War Story Retired to Old Friends

Multiple graded stakes winner War Story has been retired to Old Friends and has arrived at their Georgetown, Ky., location, the Thoroughbred retirement farm announced Dec. 15.

"I love War Story," said Old Friends's founder and president Michael Blowen. "He always tried. I even loved him as a handicapper because he often filled out my trifectas and superfectas at a nice price. But nothing compares to feeding him mints and carrots every day. He's absolutely adorable."

After a six-year race career, the 8-year-old Northern Afleet gelding has been pensioned by owners Imaginary Stables and Glenn Ellis. His last start came in the Aug. 28 Charles Town Classic Stakes (G2) at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, where he finished eighth.

War Story broke his maiden first time out in November 2014 in a maiden special weight at Churchill Downs. He has earned an 8-7-6 record from 40 starts and earned $3,271,996 with victories in the Brooklyn Invitational Stakes (G2), Monmouth Cup Stakes (G3), and Harlan's Holiday Stakes (G3). He also finished third in this year's Pegasus World Cup Invitatioanl Stakes Presented by Runhappy (G1).

"He is such a special horse," said Ellis. "He could run any distance, he just never gave up, and he could do anything. I'm so happy now because he can just live a happy life and he's earned it."