Old Friends retiree DANTHEBLUEGRASSMAN (Pioneering), a 2002 Kentucky Derby
(G1)
contender, will be a special guest of Gov. Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane
Beshear at the 2011 Governor’s Derby Celebration, held May 7 in the state
capital city of Frankfort, Kentucky.
The 12-year-old horse has been pensioned at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred
Retirement Center near Georgetown, Kentucky, since 2008. Many devoted fans and
tourist visit him there annually.
“Dan” will be at the Capital City Museum at 325 Ann S. from 8 a.m. to noon
(EDT), where he will meet and greet fans and be available for photos. Michael
Blowen, founder and president of Old Friends, will also be on hand.
Bred in Kentucky by Dan Mallory, Danthebluegrassman was trained by Bob
Baffert and campaigned by Mike Pegram, who named the colt after his friend Dan
Chandler, son of the former Kentucky governor and the bon vivant uncle of U.S.
Representative Ben Chandler.
A son of Pioneering, Dan had his first stakes win when he went wire-to-wire
in the Gold Rush S. at Golden Gate Park. He captured a second stakes win in
his three-year-old debut in the Golden Gate Derby (G3), which helped him earn entry
to the 128th run for the roses.
Unfortunately, Dan was scratched the day of the Derby after suffering muscle
problems following a morning jog. He continued to race until he was a
nine-year-old before being retired at Old Friends in March 2008.
“We’re especially excited about bringing Danthebluegrassman downtown for the
event,” said Nicky Hughes, curator of historic sites for the city of
Frankfort. “Not everyone has the privilege of meeting a champion Thoroughbred
and we’re so pleased to offer that unique opportunity to visitors this year.”
“Only two Thoroughbreds will have the honor of having their picture taken
with Governor Beshear on the first Saturday in May, Dan and the winner of the
137th Kentucky Derby,” Blowen said.
“We’re honored to bring Dan to Frankfort as the Old Friends Ambassador for
all retired racehorses. Dan reminds us that without these great athletes Derby
Day wouldn’t exist.”
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Governor’s annual Derby gala. It
is also the first time the event will be held in downtown Frankfort, showcasing
the city’s historic district.
The celebration will include by many new and traditional activities,
including Kentucky-based food vendors, arts and crafts, live music, tours of the
Governor’s mansion, and scheduled boat trips on the Nancy Wilkinson Kentucky
River tour boat. Tours begin at 9 a.m. and are free. For reservations or more
information call (502)-696-0607.
For more information about the Governor’s Derby Celebration visit
www.governor.ky.gov.