Danthebluegrassman, a 2002 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) contender, will appear at the 2011 Governor’s Derby celebration Saturday, May 7, in Frankfort, Ky.
The 12-year-old horse has been pensioned at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement center near Georgetown, Ky., since 2008.
The horse will be at the Capital City Museum at 325 Ann Street from 8 a.m. to noon, where he will be available for photos. Michael Blowen, founder and president of Old Friends, will also be on hand.
Danthebluegrassman is named after Dan Chandler, son of former Kentucky governor A.B. “Happy” Chandler.
“Only two Thoroughbreds will have the honor of having their picture taken with Governor Beshear on the first Saturday in May—Danthebluegrassman and the winner of the 137th Kentucky Derby,” Blowen said.
The celebration will include Kentucky-based food vendors, arts and crafts, and live music. Tours begin at 9 a.m. and are free. For more information about the Governor’s Derby Celebration visit www.governor.ky.gov/ or contact the Capital City Museum at (502) 696-0607 or email frankforthistory@yahoo.com.
On Sunday, May 8, Old Friends will hold its annual homecoming fund-raising event beginning at 4 p.m.
The festivities will take place at Old Friends’s Dream Chase Farm, located at 1841 Paynes Depot Road near Georgetown.Tickets are $25. For Old Friends members and shareholders and students with IDs, tickets are $15. Reservations can be made by calling (502) 863-1775.