Old Friends

02/18/2025

Copacetic turned 17 on Monday. She was planning a birthday soiree with her girls. Belated happy birthday!

02/16/2025

Mr. Jordan is 13 today and he wants a pizza party. He wants carrots and peppermints on his pizza. He has heard that his paddock neighbor, The Pizza Man, delivers... I hope he isn't disappointed.

02/15/2025

Love is in the air this Valentine's Day and we have 4 birthdays today. CZ Rocket turns 11 today. Groundshaker is 14, So Elite is 18, and Westmoreland Road is 25! Wish all of these boys and girl a happy birthday. The horse's names are on each photo.

02/14/2025

Who’s your Valentine? Commemorate this special day by sponsoring one of our fabulous Old girlFriends. Maybe the beautiful gray Moriah, the very tall Groundshaker, Silver Charm’s daughter Private Charm, or how about Bold and Bossy? She really is, so if you are too, she’s your girl! Old girlFriends Society members receive a certificate, 8x10 photo, membership card, and a private meet and greet with your favorite mare!

Link: https://oldfriendsequine.org/how-to-help/old-girlfriends-society/

02/13/2025

Hello everyone. Rick Capone here with the 145tht installment of our Old Friends’ Throwback Thursday Memories. This week we remember another one of the stallions sent to Old Friends by Shadwell Farm, graded-stakes winner, Kayrawan.

Bred and owned his entire career by Shadwell Farm, Kayrawan, who was by Mr. Prospector--Muhbubh, by Blushing Groom (FR), was foaled in Kentucky on March 26, 1992.

He began his three-year racing career as 2-year old in 1994 in Europe and had only one start that year. In that start, he won his first race, a maiden weight for age race at Ascot Racecourse in England on Oct. 7 and earned $16,429.

In 1995 as a 3-year old, he had four starts in maiden weight for age races in England, but did not finish in the money in any of them. He opened the year with a sixth at Kempton Park Racecourse on April 17. He followed that with two fifth-place finishes, the first at Salisbury Racecourse on May 4, and the second at Leicester Racecourse on May 30.

He closed out the year at Chester Racecourse with a seventh at Chester Racecourse on July 15. (It should be noted that Chester Racecourse is officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the “oldest racecourse still in operation.”) With that race complete, Kayrawan finished the year with no in the money finishes in four starts. However, he still earned $773.

He returned to the track in 1996 as a 4-year old, and finally hit his stride. He opened the year with three Handicap races at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse in Dubai. In the first, he won on Jan. 15, and followed that with a second on Feb. 22, and then another win on March 3.

He was then shipped to the United States after that one to continue his career under the care of trainer Kiaran P. McLaughlin, for owner/breeder Shadwell Stable

In his first start, he won an allowance race at Belmont Park on May 2, and followed that with a second in the Maryland Breeders' Cup Handicap (G3) at Pimlico on May 18.

He then went back to Belmont Park for his next two starts. In the first one he finished sixth in the True North Handicap (G2) on June 8, and followed that with his first graded-stakes win, which came in the Tom Fool Handicap (G2) on July 7.

He then travelled to Saratoga for his next two starts, and finished sixth in the A Phenomenon Stakes (G2) on Aug. 8, and seventh in the Forego Handicap (G2) on Sept. 2.

From there he headed south to Keeneland for his next start, where he won an allowance race on Oct. 23, which would be his final start of the year. He finished with five wins, two seconds, and $169,480 in earnings in 10 starts.

His win at Keeneland was also be his final career start as well, as he was retired. He closed the books on his racing career with six wins, two seconds, and $186,682 in earnings in 15 starts.

Kayrawan then began his stud career at Shadwell Farm in Kentucky, where he stood from 1997 to 2001. He then went to Q6 Ranch in Texas from 2002 to 2003, and then on to Gallagher's Stud in Ghent, New York in 2004.

During his stud career, he had a number of good runners, including eight six figure earners. His top two progeny were Dubai Sheikh, who had six wins in 29 starts, $313,545 in earnings; and Cliff Notes, who had 13 wins in 46 starts. $300,813 in earnings.

In April 2012, Kayrawan was pensioned at Shadwell Farm in Kentucky.

As with Intidab, who was last week’s Old Friends’ Throwback Thursday Memory, normally, the Shadwell stallions would spend the rest of their days on the farm for their retirement. However, following the death of the farm’s founder, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in March of 2021, Shadwell underwent a reorganization and downsizing of operations in both the U.S. and Europe. This restructuring included relocating some stallions and selling a substantial number of its racing and breeding stock.

Old Friends was the beneficiary of Shadwell’s kindness in donating, not only Kayrawan to the farm, but six other stallions to the farm for their retirement.

Kayrawan and Intidab both arrived at Old Friends in March 2022, along with Dumaani, Swain, Mustanfar, and Albertus Maximus. In addition, another stallion donated by Shadwell Farm, Daaher, arrived at Old Friends on Aug. 16, 2022.

Kayrawan spent his retirement days happily grazing, napping and running around in a large paddock at Old Friends, while some of his former Shadwell buddies did the same in paddocks close by.

As he got older, he split his time in the barn and outside in his paddock.

The beautiful bay stallion enjoyed two years of retirement at Old Friends. However, on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, Kayrawan was euthanized due to the infirmities of old age. It was just two days after Intidab was euthanized for the same reason. Kayrawan was 33.

Upon his death, John (Nicholson, Old Friends President and CEO said), “Our Old Friends family is saddened to lose (this) Shadwell stallion. So many of us had grown exceedingly fond of Kayrawan, (who) led an accomplished and well-traveled life. In his final chapter, (he was a) friendly and engaging ambassador for Old Friends as well as for Shadwell Farm. His last years were shining examples of responsible Thoroughbred ownership and aftercare.”

Laura Battles, longtime Old Friends volunteer, and a wonderful photographer, shares her photos of Kayrawan, who was one of her favorite horses on the farm, with this article. She also wrote a lovely tribute to the stallion in a Facebook post on January 28, 2025, following his death. She wrote:

“The loss of Kayrawan on Saturday hit hard. He was a rather unassuming, plain brown wrapper of a horse, but if you spent any time at all with him, you fell for his quiet wisdom and calm demeanor.

“At 33 (by his official birthday), he was the oldest horse we had ever had on the main farm. He had his own stall in the barn and spent about half his time tucked up in it during hot summer days and cold winter nights.

“He was a bit spoiled – okay, a lot spoiled. He was the horse that you always took time to stop by and visit when on the farm and was always happy to eat any shredded carrots you might have on you.

“It is hard to explain the void that is felt knowing that the old man will not be hanging around for a visit and carrots.

“Farewell, Kayrawan, you were a great, old friend.”

02/12/2025

There were also two birthdays on Tuesday. Channel Maker (chestnut) turned 11 and Stubbins (bay) turned 9. Happy birthday to both of these boys.

02/12/2025

The birthday poster fell down on the job, so we have a few belated birthdays to celebrate today. First off, Mike Man's Gold turned 15 on Monday. Let's wish him a happy birthday!

02/10/2025

Our 2025 tour season opens on Monday, March 3. This year, in addition to our General, Founders, Every Horse on the Farm and Private tours, we have these great new tour experiences available: Old girlFriends Tour (meet the mares of Dream Chase Farm); Back 40 Tour (visits the horses off the beaten path); Hillcrest Farm Tour (experience one of the most historic farms in Georgetown and meet the Old Friends who reside there); and Tuesdays with John (with our President John Nicholson). Tours can be booked online at: https://oldfriendsequine.org/visit/; or by calling 502-863-1775. Book now, before popular days and times sell out!

Old Friends offers guided tour experiences that get you up-close-and-personal with our amazing Thoroughbred athletes. We are OPEN FOR TOURS YEAR-ROUND with General, Founders, Private, Group, and Every Horse on the Farm tours available by ADVANCE RESERVATION ONLY. Tour details, dates and times, and w...

02/09/2025

Birthday number 11 for Imprimis today. Hair Of The Cat took over the party planning. Former rivals on the track, King Kreesa and Kharafa, are just along for the ride doing what the Cat tells them to do.

02/09/2025

Finally, long time resident, Sgt. Bert, is celebrating his 24th birthday. He is planning a quiet day with his buddies. Happy birthday!

02/09/2025

It’s Zulu Alpha’s 12th birthday today. He is a little worried as Sokitumi Samurai was talking about a bonfire tonight. He said “neigh” to that party idea but Sokitumi gets a little wild sometimes…

02/09/2025

Say The Word turns 10 today in a relatively young paddock over at Ashton Grove. Wish him a happy, happy birthday!

02/09/2025

Lots of birthdays today. Rainbow Heir is 15 today. He is still getting to know his paddock mates, but Normandy Invasion has warned him to watch out for any plans El Brujo makes…

02/06/2025

Awesome Gem is the fourth birthday boy today. He turns 22! Did you notice that we are progressing through ages of even numbers (16, 18, 20, 22) here?

02/06/2025

El Gato Malo finishes his second decade today. He is 20! Wish him and his over used party trick of “hurt leg needs carrots STAT to heal” a happy day.

02/06/2025

Johannesburg Smile is 18 today. It seems like only yesterday that he retired off the track. I hear he was a bit crazy at Maybesomaybenot’s party and Maybe plans to get even tonight…

02/06/2025

Javerre wants to keep his sweet 16 low key, but Ivan Fallunovalot is the paddock boss and he has other plans.

02/06/2025

Hello everyone. Rick Capone here with the 144th installment of our Old Friends’ Throwback Thursday Memories. This week we remember one of the stallions sent to Old Friends by Shadwell Farm, graded-stakes winner, Intidab.

Bred and owned by Shadwell Farm his entire career, Intidab, who was by Phone Trick--Alqwani, by Mr. Prospector, was foaled on March 20, 1993 in Kentucky.

The dark bay stallion began his six-year racing career in Europe as a 2-year old in 1995 with his first two starts in maiden weight for age races at York Racecourse in the United Kingdom. In the first one he finished fourth on June 17, and in the next he finished third on Aug. 30, which was his final start for the year. He finished with one third, and $1,700 in earnings in those two starts.

In 1996 as a 3-year old, he scored his first win in his first start, a maiden weight for age race at Thirsk Racecourse in the United Kingdom on July 26. In his next start, he finished second in a Handicap at Haydock Park Racecourse in the United Kingdom on Aug. 10.

He had two more races that year, both Handicaps, but did not finish in the money in either of them. The first was at York on Aug. 22 and he finished 16th, and the second was at Jebel Ali Racecourse in Emirate of Dubai on Dec. 27 where he finished fifth. He closed out the year with one win, one second, and $8,933 in earnings in four starts.

As a 4-year old in 1997, he opened the year with two Handicap races at Nad Al Sheba in Dubai. He won the first one on Jan. 16, then finished second in the next one on Feb. 9.

From there headed to Abu Dhabi Turf Club in the United Arab Emirates for his next four starts. The first two were Handicaps and he finished third in the first one on March 23, and fifth in the second one on April 10.

He was then rested for a few months. And, the rest did him good, as he returned on Nov. 7 and won an allowance race, and followed that with a second in the National Day Cup on Dec. 4.

He then headed back to Nad Al Sheba where he had started his year and finished second in an allowance race on Dec. 8 to end his year. He finished with two wins, three seconds, one third, and $29,478 in earnings in seven starts.

In 1998 as a 5-year old, he opened the year with a second in the His Highness The President's Cup-ADNOC at Abu Dhabi on Jan. 30. He then ran in two Handicaps at two different tracks. He finished fifth at Nad Al Sheba on March 1, and sixth at Abu Dhabi on April 24.

In his next start, while still at Abu Dhabi, he finished third in the National Day Cup-ADNOC on Dec. 3. It was then back to Nad Al Sheba where he finished fourth in an allowance race on Dec. 31 to end his year on the track. He finished with one second, one third, and $18,245 in earnings in five starts.

As a 6-year old in 1999, he had his busiest season. He opened with a second in the His Highness The President's Cup-ADNOC FOD at Abu Dhabi on Jan. 29. He followed that with a third in the Jebel Ali Sprint at Jebel Ali on Feb. 19 and a second in the Gulf News Nad Al Sheba Sprint at Nad Al Sheba on March 28.

Intidab then made the biggest move of his career, as he was shipped to the United States to continue his career with trainer Kiaran P. McLaughlin, for owner/breeder Shadwell Farm.

In his first start in his new country, he finished ninth in the Carter Handicap (G1) at Aqueduct on May 2.

His next four starts were at Belmont Park, all in allowance races. He began with a second on May 19, followed by an eighth on June 16. He then scored his first win in the United States on July 5, and then finished second on July 14.

His next two starts came at Saratoga. In the first one he won the A Phenomenon Handicap (G2) on Aug. 11 for his first career graded-stakes victory. He followed that with a seventh in the Forego Handicap (G2) on Sept. 6.

His next two starts came at Belmont Park where he finished fourth in the Vosburgh Stakes (G1) on Sept. 25, and then third in the Forest Hills Handicap (G2) on Oct. 16.

He closed out his year with a win in the Eillo Stakes (Black Type) at Gulfstream Park on Nov. 7. He finished 1999 with three wins, four seconds, two thirds, and $264,065 in earnings in 13 starts.

He returned to the track as a 7-year old in 2000 and began the year with two starts at Belmont Park. In the first one he finished second in an allowance race on May 12. He followed that with a win in the True North Handicap (G2) on June 10. It would be the last win of his career.

In his next start, he finished fourth in the Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash Stakes (G1) at Laurel Park on July 15. He then headed to Saratoga for two starts, and finished second in the A. G. Vanderbilt Handicap (G2) on Aug. 9, and second in the Forego Handicap (G2) on Aug. 30, which was his last start of the year. He finished with one win, three seconds, and $208,800 in earnings in five starts.

Following that race, Intidab was retired. He closed the book on his racing career with seven wins, 12 seconds, five thirds, and $531,221 in earnings in 36 starts.

Intidab began his stud career in 2001 and stood at Shadwell Farm, Kentucky, where he had a good breeding career. Among his progeny, he had 20 six figure earnings winners. The top two were Greater Good, six wins in 23 starts, and $546,720 in earnings; and Head Heart Hoof, 18 wins in 57 starts, and $509,142 in earnings.

Intidab was pensioned in Nov. 2016. Now, normally, with the Shadwell stallions, they would spend the rest of their days on the farm for their retirement. However, following the death of the farm’s founder, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in March of 2021, Shadwell underwent a reorganization and downsizing of operations in both the U.S. and Europe. This restructuring included relocating some stallions and selling a substantial number of its racing and breeding stock.

Old Friends was the beneficiary of Shadwell’s kindness in donating, not only Intidab to the farm, but six other stallions to the farm for their retirement.

Intidab and Kayrawan both arrived at Old Friends in March 2022, along with Dumaani, Swain, Mustanfar, and Albertus Maximus. In addition, another stallion donated by Shadwell Farm, Daaher, arrived at Old Friends on Aug. 16, 2022.

Intidab spent his retirement days happily grazing, napping and running around in a large paddock, while some of his former Shadwell buddies did the same in paddocks close by.

The beautiful stallion enjoyed two years of retirement at Old Friends. However, on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, he was euthanized due to the infirmities of old age. He was 32.

Upon his death, John (Nicholson, Old Friends President and CEO said), “Our Old Friends family is saddened to lose (this) Shadwell stallion. So many of us had grown exceedingly fond of Intidab, (who) led an accomplished and well-traveled life. In his final chapter, (he was a) friendly and engaging ambassador for Old Friends as well as for Shadwell Farm. His last years were shining examples of responsible Thoroughbred ownership and aftercare.”

Old Friends volunteer and masterful photographer, Laura Battles, wrote a lovely tribute to Intidab on Facebook, saying:

“We lost one of our elder statesmen at the farm last Thursday. Intidab was a big, tank of a horse.

“A son of Phone Trick, he was a sprinter just like his dad. You could tell just looking at him that he was all about speed.

“A dark bay, almost black, stallion, he lost an eye sometime along the path of his life, but that did not stop him from seeing anyone with carrots or fingers willing to scratch his beautiful self. Neck, chest, back, butt, all those places needed scratching, and the gentle stallion was happy to let visitors take care of his needs.

“One time, shortly after his arrival at Old Friends, I was coming down the hill after visiting the mares and all I had left was a small bag with a few shredded carrots that the girls had not found. I offered them to him and he took a bite and then refused anymore. I guess they were not fresh enough for him.

“After that, he would suspiciously sniff anything I offered him before accepting it. I made super thin slices for him and those were acceptable. (And), as he got a little older, the shreds (when fresh), were also accepted.

“When I visited with him a couple of weeks ago, he ate as many shreds as I would give him and also enjoyed a good scratch along his neck and chest under his blanket.

“Having recently celebrated his official 32nd birthday, he was one of the oldest horses on the farm.

“I am going to miss the old boy the next time I wander the front of the farm. Goodbye, Intidab, you were special and will be missed.” As will all of Old Friends staff and volunteers.