Ruhlmann, Bonnie's Poker to Old Friends

Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement program based in Midway, Ky., announced the arrival of Bonnie's Poker and expects the arrival of Ruhlmann in the next few days, according to president Michael Blowen.

Old Friends is using paddock space at Alfred Nuckols Jr.'s Hurstland Farm near Midway.

Bonnie's Poker, 22, a hard-knocking claiming horse in the mid-'80s, captured 11 wins from 63 starts and earned better than $150,000. She is best known, however, for having produced 1997 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) and Preakness (gr. I) winner Silver Charm, one of the most popular racehorses of modern times. Bonnie's Poker was sent to Old Friends by her owner, Kris Jakeman.

Ruhlmann, a 19-year-old horse, raced for Jerry and Ann Moss, and was an eight-time stakes winner and earner of better than $1.8 million in the late-'80s and 1990. He captured the 1990 Big 'Cap (gr. I) at Santa Anita and the Mervyn Leroy (gr. I) one year earlier. Ruhlmann will arrive at Old Friends under an endowment from Moss that will pay for his care in perpetuity.

Blowen also said Criminal Type is scheduled to arrive at Old Friends next spring after the breeding season in Japan, where he will cover a limited book of mares.