Michael Blowen, founder of Old Friends, spends his days at the Kentucky retirement farm, caring for former racehorses such as Silver Charm, the 1997 Kentucky Derby champion. Champions and lovable losers alike retire at the 236-acre farm, giving them a chance to live in the shadows of their former glory. Visitors have the opportunity to take guided tours of the facility and interact with famous residents like Silver Charm and I’ll Have Another, the 2012 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner.
Old Friends was founded in 2003 by Blowen, who was motivated to provide a dignified retirement for racehorses after the news of 1986 Derby winner Ferdinand’s death in a slaughterhouse in Japan. Today, about 250 former racehorses call Old Friends home, receiving care and attention in their golden years. Silver Charm, now 30 years old, is a beloved ambassador for the farm, symbolizing the care that thoroughbreds deserve long after finishing their racing careers.
Former Derby winners like Silver Charm often go on to have stud careers in the hopes of preserving their legacy and earning profit. After an impressive racing career that included wins at the Derby, Preakness, and Dubai World Cup, Silver Charm spent time in Japan before finding a home at Old Friends. Other former champions and competitors, like Touch Gold and Swain, also resided at the farm. Silver Charm’s presence at Old Friends serves as a reminder of the importance of giving back to the animals that have given so much to the industry.
Old Friends relies on donations to cover its annual operating expenses, which reach millions of dollars. The farm accepts any thoroughbred that an owner wishes to retire there, with a focus on horses deemed at “great risk” and stallions being returned from overseas. Silver Charm’s role as an ambassador for former racehorses highlights the importance of providing a comfortable retirement for these majestic animals. Visitors like Susan Hale are moved by the opportunity to see Silver Charm up close, stirring memories of past races and creating a lasting connection to the retired champion.
For Blowen, Silver Charm’s presence at Old Friends is a daily reminder of the beauty and majesty of these retired racehorses. The bond between Blowen and Silver Charm is palpable, as the founder steps out his back door to visit his favorite horse on a regular basis. Silver Charm, with his relaxed daily routine and occasional bursts of energy, embodies the spirit of Old Friends and the mission of providing a loving and caring environment for retired racehorses. Through his interactions with visitors and his fellow residents, Silver Charm continues to inspire and bring joy to all who encounter him at Old Friends.
