What Happens To Old Race Horses? – After The Derby

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (AP) — Connections to the Kentucky Derby abound at a nonprofit horse farm in central Kentucky that takes in at-risk racehorses long past their prime.

Old Friends is now in its 11th year operating as a refuge for stallions and other racers that otherwise might be forgotten or sent to slaughter.

Top thoroughbred Danthebluegrassman was ready to run in the 2002 Kentucky Derby, but he got sick on the day of the race and never ran. He lives here along with Wallenda, who ran in the 1993 Derby. Another thoroughbred in that Derby, Bull in the Heather, lived at Old Friends until his death in April.

Another Old Friends resident, Tinner's Way, never ran in the Derby but he is the last foal of Secretariat, the race's greatest champion.