Old Friends - Thoroughbred Retirement
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (502) 863-1775, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org, or Michael Blowen(502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

 
OLD FRIENDS WELCOMES GRADED
STAKES WINNER SLIM SHADEY

Slim Shadey arrives at Old Friends (Photo:Carole Oates)
GEORGETOWN, KY - SEPTEMBER 10, 2019 -   Old Friends, the Thorough-bred Retirement farm based in Georgetown, KY., today welcomed long-time turf hero Slim Shadey.

The 11-year-old gelding was pensioned by current owner Michael Hui after a nine-year career. Slim Shadey made his final start on August 2  at Indiana Grand.
 
A two-time graded-stakes winner, Slim Shadey was bred in Great Britain by Phil Cunningham and spent two seasons racing throughout England and Ireland. He made his U.S. debut for Cunningham and trainer Simon Callaghan in 2012 at Santa Anita, kicking off what was to become his banner season.
 
In February of 2012 Slim Shadey captured his first graded-stakes, the GR2 San Marco at Santa Anita (a race he would captured again in 2013). Then, in September, Slim Shadey took the top spot in the GR2 John Henry Turf Championship, which served as a stepping stone to a run in the GR1 Breeders' Cup Turf where he finished 8 th .
 
By 2014 Slim began a series of claims to trainers David Jacobson and Michael Dubb, before ending with Hui and trainer Mike Maker in June of 2018 at Belmont Park. But the dark bay gelding never quite regained his form and was retired last month.
 
Slim Shadey ended his career with 83 starts, 14 wins, and earnings of $1,278,855.
 
"I stalked Slim Shadey for more than two years," said Old Friends founder and President Michael Blowen. "From a sunny day in the winner's circle at Saratoga two years ago when owner Michael Dubb agreed to retire him to Old Friends when his racing days were finished until Michael Hui, who claimed him from Dubb, agreed to do the same. And he's finally here."
 
"I'll never know the thrill of winning the Kentucky Derby," Blowen continued, "but it can't be any more exciting than watching Slim come off the trailer today. Thanks to all the Michaels: Dubb, Hui, and Maker for giving this Michael one of the great thrills of his life." 
 
 
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Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for over 200 retired racehorses. It's Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility: Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division in Greenfield Center, N.Y., For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.