Old Friends Opening Satellite Facility at Kentucky Downs
Image:
Description:
A little over a month after celebrating Silver Charm's homecoming, Old Friends has announced it is opening a satellite farm at Kentucky Downs. (Photo by Melissa Bauer-Herzog)
Edited press release
On the same day Old Friends took home a special Eclipse award, the organization, located in Georgetown, Ky., and Kentucky Downs in Franklin, Ky., have announced a partnership that will create an Old Friends satellite facility at the historic racecourse.
The horse exhibit, "Old Friends at Kentucky Downs," is expected to launch in May 2015 and will be open to the public for the summer season. It will showcase 10 retired racehorses via public tours coordinated by the Simpson County Tourism Commission. In addition, an adjoining Visitor's Center and an Old Friends gift shop will be housed in a newly renovated structure on the Downs stable area.
The joint venture is expected to help raise awareness of retired racehorses and the need for Thoroughbred aftercare, to increase tourism and to promote local attractions in Simpson County.
Old Friends farm in Georgetown conducts tours daily and attracts nearly 20,000 visitors a year. The farm is home to over 100 of the organizations 150 retirees, and star attractions include Silver Charm, Hall of Fame Champion and winner of the 1997 Kentucky Derby, Game on Dude, three-time winner of the Santa Anita Handicap, Breeders' Cup Champions Gulch and Amazombie and Sarava, winner of the 2002 Belmont Stakes.
"This is going to be great for these retired athletes," said Michael Blowen, Old Friends founder and president. "This exhibit will offer the fans a way to maintain emotional ties to the horses and it will also offer a way to celebrate the history of horse racing in their community."
"It's an honor to work with Michael Blowen and Old Friends," said Corey Johnsen, Kentucky Downs president. "Michael's unbridled enthusiasm for this important cause is contagious, and he has set the tone for responsible racehorse retirement.
"The situation at Kentucky Downs is a 'win-win' situation. We can provide a good home for these wonderful athletes while Old Friends provides the expertise. Ultimately, Kentucky Downs and Simpson County get a great tourist attraction that highlights the state's signature horse industry."