BY BROCK SHERIDAN
Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, Ky., announced that on Saturday, Dec. 1 from noon to 2 p.m., they will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Florida-bred Silver Charm’s arrival at the farm.
The farm will offer cake, coffee, hot chocolate and cider, giving fans a chance to say Happy Anniversary to Silver Charm, who at age 30, is the oldest living winner of the Kentucky Derby (Grade 1).
Established in 2003 by former Boston Globe film critic Michael Blowen, Old Friends began with a leased paddock and one horse. The farm has now grown to 236 acres with three satellite locations and a herd of more than 250 retired racehorses and stallions, including Florida-breds Little Mike and Noble Drama. The farm is open daily, promoting Thoroughbred aftercare through tourism and education.
“It’s now been more than twenty years since Michael Blowen’s dream chase began,” Old Friends CEO and President John Nicholson said. “Since then, Old Friends has experienced countless joyful moments and milestones. None were more meaningful or historically significant than the arrival of Silver Charm a decade ago. By becoming our number one equine ambassador, Silver Charm has played a key role in the remarkable success of Old Friends and all it does for the great cause of Thoroughbred Aftercare. It is more than appropriate that we celebrate this special occasion.”
Silver Charm won the 1997 Kentucky Derby and Preakness (G1) but missed his bid to become a Triple Crown winner when second to Touch Gold, also a current resident at Old Friends, in the Belmont Stakes (G1). Through the next two years, Silver Charm won seven more graded stakes, including the 1998 Dubai World Cup (G1) at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse in Dubai, before retiring with 12 wins, seven seconds and two thirds from 24 starts. His $6.9 million in career earnings rank him second behind only Skip Away ($9.6 million) among all-time leading Florida-bred money earners.
Owned during his racing career by Robert and Beverly Lewis, Silver Charm was the first Kentucky Derby winner for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert. He was bred in Florida by Mary Lou Wootton.
