Gallopalooza Ferdinand is coming to Old Friends. The owners
of the fiberglass sculpture that was a key attraction at the 2004 Gallopalooza
art exhibit in Louisville, Kentucky, have graciously donated the equine figure to
Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, Kentucky.
The statue will make a guest appearance at Ferdinand’s
Ball, the Old Friends Kentucky Derby Benefit taking place May 2 at the
Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, before taking up permanent residence at the
Old Friends farm in Georgetown.
The near life-sized depiction of the 1986 Kentucky Derby
winner and the 1987 Horse of the Year was handcrafted by artists Lisa Bickford
and D’arry Jone Frank.
Following Louisville’s 2004 Gallopalooza, the Elizabethtown
Tourism & Convention Bureau, Jim and Helen Fugitte, and the Hardin County
Chamber of Commerce purchased Ferdinand at auction. He has been welcoming guests
at the Elizabethtown Tourism & Convention Bureau ever since.
At the request of longtime Old Friends supporter Janet
Penick, the owners agreed to donate the Ferdinand statue.
“We have been blessed
to house him here at the Tourism Bureau for all our visitors to enjoy. But now
is the time for him to have his own stall where horse lovers from all over the
world can enjoy him,” Tourism and Convention Bureau Executive Director Sherry
Murphy said.
“We are overjoyed that Gallopalooza Ferdinand will be
permanently retired to Old Friends,” said Old Friends president and founder
Michael Blowen, who adds that the sculpture will be on public display for fans
to see. “We’re grateful to the wonderful citizens of Elizabethtown for allowing
us to display this magnificent statue.”
Old Friends began its pursuit to permanently retire stars
of the turf in 2002, shortly before news broke that Ferdinand had been killed in
a slaughterhouse overseas. Ever since, Ferdinand has been a symbol of the
organization’s mission: to provide a dignified retirement to Thoroughbreds whose
racing and breeding careers have come to an end.
Visitors are at welcome at Old Friends by appointment. For
additional information and tour schedules please call 502-863-1775 or visit
the website at oldfriendsequine.org.
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