Old Friends' Karma

There are two sayings at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement farm in Georgetown, Ky., that are gospel.

The first is – It's All About the Horses.

Michael Blowen, the president and founder of Old Friends, bases the foundation of the farm on that saying.

"The horses are the athletes. They are what make the sport. Without them, there would not be horse racing," Blowen has said repeatedly over the years.

It is a great foundation for Old Friends.

The second saying is, more or less, for fun. But, it also keeps happening and because of that, more and more, people believe it it.

That saying is – Old Friends' Karma.

Do something good for the farm and for the horses and your fortunes turn to gold.

Recent case in point – Bob Baffert!

Here's how the karma worked for him…

* Oct. 7, 2014: With his help, his horse, Game on Dude arrived at Old Friends to enjoy his retirement. (Amazombie, not a Baffert horse arrived with him.)

* Dec. 23, 2014: With his help, along with owners, Robert and Beverly Lewis, Three Chimneys farm, and the Japan Bloodhorse Breeders Association, Silver Charm, who Baffert trained and almost won the 1997 Triple Crown, arrived at Old Friends to enjoy his retirement.

* May 2015: Just a few days prior to winning the Kentucky Derby, Baffert, along with his wife, Jill, and son, Bode, drove from Louisville, Ky. to Old Friends in Georgetown, Ky., to visit Silver Charm and Game on Dude. According to an article by Steve Haskin, in Blood-Horse magazine, May 9, 2015, “A Part of History:"

"… It proved to be a cathartic experience for Baffert as he was reunited with the horse who made his career and endeared him to people all over the country. …"

Silver Charm at Old Friend. (Photo by Rick Capone)

 * May 26, 2015: Just a few days before taking American Pharoah to New York for the Belmont Stakes, Baffert invited Michael Blowen and any Old Friends' volunteers who wanted, to come to Churchill Downs to see American Pharoah. It was a fun day for all.

Which brings us to…

* June 6, 2015: American Pharoah romps in the Belmont Stakes and wins the first Triple Crown in 37 years – and the first for Bob Baffert.

Old Friends' Karma! You better believe it!