOURS Open to the public year-round. Call for tour times and appointments.

DAILY RACING FORM Old Friends PAGE 41 How to help Old Friends Old Friends Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Charity; EIN: 20-0049798 1841 Paynes Depot Road Georgetown, KY 40324 (502) 863-1775 www.oldfriendsequine.org On behalf of our 250+ Old Friends retirees, thank you for considering a tax-deductible gift to help provide for the care of our deserving Thoroughbred athletes. By supporting our mission of providing a dignified retirement for our Thoroughbred heroes, you will help us expand our facility to benefit more horses, champions and unknowns alike. Whether you choose a general “where-mostneeded” donation, or support a specific program, your donation will have an immediate impact on our horses and the quality of their lives. HOW CAN I GIVE? Donate via credit card through our website, or call us any time. You can also send a check or money order by mail. However you choose to help, thank you from the bottom of our hearts! MY DONATION: WHERE DOES IT GO? Your general use donations help with food, veterinary, and maintenance costs, including: • Hay fed as needed based on existing climate and seasonal conditions. • Horse Feed specifically formulated for our aging equine residents; fed twice daily. • Veterinary expenses including on-site situational treatment, and equine hospital services. • Horses Healthy at Home including dental, podiatry, and annual vaccination schedules. • Medications/Supplements for treatment of acute and chronic conditions. • Maintenance for 50+ paddocks including fence, waterers, run-in sheds, barns, equipment, roadways. • Wish List for targeted gifts of immediate general farm and horse needs. PROGRAMS FOR DIRECTED ASSISTANCE With the programs detailed here, it’s easy for you to help Old Friends retirees in a variety of fun and interesting ways. CLUBHOUSE ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP – $150 Your annual membership donation helps us achieve a steady, dependable cash flow to meet monthly expenses and unexpected costs. Includes a leather and brass key tag, free tours, discount admission to our annual Homecoming, plus a free general admission to both the Kentucky Derby Museum and the National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame. SHARES FOR LIFE – $100 Show your love for an Old Friends horse! Donate $100 ($25 for the mini’s) and sponsor your favorite Old Friend’s retiree. You will receive a personalized certificate and an 8x10 color photograph, both suitable for framing. Shares are available for all of our retirees. OLD GIRLFRIENDS SOCIETY – $100 For those who appreciate the great mares of Old Friends. Your lifetime membership comes with a photo and certificate of a featured Old girlFriend, an official Old girlFriends Society dog-tag necklace, your name on the society’s webpage, and a visit with our Old girlFriends. THANK YOU OLD FRIENDS! Lael Stables is honored to support Old Friends and Nicanor! Thanks to all the staff, volunteers and supporters of Old Friends! BARBARA D.LIVINGSTON

PAGE 42 Old Friends DAILY RACING FORM THE HOOF PATROL – GOLD ($250), SILVER ($125), BRONZE ($50) The Hoof Patrol supports retirees who have short and long-term hoof issues by providing a funding stream for hoof and podiatry-related medical care. Hoof Patrol members help our retirees to stand pain-free by providing the necessary tools needed to combat a variety of equine hoof ailments. Sign up and receive a keychain designating your support level. OLD FRIENDS GIVING TREE A year-round giving opportunity that offers a variety of specific gifts to benefit our retirees. For seasonal needs and requests, visit our website at oldfriendsequine.org/givingtree/. FRIENDS FOR ALL SEASONS (MONTHLY) Is monthly giving right for you? Our Friends for All Seasons donors share a commitment in the founding principles that Old Friends lives by: dignified retirement; helping horses find a forever home; and understanding the value of a constant, reliable partnership. As a monthly donor, you receive exclusive quarterly updates showing how your donations make a difference. MEMORY LANE: BRICK BY BRICK ($225/$125) Memorialize your favorite Old Friends retiree, horse, pet, loved one, or special occasion in the Nikki Bacharach Memorial Garden. Your paving brick will help form a path and courtyard in the cemetery where great horses such as Kentucky Derby winners War Emblem and Charismatic are at rest. Choose your brick size, color, graphic and text to create a lasting legacy. FEED FOR A DAY CALENDAR – $100 Sponsor a date in our annual calendar to help feed our horses. For a $100 donation you receive a name/message printed on the calendar for the day of your choice, on a first-come, firstserve basis. You also get a free calendar. This is a timely opportunity to honor a loved one, a pet, your favorite horse, or a memorial date. SPONSOR A PADDOCK ($5,000), STALL ($5,000), RUN-IN SHED ($3,000-$5,000), WATERER ($2,000) Donate and receive an engraved plaque personalized with your name and displayed in The Josephine Abercrombie Center at Old Friends, complimentary admission to Old Friends events, and the personal satisfaction of knowing that you have helped create a retirement home for a deserving horse! WHEN THE END COMES As a retirement community, Old Friends inevitably suffers loss. Each horse is an individual, and we grieve for them and support each other at these sad times. We gratefully accept donations to help defray cremation and monument costs. If you would like to help for a specific horse or in general, please call our office. PLANNED GIVING Planned giving integrates your charitable gift with your overall financial and estate planning goals to maximize benefits to both you and Old Friends. Planned gifts typically come from your assets rather than income and can be either outright or deferred. It is recommended that you consult with your own tax or legal advisors prior to making a planned gift. Your generosity will ensure that Old Friends continues to make a difference in the lives of retired racehorses. Some types of gifts include wills, living and charitable trusts, real estate, life insurance, and mutual funds. EBAY AUCTIONS Donate items for our eBay auction fundraisers! Artwork · Racing Memorabilia · Collectibles OLD FRIENDS ONLINE STORE Check out our gift shop and weekly auctions (ebay.com/str/oldfriendsfarmgiftshop) featuring one-of-a-kind merchandise and memorabilia. Barbara Livingston photos Benowitz Family Trust, Paul Viskovich, Mathilde and Leonard Powell, Bush Racing Stable for your care of our Pasture Buddies! Thank you to OLD FRIENDS Soi Phet Persie

DAILY RACING FORM Old Friends PAGE 43 Old Friends roster OLD FRIENDS AT DREAM CHASE FARM HORSE BIRTHDATE SEX COLOR EARNINGS ADVENTIST......................... 3/10/2013 ...........G ....... Bay............................. $661,130 ALPHA................................. 3/11/2009 ...........H ....... Bay............................ 1,815,667 ANY GIVEN SATURDAY ..... 3/29/2004...........H ....... Dark bay/brown......... 1,083,533 AREYOUTALKINTOME ....... 2/3/2001 .............G ....... Dark bay/brown............ 985,417 ARSON SQUAD .................. 4/2/2003.............G ....... Dark bay/brown..........1,190,181 AWESOME GEM................. 2/6/2003.............G ....... Chestnut ................... 2,881,370 BELLAMY ROAD................. 4/5/2002.............H ....... Dark bay/brown.............811,400 BENT ON BOURBON ......... 4/2/2012 .............G ....... Dark bay/brown............ 235,960 BETTER .............................. 3/15/2017 ...........G ....... Bay.......................................... 0 BIG BLUE NATION.............. 3/7/2009.............G ....... Bay............................... 240,068 BIRDSTONE........................ 5/16/2001 ...........H ....... Bay............................ 1,575,600 BOBBY SANDS................... 3/13/2005...........G ....... Bay............................... 300,319 BOLD AND BOSSY............. 5/6/2019 .............M ....... Bay................................. 21,784 BORDONARO..................... 4/24/2001 ...........G ....... Chestnut ...................... 938,128 BO’S A TEN......................... 4/27/2000...........M ....... Bay................................. 40,091 BOURBONIZE..................... 3/28/2011 ...........G ....... Dark bay/brown............ 219,423 BRANDOTHEBARTENDER 5/4/2013 .............G ....... Bay............................... 772,864 BROTHER CHUB................ 3/15/2012 ...........G ....... Dark bay/brown.............674,611 BUNKER’S EDGE ............... 3/21/2008...........G ....... Chestnut ............................. 945 CAPPUCINO KID ................ 2/22/1998...........G ....... Bay............................... 248,951 CHANNEL MAKER.............. 2/11/2014............G ....... Chestnut ................... 3,915,983 CHARLIE’SBOYWINS......... 3/26/2007...........G ....... Dark bay/brown.............125,103 CHERONO .......................... 5/5/2002.............G ....... Bay................................... 4,040 CHOCOLATE RIDE............. 5/6/2010 .............G ....... Bay............................... 729,638 COMMA TO THE TOP......... 3/2/2008.............G ....... Bay............................ 1,349,046 COST AFFECTIVE.............. 4/18/2010 ...........G ....... Dark bay/brown............ 189,661 DAAHER.............................. 2/28/2004...........H ....... Bay............................... 455,163 DRAXHALL WOODS........... 3/10/2010 ...........G ....... Dark bay/brown.............567,144 DRE DAN............................. 4/10/2014 ...........G ....... Bay................................... 4,880 EASY GRADES................... 04/13/99.............G ....... Dark bay/brown.............559,744 ED JOHNSON..................... 01/21/13 .............G ....... Gray/roan....................... 92,355 ELABORATE ....................... 03/29/95.............G ....... Chestnut ...................... 565,852 EL BRUJO........................... 03/11/06 .............G ....... Bay............................... 721,439 EL GATO MALO................... 02/06/05.............G ....... Dark bay/brown............ 659,376 ELDAAFER.......................... 03/13/05.............G ....... Dark bay/brown......... 1,031,835 EL OH EL ............................ 03/07/10.............G ....... Dark bay/brown............ 221,904 EVEN THE SCORE............. 04/02/98.............H ....... Gray ............................. 751,629 EXULTING........................... 04/06/13.............G ....... Dark bay/brown.............687,370 FABULOUS STRIKE............ 4/4/2003.............G ....... Dark bay/brown..........1,447,804 FANTASTIC DAY.................. 5/25/2000...........G ....... Dark bay/brown............ 360,424 FEARLESS.......................... 3/17/2016 ...........G ....... Bay............................ 1,251,450 FERGUS MAC ROICH ........ 3/31/2007...........G ....... Chestnut ........................ 52,595 FIGHTING CITY HALL ........ 3/4/2003.............G ....... Dark bay/brown............ 268,199 FOLIAGE............................. 3/31/2018 ...........G ....... Bay................................113,658 FORTE DEI MARMI (GB).... 3/30/2006...........G ....... Dark bay/brown......... 1,054,061 GAME ON DUDE ................ 4/26/2007...........G ....... Dark bay/brown......... 6,498,893 GET WESTERN .................. 3/22/2015 ...........G ....... Dark bay/brown............ 298,641 GOLD ROUND .................... 4/3/1997.............M ....... Bay................................. 82,340 GOTTAGOALLDAY.............. 5/22/1996...........G ....... Dark bay/brown.............. 12,485 GREEN MASK..................... 5/8/2011 .............G ....... Dark bay/brown......... 1,064,761 GROUNDSHAKER.............. 2/14/2011............M ....... Bay................................... 1,000 HAIR OF THE CAT .............. 3/7/2016 .............G ....... Chestnut .......................... 9,765 HALLUCINOGIN.................. 5/25/1997...........G ....... Bay................................162,144 HE LOVES ME NOT............ 3/26/2003...........G ....... Bay............................... 198,888 HI DUBAI............................. 2/6/2000.............M ....... Chestnut .......................187,465 IDE....................................... 5/5/1993.............H ....... Chestnut ...................... 363,780 IMPRIMIS ............................ 02/09/14.............G ....... Dark bay/brown............ 883,483 INTERWIN (AUS) ................ 2/11/1998 ...........G ....... Chestnut ................................. 0 INTIDAB............................... 3/10/1993 ...........H ....... Dark bay/brown............ 531,221 IVAN FALLUNOVALOT........ 3/31/2010 ...........G ....... Bay.............................1,010,903 JACK A ROSE ..................... 4/18/2018 ...........G ....... Bay..................................87,430 JAVERRE ............................ 2/6/2009.............G ....... Dark bay/brown............ 490,081 JOEY P................................ 3/22/2002...........G ....... Dark bay/brown......... 1,081,167 JOHANNESBOURBON....... 1/25/2009...........G ....... Bay................................. 68,053 JOHANNESBURG SMILE... 2/6/2007.............H ....... Bay............................... 555,417 KALAMOS........................... 3/5/2009.............G ....... Bay............................... 253,641 KAYRAWAN......................... 3/26/1992...........H ....... Bay............................... 186,682 KHARAFA............................ 3/7/2009.............G ....... Bay.......................... $1,238,622 KING KREESA .................... 5/26/2018 ...........G ....... Dark bay/brown......... 1,431,654 LAST JUDGMENT............... 3/30/2016 ...........G ....... Bay............................... 550,465 LAVA MAN........................... 3/20/2001 ...........G ....... Dark bay/brown......... 5,268,706 LION HUNTER .................... 5/4/2009.............G ....... Bay.......................................... 0 LITTLE MIKE....................... 5/24/2007...........G ....... Bay............................ 3,543,392 LOGANSPORT.................... 3/25/2001 ...........G ....... Chestnut ........................ 40,272 LOU BRISSIE...................... 3/25/2008...........G ....... Chestnut .......................176,217 LUBASH .............................. 2/24/2007...........G ....... Bay.............................1,515,139 MAGIC WEISNER ............... 5/3/1999.............G ....... Bay............................... 888,930 MARSHALL ROOSTER (GB) 5/29/1999...........G ....... Gray/roan..................... 205,881 MAYBESOMAYBENOT ....... 1/27/2008...........G ....... Bay............................... 155,738 MIKETHESPIKE.................. 3/11/2000 ...........G ....... Gray/roan....................... 85,301 MIKE MAN’S GOLD ............ 2/10/2010 ...........G ....... Dark bay/brown............ 360,427 MILWAUKEE BREW............ 1/31/1997...........H ....... Bay............................ 2,879,612 MISS DU BOIS.................... 4/23/1994...........M ....... Chestnut ........................ 25,535 MISS HOOLIGAN................ 4/11/2005 ...........M ....... Dark bay/brown................ 2,325 MISSZOEY BELLE.............. 3/20/2005...........M ....... Bay................................. 70,075 MORIAH .............................. 4/13/2002...........M ....... Gray/roan........................62,018 MR. JORDAN....................... 2/16/2012 ...........G ....... Gray/roan..................... 860,615 NANA’S HOPE..................... 1/14/2003...........G ....... Chestnut ...................... 161,671 NEXT SHARES ................... 4/15/2013 ...........G ....... Dark bay/brown......... 1,891,971 NICANOR ............................ 3/15/2006...........G ....... Bay................................147,697 NOBIZ LIKE SHOBIZ .......... 1/19/2004...........H ....... Bay............................ 1,544,730 NOBLE INDY....................... 3/31/2015 ...........G ....... Dark bay/brown............ 896,247 OFFERING PLAN................ 5/15/2012 ...........G ....... Dark bay/brown............ 891,573 OLD MEXICO...................... 5/13/2012 ...........G ....... Bay............................... 103,225 OWN AGENDA.................... 4/24/2015 ...........G ....... Dark bay/brown............ 270,513 PADDY O’PRODIGY............ 2/23/2013 ...........G ....... Bay................................... 2,472 PATCH ................................. 3/18/2014 ...........G ....... Bay............................... 532,450 PERSIE ............................... 4/24/2013 ...........G ....... Dark bay/brown............ 280,727 PHOTON ............................. 4/30/2009...........G ....... Dark bay/brown.............. 54,527 POLLARD’S VISION............ 1/31/2001 ...........H ....... Dark bay/brown..........1,430,311 POSHSKY ........................... 5/10/2010 ...........G ....... Bay............................... 823,383 PRIVATE CHARM................ 4/1/2002.............M ....... Gray/roan........................27,120 QUINDICI MAN ................... 5/16/2006...........G ....... Gray/roan..................... 536,666 RACKETEER....................... 3/5/2003.............G ....... Bay................................412,190 RAIL TRIP............................ 01/31/05 .............G ....... Bay............................ 1,516,520 RAPID REDUX.................... 02/24/06.............G ....... Chestnut ...................... 361,369 RATED R SUPERSTAR....... 04/20/13.............G ....... Chestnut ....................1,847,397 RATHOR (IRE) .................... 05/13/02.............G ....... Dark bay/brown............ 331,979 RED KNIGHT ...................... 03/26/14.............G ....... Chestnut ................... 1,886,338 RING WEEKEND................. 4/27/2011 ...........G ....... Chestnut ................... 1,571,576 RIVA WAY............................ 4/24/1998...........G ....... Chestnut .......................109,915 ROCKETRY......................... 4/10/2014 ...........G ....... Bay................................811,577 ROMANCE IS DIANE.......... 3/18/2004...........M ....... Dark bay/brown.............712,718 ROYALIAN ........................... 3/29/2017 ...........G ....... Chestnut ........................ 26,773 RULER ON ICE................... 4/2/2008.............G ....... Chestnut ................... 1,709,566 SAINT ALOYSIUS................ 5/11/2013............G ....... Dark bay/brown................... 338 SARBONNE ........................ 4/19/2007...........G ....... Bay..................................27,639 SAUDI POETRY .................. 1/27/1997...........M ....... Chestnut ...................... 596,972 SAY THE WORD.................. 2/8/2015 .............G ....... Dark bay/brown............ 861,792 SEAN AVERY ...................... 3/8/2006.............G ....... Bay............................... 398,640 SEEK GOLD........................ 4/2/2000.............G ....... Bay............................... 902,636 SETNA THE WISE .............. 4/12/2019 ...........G ....... Gray/roan....................... 72,630 SHADOW CAST .................. 3/20/2001 ...........M ....... Chestnut ...................... 923,751 SHARP SAMURAI............... 3/9/2014 .............G ....... Bay.............................1,111,270 SHEPHERD’S DELIGHT..... 4/26/2020...........G ....... Bay.......................................... 0 SIGNALMAN ....................... 3/21/2016 ...........G ....... Bayu............................. 676,585 SILENCED........................... 4/19/2016 ...........G ....... Dark bay/brown.............. 85,651 SILVER CHARM.................. 2/22/1994...........H ....... Gray/roan.................. 6,944,369 SILVER MAX ....................... 3/8/2009.............H ....... Bay............................ 1,954,738 SKIP’S WORLD................... 3/19/2010 ...........H ....... Gray ............................... 78,435 SMOKEY GLACKEN ........... 3/29/2001 ...........M ....... Bay............................... 656,960 SMOOTH AIR ...................... 3/12/2005...........H ....... Bay............................. 1,117,200 SOI PHET............................ 4/18/2008...........G ....... Dark bay.................... 1,023,917 SOKITUMI SAMURAI.......... 3/31/2009...........G ....... Bay............................... 260,222 SPECIAL RING ................... 3/9/1997.............G ....... Bay............................... 915,023 HORSE BIRTHDATE SEX COLOR EARNINGS

PAGE 44 Old Friends DAILY RACING FORM SPENSIVE........................... 4/25/2000...........H ....... Gray/roan................... $313,557 SPOOKY CHANNEL ........... 3/28/2015 ...........G ....... Chestnut ................... 1,380,142 STORMY LIBERAL.............. 4/12/2012 ...........G ....... Bay............................ 2,212,580 SUMMER ATTRACTION ..... 5/26/1995...........G ....... Bay................................. 28,214 TACKLE ELIGIBLE.............. 4/9/1995.............G ....... Chestnut ........................ 20,504 THE PIZZA MAN ................. 3/25/2009...........G ....... Bay............................ 2,158,941 TIMOTHY JAMES................ 2012 ...................G ....... Dark bay/brown....................... 0 TOUCH GOLD..................... 5/26/1994...........H ....... Bay............................ 1,679,907 TRICKY HAT........................ 3/10/2009...........g ........ Dark bay/brown............ 282,877 TUNEINTOBOW.................. 3/21/2011 ...........G ....... Gray/roan....................... 79,200 UNACCOUNTABLE............. 3/15/2005...........G ....... Dark bay/brown............ 298,860 US RANGER ....................... 4/22/2004...........H ....... Bay............................... 481,775 V.E. DAY............................... 4/21/2011 ...........H ....... Chestnut ...................... 144,061 WALLY BALLOU.................. 6/6/1998.............G ....... Bay............................... 144,520 WEEKEND HIDEAWAY....... 3/18/2010 ...........G ....... Chestnut ................... 1,144,922 WELDER ............................. 2/19/2013 ...........G ....... Gray/roan.................. 1,263,359 WET YOUR WHISTLE........ 3/28/2015 ...........G ....... Dark bay/brown............ 590,653 WICKED SORCERESS....... 5/31/2003...........M ....... Chestnut ........................ 79,423 WINDY LAND ...................... 1999...................G ....... Chestnut ................................. 0 WOOD ART ......................... 2/5/2004.............M ....... Bay............................... 241,938 ZULU ALPHA....................... 2/8/2013 .............G ....... Dark bay/brown......... 2,269,084 OLD FRIENDS ASHTON GROVE FARM AND MARI HULMAN GEORGE ANNEX HORSE BIRTHDATE SEX COLOR EARNINGS DEEPLY UNDERVALUED ... 5/4/2013 .............G ....... Bay..............................$216,412 DIVERSIFY.......................... 2/1/2013 .............G ....... Bay............................ 2,990,270 DIXIELAND SQUALL........... 4/2/2003.............M ....... Chestnut ......................... 32510 DONERAILE COURT.......... 2/4/1996.............H ....... Dark bay/brown............ 361,410 IDEAL IMAGE...................... 05/08/98.............M ....... Chestnut ........................ 15,900 JIMBO FALLON................... 4/26/2012 ...........G ....... Gray/roan....................... 99,187 JOKING ............................... 4/18/2009...........G ....... Bay............................... 846,138 OUR GOLDISOX................. 2/5/2019 .............M ....... Chestnut ................................. 0 PODCAST ........................... 3/28/2013 ...........M ....... Bay............................... $81,835 RIGHT TO VOTE ................. 2/23/2009...........G ....... Dark bay/brown............ 516,249 ROYAL POSSE.................... 3/22/2011 ...........G ....... Bay.............................1,037,560 RUMOR HAS IT................... 5/1/2001 .............G ....... Dark bay/brown............ 303,316 SOLDAT............................... 4/19/2008...........H ....... Dark bay/brown............ 622,760 STARSPANGLED HEAT ...... 11/22/2008 .........G ....... Chestnut ...................... 476,685 STUBBINS........................... 2/11/2016............G ....... Bay............................... 562,051 WAKE FOREST................... 5/6/2010 .............G ....... Bay................................951,745 WAR STORY ....................... 3/25/2012 ...........G ....... Chestnut ................... 3,271,996 WITH THIS RING ................ 4/6/1993.............M ....... Chestnut .......................... 2,530 THANK YOU MICHAEL BLOWEN & OLD FRIENDS For allowing our race day stars the good life. We love you Exulting & Zulu Alpha. - Michael & Paige Hui Zulu Alpha at Old Friends Zulu Alpha While Racing Exulting at Old Friends Exulting While Racing In Memory of Darren Bryant and “Pop” Garland Bryant

DAILY RACING FORM Old Friends PAGE 45 PEDIGREE: 2009, b., h., by Bernardini— Munnaya, by Nijinsky II EARNED: $1,815,667 STAKES WON: Travers S. (G1), Woodward S. (G1), Jim Dandy S. (G2), Withers S. (G3), Count Fleet S. THREE WORDS: Jim Dandy – Travers – Omega HORSE TALK MICHAEL BANAHAN, DIRECTOR OF BLOODSTOCK, GODOLPHIN USA While Alpha was small in stature, he was big in heart. He was a Saratoga specialist, winning multiple graded races there during his career. He became the second Travers winner for our stable, with his sire, Bernardini, being the first. But it’s also special being able to facilitate his return to Kentucky and Old Friends. We appreciate all that Michael and his team do to care for these retired Thoroughbreds and hope that visitors to Old Friends will enjoy seeing him there for years to come. Alpha In his prime, Alpha was an invaluable member of the stable for his owner-breeder. By a champion, out of a stakes-winning multiple stakes producer by Nijinsky II, Alpha hailed from a family packed with quality black type. Darley must have had the American classics in mind while planning the 2008 mating of Bernardini and Munnaya that produced him. He arrived on March 11, 2009, in a compact but elegant physical package to match his royal lineage. For Godolphin and trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, the attractive bay colt displayed promise enough at 2 to earn a top-25 ranking on the Experimental Free Handicap. But the spring classic dreams of his owner didn’t quite pan out. In the 2012 Kentucky Derby, Alpha broke poorly and ran six wide before finishing 12th behind winner I’ll Have Another. Redemption came with a vengeance that summer, when he scored back-to-back victories in Saratoga’s Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes and Grade 1 Travers Stakes, the latter in a dead heat with Golden Ticket, representing the midsummer classic’s first dead heat since 1874. At 4, Alpha scored a front-running victory in the Grade 1 Woodward at his favorite track – Saratoga – and retired late the following year with earnings approaching $2 million. The multiple Grade 1 winner was sent to Sequel Stallions in New York, where he would eventually sire a trio of statebred stakes winners. Exported to Brazil in 2019, his best there was the 2023 Group 1 Brazilian Derby winner Cold Heart. Pensioned from stud duty in Brazil after the 2023 breeding season, arrangements were made to send the then-14-year-old stallion to Old Friends, where he arrived on Dec. 8, 2003. – MARY SIMON Michael says: For those needing good news in racing, Alpha is at the top. When his stallion career was completed in Brazil, Dan Pride of Darley America and Godolphin called and said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum wanted to bring him back to a good home and thought Old Friends would be a suitable spot. We were overjoyed. Alpha got an all-expenses paid return trip and, after a series of quality checks at Darley, was delivered to us with a sizable endowment. He’s big, bossy, and willful, and his many fans adore him. Barbara D. Livingston

PAGE 46 Old Friends DAILY RACING FORM PEDIGREE: 2004, b., h., by Distorted Humor—Weekend in Indy, by A.P. Indy EARNINGS: $1,083,533 STAKES WON: Haskell Invitational S. (G1), Brooklyn H. (G2), Dwyer S. (G2), Sam F. Davis S. THREE WORDS: Worldly – Stunning – Secure HORSE TALK JUN PARK, BLOODSTOCK AGENT, KOREAN THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION I was so excited to see him at the stall at the clinic (Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital). I mean, he went to Korea a long time ago, and he came back here and it’s good to see him back. (Michael) has been (doing an) excellent job since he founded the farm. The horses are happy out there, (and) racing fans are still able to see the horses. And that’s great. Any Given Saturday Any Given Saturday was an extraordinary racehorse in 2007, and he was bred to be so. One of more than 180 stakes winners by Distorted Humor and out of a stakes-producing A.P. Indy mare, he was bought as a yearling by WinStar Farm for $1.1 million at the Keeneland September sale. The handsome bay eventually won 6 of 11 starts for trainer Todd Pletcher and banked $1,083,533. He was his best at 3, finishing third to Nobiz Like Shobiz (another Old Friends pensioner) in the Grade 1 Wood Memorial Stakes before a dull eighth-place effort in the Kentucky Derby. But during the 10-week period between July 4 and Sept. 22, Any Given Saturday caught fire, capturing three major stakes in emphatic fashion. In the Grade 2 Dwyer Stakes at Belmont Park, he turned the tables on Nobiz Like Shobiz to win by four lengths; a month later, he took the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park over Hard Spun and champion Curlin; and finally, he ran off with the historic Grade 2 Brooklyn Handicap at Belmont in September. Any Given Saturday retired in 2008 to Jonabell near Lexington, at a $40,000 fee, and shuttled from Kentucky to Australia before landing in Pennsylvania for 2014. Though he was siring some decent runners, the decision was made to sell him to Korean interests. Of course, the best of Any Given Saturday’s 27 stakes winners hit the track following his exportation, in the form of Hoppertunity, a Grade 1 winner of $4.7 million, and 2015 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint victor Mongolian Saturday. After nine South Korean seasons, Any Given Saturday was happily repatriated to the United States, arriving at Old Friends on March 6, 2023. – MARY SIMON Michael says: Anyone who was privileged enough to see Any Given Saturday’s overwhelming victory in the 2007 Grade 1 Haskell had to be impressed. Ridden by Garrett Gomez and trained by Todd Pletcher, the great son of Distorted Humor and Weekend in Indy, obliterated Hard Spun and Curlin. A few days later, owners WinStar and Satish Sanan sold him to Godolphin. His career as a stallion ended up in Korea. When that was finished in 2022, we contacted Jun Park, the American representative of the Korea Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, and he arranged for Any Given Saturday to return to the United States and to Old Friends. Late in 2023, his Korean caretakers came to visit him, and everyone seemed very happy. Especially me. Barbara D. Livingston

DAILY RACING FORM Old Friends PAGE 47 PEDIGREE: 2001, b., h., by Grindstone— Dear Birdie, by Storm Bird EARNED: $1,575,600 STAKES WON: Belmont S. (G1), Travers S. (G1), Champagne S. (G1) THREE WORDS: Marylou – And – John HORSE TALK MICHAEL BLOWEN Like everyone else in America, I was desperately hoping that Smarty Jones would win the 2004 Belmont to win the Triple Crown. Additionally, Stewart Elliott, his jockey, came up, like I did, through the claiming ranks at Suffolk Downs. But it wasn’t to be. A son of Grindstone came hurtling down the long Belmont stretch, passing Smarty and sucking every last bit of air from the Belmont grandstand. His owner, the eternally classy Marylou Whitney, was apologetic in the post-winner’s circle interview. But she had nothing to be sorry about. Birdstone would go on to win the Travers, confirming his competitive greatness. After he was winding down his post-racing career, I started to make inquiries about possibly retiring him to Old Friends. I even had the audacity to drop a subtle hint to John Hendrickson and Mrs. Whitney the last time I saw them at an event at the Hall of Fame. Enter the Passarellos. Jon and Bev are longtime breeders with strong connections to Gainesway and Neil Howard. When I inquired about Birdstone’s diminishing stallion career, Bev went to work, extolling, or should I say exaggerating, all of the virtues of retiring a stallion to Old Friends. Buoyed by her gritty enthusiasm, I sent a note to Mr. Hendrickson. Within a few months, Birdstone arrived at Old Friends. A few weeks after his arrival, we were contacted by a very nice woman from Cady Hill, the estate in Saratoga Springs. She explained how happy John Hendrickson was with his decision to send Birdstone to Old Friends. He couldn’t be as happy as we are to have Birdstone. And, to make it even better, he’s our vet’s – Dr. Bryan Waldridge – favorite horse and he is supported by a very generous stipend. He may even help us get Smarty here for a rematch. Birdstone In the spring of 2004, a plain bay colt with not a white hair on him became the horse America loved to hate. Barely 15 hands and 900 pounds at the time, the late Marylou Whitney’s homebred Birdstone shocked a roaring crowd into silence when, at 36-1, he ran down heavily favored Smarty Jones in the Belmont Stakes to deny him a Triple Crown sweep. Moments later in the winner’s circle, trainer Nick Zito and jockey Edgar Prado found themselves in an unusual place – apologizing for their victory and ending Smarty’s bid for destiny. Despite that moment of infamy, Birdstone was a good one in every sense. The son of 1996 Kentucky Derby winner Grindstone and future Broodmare of the Year Dear Birdie snagged the 2003 Champagne Stakes (G1) and 2004 Travers (G1) in additional to that memorable Belmont, and banked $1,575,600 before a bone chip stopped him after his ninth start. At Gainesway Farm in Lexington, Ky., Birdstone’s initial $10,000 fee looked like an absolute steal when his first crop reached the races and included 2009 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mine That Bird, 2009 Eclipse Award 3-year-old male champion and Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird, and three additional North American graded stakes winners. Birdstone never replicated that gangbuster debut crop but became a useful sire whose offspring have since earned some $30 million. The sweet-natured stallion was pensioned to Old Friends in August of 2020. – MARY SIMON Michael says: We are so grateful to John Hendrickson for allowing Old Friends to care for Birdstone in his post-breeding career. He’s a living tribute to Marylou Whitney, and we plan to carry on her great contributions to the aftercare of both humans and horses. Birdstone had a great life at Gainesway, and we plan to continue that tradition at Old Friends. Barbara D. Livingston

PAGE 48 Old Friends DAILY RACING FORM PEDIGREE: 2014, ch. g., by English Channel—In Return, by Horse Chestnut (SAf) EARNED: $3,915,983 STAKES WON: Joe Hirsch Turf Classic S. (G1) twice, Man o’ War S. (G1), Sword Dancer S. (G1), Elkhorn S. (G2), Bowling Green S. (G2) twice, Grand Couturier S., Breeders’ S., Vandal S. MILESTONES: Sovereign Award champion 3-year-old male, Eclipse Award champion turf male THREE WORDS: Regal – Confident – Spirited HORSE TALK ADAM WACHTEL, OWNER In September of 2016, I was watching the Grade 2 Summer Stakes at Woodbine. Trainer Bill Mott had a 2-yearold in the race that I thought might be special named Good Samaritan, who won the race impressively. I also noticed an interesting horse in the race named Channel Maker. He finished third. A few days later, Len Friedman of Ragozin told me I should check into Channel Maker, in that he had run a very fast race for a 2-year-old and that he was from a very nice family. I was already a big fan of English Channel as a sire. I called up my close friend and often horse partner Gary Barber, and we decided to try and buy this horse. Who would ever have assumed that seven years later this amazing gelding would have earned nearly $4 million, won four Grade 1s, finished third in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, and won an Eclipse Award? In eight years of racing, he never sustained a major injury and never missed a scheduled race while traveling all over North America, as well as to Dubai and Saudi Arabia. During his 4-year-old campaign, Dean Reeves and Randy Hill joined Gary and I as owners. At age 9, he won yet another Grade 2 race at Saratoga, and he retired at year-end. Our ownership group had the privilege of owning one truly special horse. Channel Maker, enjoy your retirement at Old Friends. Channel Maker “Turf specialist extraordinaire” describes Channel Maker perfectly. The Canadian-bred ended a long career in 2023 with earnings $3.9 million – every penny of it on grass. The brother to 2018 Sovereign Awards finalist Johnny Bear retired as the leading money winner of another turf overachiever, English Channel. For years, Channel Maker enchanted fans with his tenacious, pacesetting style, running with his head high in the clouds – “like a giraffe,” part-owner Adam Wachtel once said. After failing to meet his yearling reserve at $57,000, the chestnut gelding would get the last laugh, winning in the best company from ages 2 to 9, from 6 1/2 to 12 furlongs. He could do pretty much anything ... on grass. Victories in two Grade 1 stakes earned him the 2020 Eclipse Award as America’s champion grass male. Through an eight-season career, Channel Maker took more shots at the Breeders’ Cup than any horse ever had – six – and though he failed to win one, his résumé was still heavy with Grade 1 victories. He was also voted champion at 3 in Canada. Late in 2023, the decision was made by his owners and trainer Bill Mott to retire their very special gelding to Old Friends while still sound and competitive. “What horse competes at the highest level from 2 to 9?” Wachtel asked. “I’ve never seen anything like him. He’s been the horse of a lifetime.” – MARY SIMON Michael says: I know, for some in racing, winning the Kentucky Derby or the Breeders’ Cup Classic is the ultimate. We’ve all seen ecstatic owners jumping for joy in the winner’s circle on the first Saturday in May. And they should. But, for me, the thrill is different. And it happens every day. In October 2023, I watched Channel Maker and Red Knight, two veteran campaigners who could run all day on the grass, finish up the track in the Sycamore Stakes at Keeneland. I had followed their careers for years, marveling at their determination and durability. Like so many others, I was a huge fan of Channel Maker, who earned nearly $4 million and competed year after year at Saratoga. I even cashed a few tickets on him. Just after dawn, on the last day of November, I sat in my golf cart watching these two extraordinary athletes sharing a bale of alfalfa/timothy mix. Like Redford and Newman sharing a Bud, they looked as if they didn’t have a care in the world. And neither did I. Barbara D. Livingston