Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement facility in Georgetown, Ky., is happy to announce the launch of the Leadership Match Challenges for our 2026 HayRaiser.
Many connections of Old Friends retirees have rallied in support of the horses, including those who have pledged to match donations made during the HayRaiser over the coming weeks. Only one month into our 2026 HayRaiser, more than $100,000 has already been committed through gifts and pledges to this year's campaign.
In coming weeks, Leadership Circle members will present a series of Leadership Match Challenges across social media, inviting fellow horse lovers to double the impact of their gifts while honoring the horses that brought them together.
Old Friends is proud to recognize the following sponsorship members of the HayRaiser Leadership Circle, who have generously agreed to be publicly acknowledged for their support of this year's campaign:
Calumet Farm, CRK Stables, Summer Wind Farm, Rusty and Sarah Arnold, Repole Stable, Airdrie Stud, NHBPA Foundation, Sandra Benowitz, Big Brown Syndicate, Tom Kagele, Bev Passerello, Kinsman Farm, and Doug and Caton Bredar.
Each member of the Leadership Circle has at least one retired Thoroughbred currently enjoying retirement at Old Friends, making their participation especially meaningful.
Taking place weekly through September 30, the Leadership Match Challenge celebrates the different retirees each set of connections has on the farm while giving supporters new opportunities to multiply their impact while celebrating the remarkable horses at the heart of Old Friends' mission.
The first Match Challenge will kick off tomorrow and run through August 9, when Godolphin will match up to $2,500 in honor of their Old Friends residents Alpha and Any Given Saturday
"We're incredibly grateful for the response to HayRaiser," said John Nicholson, President of Old Friends. "Seeing owners, breeders, trainers, racing fans, and friends of Old Friends come together on behalf of these horses has been inspiring. Thanks to their generosity, we'll head into the winter with the hay we need and the confidence that we're ready to provide the lifelong care our retirees deserve."
The yearly HayRaiser campaign allows Old Friends to purchase and store hay before winter arrives, protecting the organization against rising costs, unpredictable weather, and the day-to-day needs of our retired Thoroughbreds. Thanks to donations from both racing connections and fans, Old Friends will head into the winter with confidence, knowing it is prepared to keep the promise of lifelong care to our residents.
For more information about HayRaiser 2026 or to make a donation, visit the Old Friends website. You can also follow Old Friends on social media for campaign updates.
This press release has not been edited by BloodHorse. If there are any questions please contact the organization that produced the release.
