GEORGETOWN, KY. – April 28, 2023 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement facility in Georgetown, Ky., sadly announced today the passing of Disturbingthepeace, a two-time winner of the Pat O’Brian Stakes and earner of over $650,000, due to complications from colic. He was 25.

Disturbingthepeace, who is by Bold Badgett-Regal Riot, by Sovereign Dancer, was a beautiful, bay gelding bred by Old English Rancho and Patsy McKuen. He was foaled in California on March 29, 1998.

He scored his first win as a 3-year old in his fourth time out on the track in a maiden special weight race at Del Mar on Aug. 27, 2001 under the care of trainer Darrell Vienna, and owner David and Rita Milch.

He made his mark on the sport as a 4-year old in 2002 when he won six straight races, three of them Grade 2 stakes. The win streak began with wins in two allowance races at Santa Anita, and one allowance optional claiming race at Hollywood Park.

Then, still under the care of the same trainer and owner, Disturbingthepeace won the Triple Bend Breeders’ Cup Invitational Handicap (G2), the Bing Crosby Breeders’ Cup Handicap (G2), and the Pat O’Brien Handicap (G2). All three races were at Del Mar.

He closed out his year with a seventh-place finish in the NAPA Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) at Arlington. In that race, David and Rita Milch were still the owners, along with newcomers Herrick Racing.

In 2003, as a 5-year old, Disturbingthepeace came back strong and won his second consecutive Pat O’Brien Handicap (G2), and in the process, he finished ahead of future Old Friends retiree, Danthebluegrassman.

In 2004, as a 6-year old, he ran in only two races, both at Del Mar, and finished ninth in the Bing Crosby Breeders’ Cup Handicap (G1) and fourth in an allowance optional claiming race. Following that race he was retired.

Disturbingthepeace closed out his race career with eight wins, four seconds, four thirds, and $666,020 in earnings in 24 career starts.

Thanks to his owners, Disturbingthepeace was retired to Old Friends and arrived on Jan. 12, 2013 and enjoyed 10 years at the farm.

“Disturbingthepeace had a nice race career,” said Old Friends Founder and President, Michael Blowen. “He was completely, and inappropriately, named because he never disturbed anyone. He was the gentlest, quietest, most independent horse we ever had. He will be missed.”