Old Friends announces Kentucky Downs satellite facility
Jan 18, 2015 0:59:58 GMT -5
Post by Jon on Jan 18, 2015 0:59:58 GMT -5
Old Friends announces Kentucky Downs satellite facility
Brisnet
Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, Kentucky, and Kentucky Downs in Franklin, Kentucky, announced on Saturday a partnership that will create an Old Friends satellite facility at the historic racecourse.
The horse exhibit, "Old Friends at Kentucky Downs," is expected to launch in May 2015 and will be open to the public for the summer season. It will showcase 10 retired racehorses -- including athletes with a history of running at Kentucky Downs -- via public tours coordinated by the Simpson County Tourism Commission.
In addition, an adjoining Visitor's Center and an Old Friends gift shop will be housed in a newly renovated structure on the Kentucky Downs stable area.
The joint venture is expected to help raise awareness of retired racehorses and the need for Thoroughbred aftercare, to increase tourism and to promote local attractions in Simpson County.
Old Friends farm in Georgetown conducts tours daily and attracts nearly 20,000 visitors throughout the year. The farm is home to more than 100 of the organizations 150 retirees, and star attractions include Silver Charm, Game on Dude, Gulch, Amazombie and Sarava.
"This is going to be great for these retired athletes," Old Friends Founder and President Michael Blowen said. "This exhibit will offer the fans a way to maintain emotional ties to the horses and it will also offer a way to celebrate the history of horse racing in their community."
"It's an honor to work with Michael Blowen and Old Friends," Kentucky Downs President Corey Johnsen said. "Michael's unbridled enthusiasm for this important cause is contagious, and he has set the tone for responsible racehorse retirement.
"The situation at Kentucky Downs is a 'win-win' situation," Johnsen continued. "We can provide a good home for these wonderful athletes while Old Friends provides the expertise. Ultimately, Kentucky Downs and Simpson County get a great tourist attraction that highlights the state's signature horse industry."
Brisnet
Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, Kentucky, and Kentucky Downs in Franklin, Kentucky, announced on Saturday a partnership that will create an Old Friends satellite facility at the historic racecourse.
The horse exhibit, "Old Friends at Kentucky Downs," is expected to launch in May 2015 and will be open to the public for the summer season. It will showcase 10 retired racehorses -- including athletes with a history of running at Kentucky Downs -- via public tours coordinated by the Simpson County Tourism Commission.
In addition, an adjoining Visitor's Center and an Old Friends gift shop will be housed in a newly renovated structure on the Kentucky Downs stable area.
The joint venture is expected to help raise awareness of retired racehorses and the need for Thoroughbred aftercare, to increase tourism and to promote local attractions in Simpson County.
Old Friends farm in Georgetown conducts tours daily and attracts nearly 20,000 visitors throughout the year. The farm is home to more than 100 of the organizations 150 retirees, and star attractions include Silver Charm, Game on Dude, Gulch, Amazombie and Sarava.
"This is going to be great for these retired athletes," Old Friends Founder and President Michael Blowen said. "This exhibit will offer the fans a way to maintain emotional ties to the horses and it will also offer a way to celebrate the history of horse racing in their community."
"It's an honor to work with Michael Blowen and Old Friends," Kentucky Downs President Corey Johnsen said. "Michael's unbridled enthusiasm for this important cause is contagious, and he has set the tone for responsible racehorse retirement.
"The situation at Kentucky Downs is a 'win-win' situation," Johnsen continued. "We can provide a good home for these wonderful athletes while Old Friends provides the expertise. Ultimately, Kentucky Downs and Simpson County get a great tourist attraction that highlights the state's signature horse industry."
