GEORGETOWN, Ky. – March 19, 2025 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement farm in Georgetown, Ky., has announced it is donating $4,380 to benefit Kentucky flood victims in Pike County.
The money was raised in an online auction for halters worn by Kentucky Derby winners, Silver Charm (1997), an Old Friend retiree, and Giacomo (2005).
The Silver Charm halter sold for $3,451 and the Giacomo halter sold for $929.
100% of the proceeds of the sale of both halters will be presented to the East Kentucky Dream Center for emergency flood relief to residents in Pike County, Ky.
Online bidding for the Silver Charm halter was already underway when Dr. Jack Root of Oakhurst Equine in Oregon contacted the farm and generously donated Giacomo’s halter to help.
“Like so many others, Old Friends’ supporters from within the horse industry were deeply disturbed by the suffering caused by the recent floods in Eastern Kentucky, particularly in Pike County,” said John Nicholson, President and CEO of Old Friends. “After a halter worn by 1997 Kentucky Derby winner and Old Friends resident Silver Charm was successfully auctioned, a halter from 2005 Derby winner Giacomo was also donated by Dr. Jack Root to be auctioned for flood victims relief. The resulting financial gift comes from two horses who are members of a small group of living horses who can claim to have won a race synonymous with Kentucky. It is given in hopes that it will ease the burden of some Kentuckians who remain in desperate need.”
The East Kentucky Dream Center is a community center located in Pike County, which is providing emergency flood relief to its residents.
You can also donate directly to EKDC flood relief at:
East Kentucky Dream Center
or go to:
Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund at:
https://secure.kentucky.gov/
Thank you to all who bid!
