Michael Blowen

Diamond Bar, CA:
What's in store for Special Taylor and Pops?

Blowen:
Taylor's Special, winner of 13 stakes races at nine different racetracks and still the record holder of the 6f record at Arlington Park (1:08 in the 1986 I. Murphy Stakes), and Popcorn Deelites, one of the stars of the "Seabiscuit" movie, share adjoining paddocks.

While Taylor is clearly the superior racehorse, Pops is the star of the tour. As we say, he didn't have to be a great racehorse. he just had to pretend to be a great racehorse. Pops shares a paddock with multi-millionaire Special Ring. They are inseparable. Synchronized grazers.

I hope they live long lives so their fans can enjoy them for many years to come. It's a joy to wake up every day and see them both just hanging out.

Montreal, QB:
Hello, Mr. Blowen. Keep up the great work you are doing for these horses. I think you should be in the Racing Hall of Fame. Just wondering how realistic it would be to bring back Brian's Time & Forty Niner from Japan when their stud careers are done?

Blowen:
We are very fortunate that Megumi Igarashi of Narvick International is keeping track of all our American Champions in Japan. Since the devastating news about Ferdinand, we have worked with all the Thoroughbred breeding farms in Japan to transform a tragedy into something positive.

Virtually every farm is supportive of Old Friends. Brian's Time, a son of Roberto as is Sunshine Forever, and Forty Niner would be welcome at Old Friends when their breeding careers are over. Megumi Igarashi knows this, and I'm very confident that they will eventually join Old Friends when they're done breeding. The Japanese farms have been very cooperative with our efforts to bring the Champions home, and we're confident that will continue.

As for the Hall of Fame. that's very flattering, but that's for these great equine athletes. not for me.  I never could run a lick.

Hockessin, DE:
I'm a big fan of Silver Charm; how is his mom Bonnie's Poker doing?

Blowen:
Bonnie is doing great. She's really too fat, but she's teamed up with Narrow Escape and they are inseparable. They share a paddock next to Special Ring and Popcorn ("Seabiscuit") Deelites.

I really love Bonnie. She's like Garbo. ("I vant to be alone"), but she has great carriage and she doesn't suffer fools gladly. We're really grateful to Bill and Kris Jakeman for allowing us to care for this grand dame. Come visit her anytime you like.

Hudsonville, MI:
Michael, thank you so much for providing such a wonderful home for our "old friends." As a long-time fan of racing, I really appreciate it. First, please give Bonnie's Poker a pat for me. Her son, the brilliant Silver Charm, is my favorite racehorse of all time. Second, at the new farm are you going to be establishing a new protocol for touring the facility? We are coming down to Kentucky for the Breeder's Cup and would like to know. Lastly, do you have any suggestions for opening a TB retirement haven up here in Michigan? I have no idea where to start and would appreciate any ideas you might have.

Blowen:
You can visit anytime. We have a permanent home for our retirees just a few minutes from the Kentucky Horse Park. You can call us at 859 846-9995 (my home number) to arrange a tour. We're open seven days a week and there's no charge. All of our retirees (except Bonnie) love visitors.

When you visit for the Breeders' Cup, I'd be glad to spend as much time as you like discussing the establishment of a retirement facility in Michigan. That's a great idea, and I'll do anything I can to help.

Haskin, NJ:
Looking at the photos of you with the horses, you look like one of the happiest people in the world. I love horses, although I have never worked with them. One day I would like to do rescue work, in some capacity, but I know I need to spend more time around horses. How would you suggest getting involved? I am not a young person - - do you think rescue groups would be reluctant to have someone not so young do volunteer work? Or, do other opportunities come to mind? And, just one more question (sorry!!) - - do you find it more difficult to care for stallions than for mares and geldings, and are there any precautions you need to take with the stallions? Thanks for your time, and for all the great work you do. And by the way, Creator looks like one gorgeous horse! As do they all.

Blowen:
When stallions are racing and breeding, they need to be controlled by their human caretakers. They are strong and willful. After they retire, they're the boss and they become easier to deal with. Ruhlmann is a case in point. He was an aggressive stallion when he was first retired to Old Friends by Ann and Jerry Moss. (He's the only retiree at Old Friends who is completely supported by his owners). But he's really settled down because he's the boss. We are just his servants. He is still not a pussycat and precautions must be taken, but he does understand that he's the boss and, as long as we do his bidding, he's fine.

Come and visit Old Friends when you get a chance and a lot of this will be self-evident. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities, and we'd love to take advantage of your generosity.

P.S. Creator is gorgeous but he'll have plenty of competition from our latest residents. Precisionist and Bull Inthe Heather. and I have the best job in the world.

Roswell, GA:
What a wonderful, wonderful service you provide. Do any of the former trainers or jockeys that have been connected with these horses support you in any way? If so, who are some that do? Thank you, from a horse lover.

Blowen:
Great question. Bill Mott, who trained Taylor's Special and Fraise, is very supportive. He sent us a donation. .Jerry and Ann Moss have been very generous. Mr. and Mrs. Amerman are extraordinarily generous, and we don't even have one of their horses. Chris McCarron was at the farm to visit Precisionist just a few hours after he arrived. Madeleine Pickens donated $65,000 to bring Fraise and Ogygian home. Michael Paulson donated Estrapadec and money, and Pat Day is coming to visit Taylor. Angel Cordero, Jr. says he' s coming to see Sunshine Forever. Mr. and Mrs. John Veitch have been to visit Sunshine, and Jack Preston sent a sizeable contribution to support his horse, Special Ring. .Also, jockey Jean Cruguet has been great.

There are some very kind people in horse racing that firmly believe that these great athletes have earned a dignified retirement.

Baltimore, MD:
Not really a question, just a comment: I met Mike about three years ago following the tragic news of Ferdinand and his early quest to establish Old Friends. I have been a huge fan of Mike's ever since! His dedication, kindness and thoughtfulness continues to serve as inspiration for me and I hope everyone supporting the dignified retirement of these wonderful champions.

Blowen:
Thank you so much. You won't believe how much has changed since your last visit. The retirees really appreciate your support. I hope you'll visit again real soon.

Batavia, OH:
Hey. Just a couple of days ago I was at your farm. We were a 4-H group and all really enjoyed the tour there. You guys were so kind and nice, and we loved feeding the guys lots of treats. I wish you guys the best of luck in your new farm and hope you get the three horses you are wanting to get.

Blowen:
What a great group of 4Hers. You are the future of this great sport and I'm so glad you appreciate the accomplishments of these great athletes. Our doors are opened as wide as they can be to provide a home for these wonderful athletes. I hope you'll visit our new place in Georgetown, Kentucky as soon as you can. All the Best, Michael

P.S. Let us know how we can improve the tour.

Tallahassee, FL:
Hello! I just wanted to say thanks for the organization you're helping to run, I haven't been to Old Friends yet, but I love the cause - and I was wondering what horses you are hoping/planning on bringing back home in the future?

Blowen:
Thanks for your kind words. We're currently focused on those stallions who might be ready to come home -- specifically Silver Charm, War Emblem, and Charismatic in Japan and Strike the Gold and Sea Hero in Turkey. We know all their fans would love to see them once their breeding careers are over.

Joppa, MD:
I have always wondered why, if horsemen were serious about providing a dignified retirement for their race horses, a serious pension fund was not set up to provide for them, perhaps a percentage of the betting income or the purses? Do you know if any serious thought has been given to providing for retired horses that goes beyond individual kindness or charity?

Blowen:
It seems obvious. These great Thoroughbreds earned all the money. It only makes sense that they should have a 401K plan or social security system. But they don't. We're working on a plan that would dedicate a small percentage of their earnings to their retirement. I mean, they earned millions; they shouldn't be left penniless. It would also be good public relations if we could show that these horses earned their retirement. After all, without the athletes, where would the sport be? Let me know if you have specific ideas, and we'll work on them together.

Eureka, CA:
I just wanted to tell you what an incredible thing myself and all of us at the Thoroughbredtalk forum think you are doing. Keep up the good work! Also, any news on old champions coming home anytime soon?

Blowen:
It's difficult to predict who might be coming home soon. We're at the ready to supply a home to any returning Thoroughbred champion and our agent, Megumi Igarashi, is always on the lookout.

Howard Beach, NY:
What do you think about the bill in congress aimed at stopping the slaughter of racehorses? Is it getting anywhere? What can the individual do to support this legislation beside writing to his Senator-which doesn't do much some times? Is there a particular group/organization that can help out there?

Blowen:
It's horrible that the United States allows the slaughter of horses for exportation. But that's not the worst of it for racehorses. As my love of horses and horse racing evolved, I spent a lot of time at county fairs. This is the end of the road. If horses can't win here, they can't win anywhere. While spending time there, I saw killer trucks pull up and drag horses off to "riding academies" in distant states (there must be 500 riding academies in some of these areas to meet the demand). It was obvious where they were going. Slaughter is awful, but the trip to the slaughterhouse is often much worse. There should be a national law that no horse can leave a racetrack without a vet certificate stating that the horse is fit to travel. The trip is often more horrible than the destination.

St Louis, MO:
I don't really have a question, I just want you to know that I am passionate about what you are doing and want to help in any way I can. We are moving to Lexington in September, and I hope that I can sponsor a horse and work or volunteer at your Old Friends Farm. How does one go about becoming involved with your efforts?

Blowen:
We love volunteers. Call us as soon as you arrive in Lexington, and we'll suggest many things you can do to help. Thanks so much.

Tallahassee, FL:
I was really excited to see Precisionist was coming to your facilities: How's he doing? He looked great in the Florida weather. I can't imagine how well he must look in Kentucky!

Blowen:
Precisionist was well taken care of in Florida by Dr. Siobhan Ellison. He looked great when he arrived at Old Friends. After a period of adjustment, he's doing great. He acts like what he is. one of the greatest Thoroughbreds who ever lived. He's beautiful, intelligent and fun. Some days I can't believe how lucky I am to look out into his 2 1/2 acre paddock and gaze on his majestic demeanor. He's handsome, and he knows it. Come see him.

Kansas City, MO:
I have an unraced mare -- Dare to Dazzle -- by Stephen Got Even and out of Lady Baronnette (Summer Squall is her sire - 3/4 sister to "Stevie Wonderboy"). She is four years old. I got her through a racehorse adoption place because she was not breeding sound. They removed a granulosa ovarian tumor and found the other ovary was very small and inactive. She had the ovary removed one year ago, and in January of this year, she was determined to be breeding sound. I have her bred to Admiral Indy. I am not into Thoroughbred racing as a breeder, and this is probably a naive question, but what should I do with this mare??

Blowen:
I'm not sure how to answer your question. If you have the best interests of Dare to Dazzle at heart then it might be wise to start thinking about her retirement. If you're not into Thoroughbred racing, why did you breed her to Admiral Indy? What I would advise is to have a notification attached to her racing papers that explicitly states that Old Friends will buy her and retire her at the point when her value drops dangerously low. Until then, I hope she has a safe and productive career. All the Best, Michael.

Marco Island, FL:
The terrible deed done to the great Ferdinand still at times troubles my sleep. What really can be done to prevent such a crime from happening again? Thanks for stopping by and for your excellent work.

Blowen:
We just acquired Ferdinand's greatest son, Bull Inthe Heather. Our relationship with all the farms, particularly in Japan, is excellent. The Japanese breeders were also devastated by Ferdinand's awful death. But they are resolute in making sure it doesn't happen again. And that's where we come in. We've brought back four great Thoroughbreds from Japan. Sunshine Forever, Creator, Ogygian, and Fraise -- all with the cooperation and support of Japanese racing.

Hanover Park, IL:
You have done so much for those special horses, especially bringing back pensioned stallions intact. Which other horses do you want to bring to the farm, the sire of Cigar from Australia, Charismatic, Squirtle Squirt, and so on? And how many acres do you hope to expand the farm to?

Blowen:
Our list of overseas retirees is very long. We have 52 acres at Old Friends at Dream Chase Farm and they're just finishing the installation of our new Varnan waterers. We have one 20-acre field, two barns, and 19 paddocks...and they're nearly filled already. We've just added Hall of Famer Precisionist and Ferdinand's best son, Bull Inthe Heather to our line-up.

To get back to your central question, we have our eyes on the overseas Derby winners...In Japan, Silver Charm, Charismatic and War Emblem...The latter may be our best chance...Silver Charm and Charismatic are very popular among the Japanese breeders. You can see photos of Silver Charm in Japan on the Three Chimneys website...We're also interested in Strike the Gold and Sea Hero from Turkey when their breeding careers are over...Colonial Affair is in Argentina and we'd love to get him back at the appropriate time...

Cedar Rapids, IA:
I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful job you do with Old Friends and how lucky we all are to have you there. What got you involved in such a noble cause? Do you currently watch racing? If so, who are some of your favorite runners?

Blowen:
I'm not sure about the nobility part, but I got involved in horse retirement because I saw plenty of athletes that ran their hearts, lungs, and legs out for people that were being discarded as soon as they went from the asset pile to the liability pile. I'm certain a psychotherapist would see plenty of parallels between their careers and mine.

You are right about the lucky part. I am very, very lucky to be able to sit on the top of the hill at our new permanent facility and see great champions such as Precisionist, Ruhlmann, Creator, Sunshine Forever, Taylor's Special, Ogygian, Fortunate Prospect, Bull Inthe Heather, Special Ring, and all the others...including Popcorn Deelites, one of the horses that played Seabiscuit and my old $4000 claimer, Invigorate. I get goose bumps every day just looking at them and I never get tired of telling the stories of their lives.

I not only watch racing, I try to get to the Keeneland simulcast every Sunday afternoon for the last few races from the East and the first few at Hollywood Park. My favorite runners are invariably sons and daughters or grandsons and granddaughters of our retirees. You can't ever pick up a DRF without seeing a handful of Fortunate Prospect's offspring running...and I do root for the Thoroughbreds owned by the farms and the owners who support us...especially Lane's End, WinStar, John Oxley, Jerry and Ann Moss, Amerman Racing, and Madeleine Pickens...While my handicapping has suffered irreparable harm using this method, my enjoyment of racing has increased many times over...

Owensboro, KY:
As a Kentuckian and racing lover, I think it is great what you are doing for these animals. Do the expensive real-estate prices in the Lexington area make it difficult to expand an operation like yours?

Blowen:
Thank you and, yes. We can only expand at the rate that we receive donations....One of our long term goals is to keep Old Friends at Dream Chase Farm our permanent, boutique tourist farm and establish another location in Kentucky where the land is cheaper so we can retire some of the Thoroughbreds that deserve it but wouldn't be tourist attractions. Got any space in Owensboro?

Kenwood, CA:
Thank you so much for creating a wonderful haven, for our old friends. I read that P.G. Johnson (owner-breeder and Hall of Famer) before he died made sure his big horse (Volponi, Breeders' Cup Classic winner 2002) was standing at a good farm. Recently, I read that Volponi has been sold to a Korean farm. What are his chances of ever returning to the United States? How do we keep track of a horse that is so far from home?

Blowen:
We get the majority of our support from California...Volponi is an interesting case. He was standing at Hopewell Farm with Rick Trontz, one of our most supportive Old Friends, when the syndicate decided to take a generous offer from the KRA. The good news is that we sent a letter along with him reminding the KRA that we'd like to get him home whenever his breeding career is finished...We have a terrific international network, headed by Emmanuel DeSeroux and Megumi Igarashi of Narvick International, that help us keep track of the overseas stallions.

Wilmington, DE:
I have aspirations of running a horse rescue myself sometime in the future. I have been a jockey for 15 years, currently riding at Delaware Park, and feel that I have an obligation to the Thoroughbred racehorse to give something back in appreciation for all that they have given me. My question for you is what advice would you give to someone wanting to start a horse rescue? Where does Old Friends get their funding and do you have many volunteers? Keep up the great work!!

Blowen:
Come visit, and we'll show you around. Start an Old Friends in the mid-Atlantic area focusing on retirees that made an impact on your area...People will come and visit... It's like "Field of Dreams" --- except it's non-fiction...I'll be glad to provide all the details and help you in any way I can...We want others to start Old Friends facilities all over the country...

Lexington, KY:
Michael, thanks for stopping by and also for the work you do on behalf of retired racehorses. As a recent transplant from Boston, I remember the great movie review columns under your byline when you worked for the Boston Globe. With your love of horses and critical eye for movies, what is your all time favorite equine movie?

Blowen:
I'd have to say my favorite racing movie is Casey's Shadow even though I had a tiny bit part in "Seabiscuit". I'm the loser sitting with Mr. Riddle during the match race. They needed a guy who could play a loser at the race track, and they went for typecasting. But Walter Matthau as the grizzled old trainer in Casey is just great...and Walter loved going to the track. In fact, the most fun I ever had with the movie job was going to the track with Jack Klugman, Marty Ritt, and John Huston.

Thanks again for your kind words. My wife, Diane White, was a columnist at The Boston Globe and each year, it seemed, Boston magazine named her Best Columnist...I never won best film critic...One year, they gave the nod to Diane once again, and I thought I was a shoo-in for best critic. But no such luck...They wrote something like "Diane is Snow White and all the other columnists are just dwarfs...especially her husband, Dopey." I took the hint, and I'm with these great athletes who appreciate me even if it's only because I feed them carrots.

Syracuse, NY:
Great to see you get some attention! We were recently in Kentucky and went on the farm tour and they stopped by your place. We were thrilled to see someone looking out for these beautiful animals. My question is this - At my age and without any real talent or money, I continue to be drawn towards the horses. I love being at the track and around the horses especially. What kind of career in or around the horse racing industry might be available for me so late in life. I ask this because you left your job to pursue this same passion we have for the horses.

Blowen:
Fortunately, my wife saved for our retirement....When you work for free great things can happen...as long as your wife's money holds out. There are jobs available working as a groom or as a night watchman for one of the farms. They're always looking for someone who will show up on time and stay awake...Visit again...We may have something for you.

Lexington, KY:
Will Bull Inthe Heather be at Dream Chase for open house?

Blowen:
Yes, Bull Inthe Heather is already here...in the front paddock...He's gorgeous. We put him out in the large paddock for the first time late yesterday afternoon and he rolled and galloped and enjoyed himself...He still has a magnificent stride and will certainly vie with Creator and Precisionist in the good looks department...Although, Ruhlmann gets my vote for most rakish...Merv Leckbee, who unfortunately died just a few weeks before Bull arrived, spent nearly two years working with his wife Roberta and his son and daughter, J.R. and Terry, to bring Ferdinand's greatest son to Old Friends. We are installing a brass plate in Merv's honor on Bull's stall...

New York, NY:
Is it true that Creator was rescued from stallion fights? What is that exactly?

Blowen:
We're not really certain about Creator and the stallion fights. When we first started Old Friends, we focused on bringing Sunshine Forever home from overseas and several of our early supporters heard about Creator and wrote saying they'd heard that an illegal cartel was setting him up for stallion fights (like cock fights). Since they only bid $3000 for Creator, we know he wasn't going anywhere good. So, we bid $5000 and got him. And that's the important thing.

Xenia, OH:
Hi, Michael! Cheryl of Our Mims Retirement Haven here. I am curious about your Japan contacts.  Do you have contacts with several of the farms and tracks? Do they keep you up to date with the horses on your watch list pretty regularly? Keep up the good work! It's nice to know someone is keeping an eye out on the horses overseas (especially Mims' daughters, but I'm a little biased about that).

Blowen:
Great to hear from you. Our Mims does a great job. We have a great network in Japan now and our relationship with the racing and breeding facilities has really prospered. The Japanese breeders were as appalled as their U.S. counterparts when the news of Ferdinand was broken by Barbara Bayer. But, instead of hiding it under a rug, they decided to become pro-active and are working with us to make sure all these great American stallions come home when the time comes. We'll check on mares, if you like. Just send us a list, and I hope that you'll be able to come to our open house on July 8 from 10-1. Once again, thanks from the boys to the girls for all the great work you've done and are doing.

Madisonville, KY:
How many horses will you be able to accommodate at the new farm?

Blowen:
We should be able to accommodate 25, and we're almost filled up already.

Clearwater, FL:
I met you a couple times with Georgianne & I wanted to thank you for all the hard/good work that you, your wife & helpers have done over the years. Can't wait to come back to Midway & see the new home for the retired Champion's. Keep up the good work.

Blowen:
Thanks a lot. It'll be great to see you again. We have plenty of great Florida retirees.

Weston, VT:
I am very proud to own a share of Sunshine Forever. I was wondering how he made the trip and how he is doing at the new farm?? Can't wait to get down to see it.

Blowen:
Sunshine will be arriving at the new farm tomorrow or Friday with the other stallions. We've already moved the mares and geldings. It's only a 15 minute trip so we don't anticipate any real difficulties. Dr. Andy Clark, CEO of Hagyard's Equine, is advising us on the move and Sallee is moving them for free. Come see us again when you get a chance to break away from those magnificent mountains.

East Boston, MA:
Mike, who was the first horse you owned and who sold it to you? Also, what were the three golden rules you learned at Figueroa University. - t creel

Blowen:
Mr. Creel is an old friend from Suffolk Downs, familiar with my mentor, trainer Carlos Figueroa. I'll try to keep the story short. One nasty, cold, icy February day at the Suffolk Downs simulcast, I bet $20 on a horse from Gulfstream Park at 8-1. I also keyed him in the trifecta with a plodder at 40-1. He won and the plodder finished third, with a 35-1 shot in the middle; I was sitting on about $5,000. They DQ'd my horse. I went for a long walk under the grandstand to settle down and ran into Carlos. I had done a story on the Lancer's Rose Triple Crown of the Massachusetts Fairs for SPUR magazine and Carlos, as usual, was the focus of the piece because he won the first leg with an veteran claimer named Icy Defender. In my deranged depression, I thought I could become a better handicapper if I learned more about the horses and suddenly blurted, "If I came to work for you, would you teach me about the horses?" I could tell by the sly look in Carlos' eye that I had been transformed into an all-day sucker. He told me to show up on Monday at 6 a.m. When I asked about pay, he withdrew in astonishment. "Paid? Paid? You are going to Figueroa University and you are on scholarship. But you need to pass the test?"

"What test? I haven't even started yet."

"I will tell you the answer. What are the three things you need to know to survive on the backstretch? Lie, Cheat and Steal."

At the time I thought he was joking. Years later, Ray Roy, treasurer of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and I were at Rockingham Park convincing trainers to retire their old horses to the TRF. Ray was authorized to pay about $250 per horse. Carlos had a maiden Two Punch mare named Wedding Punch that was never going to win a race. She was doomed, but Carlos wouldn't give her up. I took him aside and offered to supplement the TRF offer with $500 cash of my own. He agreed. We put Wedding Punch on the trailer, and off she went. Ray handed Carlos the check and the veteran trainer asked me for the cash. I looked at him with a wide grin. "Lie, cheat, and steal."

Starting at the bottom has its great rewards. I even own a Figueroa University sweatshirt with the school motto boldly displayed.

Weston, VT:
I'm sorry that I won't be able to make it to the open house next week but hope to be back again for the Breeders Cup. Are you planning on having another gathering of the faithful?

Blowen:
Visit anytime. We're planning a homecoming for the Sunday after this year's Breeders' Cup at Churchill Downs. Thanks again for all your help. Sunshine Forever gets an extra mint today.

Orange Park, FL:
Hi Michael. Any news on when Alysheba might be coming home? I look forward to visiting you again in October at your new place!

Blowen:
Alysheba is living like and with a king in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Jeff Pumphrey and Emmanuel deSeroux are working on our behalf to bring Alysheba back. Chris McCarron, who has already been to see Precisionist, is very excited about bringing Alysheba home. The great son of Alydar is currently being bred to Arabian mares, but we have received indications that, when his breeding career is over, he will probably return to America. I hope to Old Friends. We'd sure love to have him. But, the important thing is that he's being treated very well.

Saratoga Springs, NY:
HI, Michael! Marion Altieri here. just to say that I'm thrilled to hear of the new developments. God bless you for your tireless work, passion and commitment. Those are the luckiest horses on Earth.  :)

MODERATOR:
Indeed...