GEORGETOWN, KY. – July 9, 2023 – Old Friends’ Belmont Stakes winners, Sarava and Birdstone, are pleased and honored to host a retirement celebration for their Hall of Fame jockey Edgar Prado.
When: Saturday, July 15, 2023 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. It will be held rain or shine.
Where: Old Friends Dream Chase Farm, 1841 Paynes Depot Rd., Georgetown, Ky.
Admission: Free. Interested attendees must RSVP to: barbara@oldfriendsequine.org
Prado, 56, who announced his retirement via a tweet on June 20, rode Old Friends resident stallions Sarava and Birdstone to Belmont Stakes victories in 2002 and 2004, respectively. He has been a longtime supporter of the farm and its mission of Thoroughbred aftercare.
Prado looks back on a prestigious 37-year career. After relocating from his native Peru to the United States in 1986, he began riding first in Florida and then in Massachusetts and Maryland, where he became the leading rider in that state in 1991-1993, and 1997-1999.
He got his big break in 1999 when an accident sidelined jockey Richard Migliore and trainer John Kimmel offered Prado his mounts.
His career highlights include the 2006 Kentucky Derby aboard Barbaro, the two Belmont Stakes riding Sarava and Birdstone, and five Breeders’ Cup victories, including the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Sprint aboard Runhappy.
He has been awarded numerous accolades, including the 2006 Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey, the 2006 Mike Venezia Memorial Award, and the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award in 2003.
Prado leaves the sport as the eighth winningest jockey in the sport’s history with a record of 7,119 wins, 6,245 seconds, 5,490 thirds, and over $272 million in purse earnings in 39,725 career starts.
He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2008.
“It’s an honor to be present at Old Friends,” said Prado. “They really take care of the horses after their careers, giving them the best life possible every single day. I’m very proud to be part of that organization.
“It’s an honor for me, also, to share this celebration with my buddies, Birdstone and Sarava,” Prado added. “I’m very excited to see them again. I wish them a good, long life. I know they are in a very beautiful place, surrounded by beautiful people who really care about the horses.”
Michael Blowen, President and founder of Old Friends, has known Prado for a long time and is looking forward to holding the event in honor of his friend.
“Edgar Prado has exuded class and integrity ever since I first met him at Suffolk Downs in the mid-80s,” Blowen said. “When he decided to retire sound, I thought it’d be a lot of fun to share his decision with his Belmont buddies Sarava and Birdstone. Like all of his other fans, I can’t wait to see him.”
Celebration Highlights
* Meet jockey Edgar Prado
* Add your name to a book of well wishes
* Edgar Prado collector card giveaway
* Lite lunch and beverages
* Trivia contest
* Items available for purchase:
– Sarava and Birdstone bookmarks: package of 2, $10 each.
– Sarava and Birdstone cards: package of 2, $10 each
* Old Friends Edgar Prado Commemorative T-Shirt Fundraiser
Limited Number Available
To purchase a T-Shirt, click here
or go to the following URL:
https://www.customink.com/fundraising/edgarprado
The celebration is free and open to the public.
Please RSVP to: barbara@oldfriendsequine.org
###
Photo of Edgar Prado courtesy of Anne Eberhardt.
