Old Friends, the non-profit Thoroughbred retirement facility based in Georgetown, Ky., has entered into a unique relationship with the newly opened Ashton Grove Senior Living Community, also in Georgetown, to combine horse retirement with exemplary senior living.
On Friday, Oct. 2, Old Friends hosted a grand opening of this new location, which is just a few miles from its main farm in Georgetown.
Based on approximately 40 acres once owned and operated by Hill 'N' Dale Farms, the Ashton Grove location features eight fenced paddocks, a 12-stall barn, with run-in sheds currently under construction. Old Friends has initially placed seven equine retirees on the property with plans to increase the herd over time.
While we are still under pandemic protocols, eventually Ashton Grove will eventually be open to small numbers of visitors throughout the year by appointment only.
For the opening, five horses were moved from the main farm on Sept. 28 and two new retirees were added on Sept. 30.
The horses currently at Ashton Grove include:
Daytona, 16. Bred in Ireland, Daytona is a multiple graded stakes winner and Breeders' Cup contender. Victories include the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile at Hollywood Park in 2008.
Porfido,18, a multiple graded stakes place Chilean bred who raced to age 12.
Ireland's Eye, 9, by Cowtown Cat, was bred in Florida and passed through the claiming ranks during his 17 starts.
Secret Getaway, 15, is a multiple graded stakes placed son of 1998 Horse of the Year Skip Away. Secret came to Old Friends via former leading jockey and aftercare advocate Rosie Napravnik.
Massone, 14, is a multiple graded stakes placed son of Menifee.
Magic Weisner, 21. Bred, owned, and trained by the late Nancy Alberts, graded stakes winner Magic Weisner won the 2002 Ohio Derby and ran second to War Emblem in the both the 2002 Preakness Stakes and 2002 Haskell Invitational.
Bo's a Ten, 21, a claiming ranks warrior and daughter of stakes-winner Patton, who was himself an Old Friends retiree until his death in 2014.
“This is a dream come true,” said Old Friends founder and president Michael Blowen. “Retired horses. Retired people. A match made in heaven.”
Ashton Grove executive director Davonna Saeir echoed his sentiments.
“Ashton Grove is excited and honored to have Old Friends horses in our backyard,” Saeir said. “I am so happy that our beautiful property will provide a sanctuary for these majestic creatures, and I know their presence will give our residents great joy. Having these retired thoroughbreds at Ashton Grove is a win-win, and we are grateful for our partnership with Old Friends.”
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