Old Friends grateful for Baffert donation

Last updated: 6/8/15 6:20 PM

Bob Baffert paid a visit to fellow Hall of Famer Silver Charm with son Bode during Derby week
(Photo courtesy of Tim Wilson)

Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility near Georgetown, Kentucky,
will be the recipient of a $50,000 donation from Hall of Fame trainer Bob
Baffert and his wife, Jill. Baffert’s American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile)
swept the coveted Triple Crown — the first in 37 years — when he won the
Belmont S. (G1) last Saturday.

Immediately following the victory, the Bafferts pledged a $50,000 donation
each to four charitable organizations: Old Friends, The Permanently Disabled
Jockey Fund, The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and CARMA Cares.

Old Friends is the retirement home of three of Baffert’s former trainees:
Derby contender Danthebluegrassman, multiple Grade 1-winning fan favorite Game
On Dude and 1997 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness (G1) winner Silver Charm.

Baffert visited Old Friends just prior to this year’s Kentucky Derby where he
saw Silver Charm for the first time in more than a decade.

“I want to share this, I want to make sure that those horses that we really
love — we have to take care of them,” Baffert said following American Pharoah’s
Belmont victory. “Win, lose, or draw, I was going to do it.”

“We are so grateful to Bob and Jill for this wonderful gift,” said Michael
Blowen, president and founder of Old Friends. “The thrill and excitement of the
first Triple Crown in 37 years would have been enough, but their generosity is
unsurpassed, as is their love and dedication to the horses.

“Everyone at Old Friends wishes to congratulate Bob and Jill and American
Pharoah’s owners the Zayat family on their historic victory, and for sharing
their wonderful horse with all of his fans.”

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