Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement farm in Georgetown, Ky., has announce the arrival of 2008 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Big Brown for his retirement.
The 19-year-old bay stallion arrived at the farm Sept. 27, courtesy of Andy Cohen, managing partner of the Big Brown Syndicate. Besides his classic wins, Big Brown is the broodmare sire of the past two Derby winners, Mage and Dornoch , who are both sons of Puca.
Big Brown is the fifth Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner to be retired to Old Friends. The others (and their arrival year) are: Silver Charm (2014), War Emblem (2015), Charismatic (2016), and I'll Have Another (2024).
"We are excited beyond measure to welcome Big Brown as an honored member of the Old Friends family," said John Nicholson, president and CEO of Old Friends. "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."
Cohen said: "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 will be hosting Big Brown's Barn Bash Oct. 18. There will be a lot of fun activities and a chance to meet the guest of honor, Big Brown. More information will be coming soon.
