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| Staff Writer |
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Big Brown, the 2008 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes victor, has found his forever home at Old Friends Thoroughbred retirement farm in Georgetown, Kentucky. The 19-year-old bay stallion arrived at the facility on 27 September, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career.
The son of Boundary stormed to victory in the 2008 Gr.1 Kentucky Derby and Gr.1 Preakness Stakes, captivating racing fans worldwide. His legacy continues through his daughters, with Big Brown emerging as the broodmare sire of the past two Kentucky Derby winners, Mage and Dornoch, both out of his daughter Puca.
Big Brown's arrival at Old Friends places him among an elite group of Derby and Preakness winners. He becomes the fifth such champion to retire at the farm, following in the hoofprints of Silver Charm (2014), War Emblem (2015), Charismatic (2016), and I'll Have Another (2024).
Old Friends boasts an impressive list of previous Gr.1 Kentucky Derby winners. Charismatic triumphed in 1999, while War Emblem took the roses in 2002. Silver Charm's 1997 victory preceded his Preakness win and a narrow second in the Belmont Stakes. I'll Have Another's 2012 Derby success was followed by a Preakness win before injury halted his Triple Crown bid.
John Nicholson, president and CEO of Old Friends, expressed his enthusiasm, saying: "We are excited beyond measure to welcome Big Brown as an honored member of the Old Friends family. We are deeply grateful to Andy Cohen and all of Big Brown's connections for choosing to share this great horse with racing fans everywhere. I know his legions of fans will love having the chance to visit him throughout the year. Big Brown will be an awesome ambassador, not only for Old Friends, but for the sport of Thoroughbred Racing."
Andy Cohen, managing partner of the Big Brown Syndicate, reminisced about the champion's racing days: "It doesn't seem that long ago when we would visit Big Brown in the middle of the night and just hang out with him. He was like a puppy and especially loved it when the young children would come over to pet him.
"As sweet as he was, when he got on the racetrack, he knew it was time to go to work. I remember after his race at Gulfstream Park, Kent Desormeaux said he is the fastest horse I've ever ridden, and the rest is history.
"After visiting Old Friends and getting to know John Nicholson and Michael Blowen, I couldn't be more comfortable knowing Big Brown will get the love and care he deserves at Old Friends, where the horse is the boss."
Old Friends is planning a special 'Big Brown's Barn Bash' on 18 October, offering fans the opportunity to meet the newly retired champion. The event promises a variety of activities and the chance to see Big Brown up close, with more details to be announced soon.