History from Vivien Morrison: Mikethespike may be the luckiest little horse at Old Friends. A son of Anet, out of the Black Tie Affair mare, Black Tie Royalty, he was bred by Donald Dizney and foaled on March 11, 2000 in FL. He showed early promise, breaking his maiden first time out at Tampa Bay Downs. However, after a brief flirtation with stakes company, he hit the claiming ranks, ending up on the Beulah Park – River Downs circuit. In October of 2009, Appygolucky, track record holder at Beulah Park and Old Friends retiree passed away at age 12. His honorary owner, Vivien Morrison asked Michael Blowen if she could work on a fundraising project in his memory to help another hard knocking horse in need. Appy was a feisty little horse with no quit in him who always raced in a bright red bridle. Vivien did not want the King of the Claimers to be forgotten. Michael graciously agreed to the idea. At the same time, another Old Friends resident, Horse of the Year, Black Tie Affair, was fighting a valiant battle against melanoma and debilitating arthritis. His bravery won the hearts of everyone at Old Friends, Michael in particular. Vivien went to Beulah one cold, miserable January day. On the race card was a 10 year old grandson of the courageous Black Tie Affair on his 120th start. Although technically a gray, he already shared the snowy white coat of his grand sire. On his head was a vivid red bridle. Vivien decided that day that Mikethespike was Appy’s ward and in honor of her friend and the great Black Tie, Mikethespike should go to Old Friends. Vivien reached out to a friend at CANTER who helped bring Appy home. She referred her to Gail Hirt, a rescue advocate in Michigan, founder of Beyond the Roses Equine. Gail knew the Pinnacle backstrech well. She made Mikey owner an offer to retire him. Black Tie Affair died in Kentucky the next day. Mikethespike retired with some race related injuries. He had some bone chips and a sesamoid injury. He would need some rehabilitation at Gail’s farm. In the pasture at Mikey’s foster home was a tall, gray OTTB named Ebben Estoora, his sire….Black Tie Affair. Mikey flourished under the care of his foster family. He healed and learned how to be part of the herd..almost. Gail likened his personality to that of an energetic teenager. He bonded with Gail’s turkey hen, Jessica, who would sit on his back as he dozed. In December 2011, Mikethespike arrived at Dream Chase in Kentucky after midnight. Vivien had asked Michael to call no matter what the hour. As Michael tucked him in for the night in the big barn where Black Tie once resided, he said fondly, “He certainly looks very comfortable in his old man’s stall.” A year later, Mikey has made the gelding paddock his own. He leads the herd in gallops across the pasture and has secured his place in the pecking order against such tough competitors as Futural, Affirmed Success and Boule D’Or. He is the benefactor of many friends, past and present. He is one lucky little horse. Share sheet info – click here. Donate to sponsor Mike. Receive a certificate and 8×10 photo