Industry & National

“In the never-ending search for the perfect Thoroughbred, lovers of the sport have settled for ‘old school’ and ‘all-around’ as a form of lofty compromise, and a precious few have come along fill the bill. Round Table could win from seven furlongs on the dirt to 12 furlongs on the grass. Dr. Fager was a […]

“After the recent news of Hall of Fame jockey Edgar Prado’s retirement, racing fans, friends and family gathered on a rainy afternoon at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, Ky., on July 15 to celebrate the native Peruvian’s career and achievements.” Read more at Blood-Horse.

The history of horse racing is filled with rags-to-riches stories of jockeys, trainers, and horses that rise from humble beginnings to achieve success at the highest levels of the sport. Few such stories can compare with that of the remarkable gelding Lava Man, who went from claimer to Hall of Famer to dominate California horse […]

“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 […]

Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement facility in Georgetown, Ky., is happy to announce that the gutsy filly, Bold and Bossy, arrived at the farm on July 20, 2023, to enjoy her retirement. Bred by Richard Snyder and Connie Snyder, Bold and Bossy, who is by Strong Mandate–Happybirthdaybaby, by Successful Appeal, was foaled on May 6, 2019 […]

Proud of its location just 10 miles north of Lexington, in the heart of Kentucky’s horse country, Georgetown holds firmly to its small-town vibes and equestrian ties. In town, locals can visit and help look after more than 240 retired racehorses and breeding stallions at the Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Facility, including past Kentucky Derby and […]

Former movie critic Michael Blowen founded the well-known equine retirement facility 20 years ago just outside Lexington, Kentucky. Old Friends is now home to more than 250 horses in various locations, including a new offshoot in Japan – as he tells Amanda Duckworth Read more at Thoroughbred Racing Commentary.

“We heard through the grapevine that Old Friends was interested in Rated R Superstar when we got ready to retire him. They didn’t put any pressure on us or anything like that. They just said when we’re ready, so when we made that decision, my wife contacted them. And I think it’s a great place […]

“The Scott County community is continuing its work to support the family of fallen Deputy Caleb Conley. Silver Charm, the 1997 Kentucky Derby champion and oldest living winner, had his halter auctioned off for $1,000 by Old Friends Farm in support of the memorial fund to assist Conley’s family.” Read more at Lex18 here. 

Old Friends, which has expanded to 236 acres over its 20-year history doubles as a relaxing retirement home for ex-racehorses and a tourist destination for racing fans. Read more in The Horsemen’s Journal here.