War Emblem is coming home

War Emblem, winner of the 2002 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1), who has been standing at stud in Japan, is coming home to the United States to enjoy his retirement at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement farm in Georgetown, Ky.

"It's just an embarrassment of riches," said Michael Blowen, Old Friends founder. "It has been mind-blowing to have one Kentucky Derby winner here (Silver Charm), and now we are just thrilled and honored to also be able to retire War Emblem. We can't thank the Yoshida family enough for entrusting us with their fabulous horse."

The news was broken by Michele MacDonald in a RacingPost.com article on July 21, 2015.

According to the Old Friends’ press release, “In the fall of 2002 War Emblem was sold to the Yoshida family of Japan for $17 million to stand at their renowned Shadai Stallion Station in Hokkaido, which also stood the great Sunday Silence. War Emblem proved a finicky but talented stallion, having sired less than 200 foals in his career but many of them talented runners, including Japan's champion 2-year-old filly and Group 1 winner Robe Tissage.

“War Emblem was retired from stud duty earlier this year and the Yoshida family generously agreed to donate the stallion to Old Friends. Negotiations have been coordinated by Narvick International's Emmanual de Seroux.”

Plans call for War Emblem to arrive at Old Friends in late September.

War Emblem is the second Kentucky Derby winner that will reside at Old Friends. Last November, Silver Charm also returned from Japan and came to Old Friends. He was visited by his former trainer, Bob Baffert, prior to this year’s Kentucky Derby.

In a couple twists of fate:

* Baffert also trained War Emblem to his wins in the Derby and Preakness.

* War Emblem eventually lost his chance at the Triple Crown that year in the Belmont Stakes (G1). He stumbled out of the gate and was never a factor. The eventual winner was long shot Sarava, who also calls Old Friends home.

So, the question now is – which paddock will War Emblem live – the one across from Silver Charm OR the one across from Sarava.

Time will tell.

Stay tuned for more updates on when War Emblem will arrive at Old Friends.