Old Friends has announced it will be closing its satellite division based at Kentucky Downs in Franklin at the end of July. The division is home to seven Old Friends retirees, including Canadian Horse of the Year Thornfield, Kentucky Turf S. winner Rumor Has It, and Grade II winner Ball Four. It has been open to the public since June of 2015, and tours were scheduled and conducted by staff at the Simpson County Tourism office. The horses will be returned to Old Friends's Georgetown location and are currently expected to ship July 25.
The collaboration was originally designed by Old Friends president Michael Blowen and former Kentucky Downs President Corey Johnsen to help raise awareness of retired racehorses and to promote local attractions in Simpson County.
“We had a wonderful run, but unfortunately, we did not achieve the level of tourism or growth we had hoped for,” said Blowen. “We felt it was no longer cost effective to remain open.
“We are eternally grateful to Dan Ware and his staff at the Simpson County Tourism Office for the enormous support they supplied this venture, and to our farm manager Jennifer Jones for the impeccable care she provided our horses,” Blowen continued. “The staff at Kentucky Downs has been a very gracious host, and we can't thank them enough for their backing in this project.”
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
