(Edited Press release)
On Sept. 6 at 5:30 p.m. EDT, a public memorial service will be held for Ballindaggin, the recently deceased New York-bred stallion who had been a resident at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility near Georgetown, Ky.
The 23-year-old horse was humanely euthanized July 22 at the Hagyard Equine clinic due to complications brought on by degenerative arthritis.
The service will take place at Old Friends’s Dream Chase Farm located on 1841 Paynes Depot Road in Georgetown. Eclipse-winning turf writer Bill Mooney will be on hand to deliver the eulogy while Keeneland bugler Bucky Sallee will play the final “Call to Post.” The public is welcome, and all attendees are invited to watch Ballindaggin’s great victories on DVD as well as to share their own memories.
A multiple stakes-winner of $946,894 in just 14 starts, Ballindaggin swept the 1987 New York Stallion Series and defeated an international field in the 1988 Molson Export Challenge.
The chestnut was donated to Old Friends two years ago by Idaho owner/ breeders Bob and Robbie Waters, who visited him often.
“Ballindaggin was one of our favorites,” said Michael Blowen, Old Friends founder and president. “He was very smart and very gentle. That combination made him a great retiree and a favorite of not only his visiting admirers but also of Old Friends farm manager, Janet Beyersdorfer. Needless to say, we miss his daily nuzzlings more and more every day. We are very grateful that the Walters trusted us with their amazing athlete.”
Ballindaggin will be laid to rest at Old Friends along with such other deceased champions as Breeders Cup winners Precisionist and Fraise and stakes winner Taylor’s Special.
For more information please contact Old Friends at (502) 863 1775.
