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Multi-Millionaire War Story Arrives At Old Friends For Retirement

Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement farm based in Georgetown, Ky., announced Tuesday the arrival of multiple graded stakes winner War Story.

After a six-year career, the Kentucky-bred son Northern Afleet, now 8, has been pensioned by owners Imaginary Stables and Glenn Ellis. The gelding's last start was the Grade 2 Charles Town Classic in August.

War Story broke his maiden first time out in 2014 in a maiden special weight at Churchill Downs. He has earned seven victories in all, including the G2 Brooklyn Invitational Stakes at Belmont Park, the G3 Monmouth Cup Stakes at Monmouth Park, and the G3 Harlan's Holiday Stakes at Gulfstream.

The game chestnut never shied from top competition, however, facing eventual Triple Crown winner American Pharoah in the 2015 Kentucky Derby and again in the Breeders' Cup Classic, California Chrome in the 2016 Pacific Classic, and Arrogate in the 2017 Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes.

War Story has raced coast-to-coast, from Saratoga to Santa Anita, making 40 starts in all earning eight wins, seven seconds and six thirds for total career earnings of $3,271,996.

“He is such a special horse,” said co-owner Ellis. “He could run any distance, he just never gave up, and he could do anything. I'm so happy now,” he added, “because he can just live a happy life and he's earned it.”

“I love War Story,” said Old Friends's founder and President Michael Blowen. “He always tried. I even loved him as a handicapper because he often filled out my trifectas and superfectas at a nice price. But nothing compares to feeding him mints and carrots every day. He's absolutely adorable.”

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Horse Country Remains Operational Thanks To Community Support

When the pandemic arrived to the United States ten months ago, tourism was one of the first industries to experience significant consequences from necessary public health containment steps. Horse Country, a membership nonprofit supporting fan development through experiences aimed at leisure travelers, incurred significant losses due to pre-sold admission refunds and tour closures.

“Between refunds and not being able to offer tours, a year that had been trending to exceed 40% growth year over year turned into a budget net-negative,” said Price Bell, Jr., president of Horse Country's board. “The way we're currently structured, nearly all of our operating budget is derived from revenue sharing when members give tours. When that couldn't happen, we were looking at a pretty dire scenario. We cut every expense we could, including a temporary furlough of our team. Even as a limited amount of tours reopened in 2020, we would not have made it without the financial support of our industry, community and members.”

Fasig-Tipton, Keeneland, Breeders' Cup and The Jockey Club provided emergency support in the spring. The KTA-KTOB joined that group with a contribution over the summer, and Breeders' Cup has subsequently made an additional pledge of support. Claiborne Farm donated proceeds from tours in 2020, and other members have donated tour revenue. Spendthrift Farm made a contribution and has helped lay the groundwork for a future partnership between MyRacehorse and Horse Country.

Due to the organization's structure, Horse Country did not qualify for government support programs. At the suggestion of Bill Farish, Visit Horse Country partnered with the Bluegrass Community Foundation to launch a charitable fund supporting the growing charitable initiatives of the organization including services for TAA-accredited aftercare members of Horse Country which receive a complimentary membership, scholarship and field trip visits, community outreach such as Meet the Neighbors, and a new workforce development partnership with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

So far, in a launch of the fund earlier this year, more than 70% of the initial goal of $150,000 has been raised, with major support coming from the W. S. Farish Fund, followed by the Duncan & Carol Taylor Fund, Headley & Nancy Bell, Priscilla Fallon, The Bakhaus Family Foundation, The Jones Family Foundation, Siena Farm and Godolphin, and others.

“The successful work of fan development through Horse Country is vital to our industry. For it to go away after the dedication of so many wasn't acceptable,” said Bill Farish of Horse Country member Lane's End Farm, and on behalf of the W. S. Farish Fund. “The financial health of Horse County is vital to the success of the effort. I'm thrilled to hear the match by the W. S. Farish fund has worked and that Horse Country will make it through this pandemic.”

“Like many this year, the key to our survival was creativity, and community support,” said Anne Sabatino Hardy, executive director of Visit Horse Country. “We pivoted to free virtual tours and reached millions. We reopened a limited number of tours at reduced capacity and they were often sellouts; private tours were a particularly attractive product this year. We are deeply grateful our industry, guests, members and community continue to be committed to Horse Country's mission, and excited about what we have to offer.”

Tours for 2021 will be offered on a limited basis beginning late December, though some members may not resume regular operations until later in the new year. Updates can be found at www.visithorsecountry.com or by contacting the office at info@visithorsecountry.com.

“We know experiences at member locations are effective at fan development, and owner development; it's been rewarding to see the support for creative new ideas and the purely educational and charitable work that has always been part of our mission, which can now grow. It's been a tough year, but we've learned a lot, made some changes, and look forward to continuing our work.”

For more information on supporting Horse Country's charitable fund with a tax-deductible donation: https://bgcf.givingfuel.com/horsecountry or contact Anne Sabatino Hardy at ahardy@visithorsecountry.com.

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Legislative Fix For HHR Still Unclear In Kentucky; No Bill Pre-FiledYet

According to The Louisville Courier-Journal, the future of the horse racing community in Kentucky could be at stake after a recent state Supreme Court ruling on historical horse racing (HHR). The supreme court dealt a blow to the racing industry in September when it ruled that one manufacturer's HHR terminals don't comply with the legal definition of pari-mutuel wagering in the state.

Supporters and opponents of HHR appeared before the General Assembly's Interim Joint Committee on Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations to discuss the path forward for HHR.

Racing industry representatives warned that the loss of HHR would seriously cripple Kentucky's Thoroughbred industry. The machines have provided $717 million in direct revenue to the horse industry so far.

Representatives from the Family Foundation, which brought the original suit questioning the legality of the machines, say a constitutional amendment would be required to change the state's definition of pari-mutuel wagering to accommodate HHR. The group opposes the machines, which resemble slot machines but use video of previously-run races to determine winning number combinations.

Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer disagreed.

“We're not looking for an expansion of gambling here,” Thayer said. “All we're looking to do is to put in statute that historical horse racing meets the definition of pari-mutuel wagering and this body has the authority to do that.”

As of Monday, no bill had been prefiled by a legislator regarding pari-mutuel racing in Kentucky. The next legislative session begins in January.

James Bell Elected President Of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance's board of directors elected James G. Bell as president for the 2021 term, and also elected new board members at its meeting on Dec. 14.

Bell, president and racing manager of Godolphin, served as TAA president in 2014. During his tenure at Godolphin, he has overseen the careers of Sheikh Mohammed's many U.S.-based Grade 1 winners including Bernardini, It's Tricky, Cocoa Beach, Music Note, Questing, Better Lucky, Maxfield, and Essential Quality, among others. He has held various positions on industry and community boards, including the The Jockey Club, Keeneland Association, Fayette Alliance, Thoroughbred Club of America, and Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, to name just a few.

“Seemingly, you can step aside but not away from an organization so meaningful and impactful as the TAA,” Bell said. “We've had great leadership, a totally dedicated staff, and a mission that continues to need fulfillment. As a part of the team, I'm looking forward to another year of new milestones and new relationships.”

John Phillips, owner of Darby Dan Farm, served as TAA president in 2018 and 2020. Phillips will remain on the TAA's board and executive committee for 2021 as immediate past president.

“In order for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to protect our sport by protecting our equine athletes, it takes a tremendous amount of time and dedication by staff and a board of directors,” Phillips said. “With these individuals' strong commitment to aftercare, I look forward to working alongside them to advance the TAA's efforts of providing a safe landing for our Thoroughbreds out of racing.”

Bell and Phillips are joined on the executive committee by TAA Vice President Jeff Bloom, managing director of Bloom Racing Stable; TAA Treasurer Jen Shah, director of tax services at Dean Dorton; and TAA Secretary Walter Robertson, attorney at Stites & Harbison.

The TAA rotates its board of directors and its executive officers.

The board members beginning service in 2021 are: Madeline Auerbach, a founding board member of the TAA, founder of the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA), and a Thoroughbred owner and breeder; and Tom Cannell, board member of the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association and a Thoroughbred owner.

They join current TAA board members: Boyd Browning, Brian Graves, Chip McGaughey, Craig Bandoroff, David O'Farrell, Donna Brothers, Dora Delgado, James Gagliano, Jeffrey Bloom, Jen Shah, John Keitt, John Phillips, Josh Rubinstein, Martin Panza, Nicole Walker, Richard Schosberg, Simon Bray, Susie Hart, Tom Ventura, Walt Robertson, and Yvonne Schwabe.

To read the biographies of the TAA's board of directors, visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org.

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