Old Friends Virtual Tour - Sarava

Michael Blowen, founder of Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farms, with Sarava in film footage from 2017. Many thanks to Equisport Photos for the video. Please consider making a donation to Old Friends at www.oldfriendsequine.org
The Biggest Upset in 134 Years of Belmont Stakes History... Belmont day, June 8, 2002. Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner War Emblem bid to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. During the parade to the post, all eyes were on the nearly black colt. Parading with to post position 12 was another nearly black colt, but few paid him much attention. Sarava had won the Sir Barton Stakes on the Preakness undercard and had run admirably since returning from the English turf as a two year old. Yet most regarded him as an afterthought entered by trainer Ken McPeek when favorite Harlan’s Holiday lost the Derby and Preakness, and the Kentucky-bred son of Wild Again went off at odds of 70-1.
The field broke from the gate. Prado placed Sarava in the colt’s favorite spot, stalking relaxed on the outside. War Emblem, who had stumbled at the start, gave way as suddenly star runner Medaglia d’Oro surged forward, and with him, splitting horses, the long shot Sarava. It was Sarava who grabbed the lead. The two dueled fiercely and Sarava leapt ahead by half a length to the wire. That Belmont day it was Sarava who went to the winner’s circle to receive the accolades for a race beautifully run. He had spoiled a potential Triple Crown, but he was the longest shot ever to win the Belmont, paying $142.50.
He competed against Funny Cide, Evening Attire, Perfect Drift and his other peers of the era until 2005 when with earnings of $773,832 in 17 starts he entered stud in Florida. Retired from stud, Sarava arrived at Old Friends September 29, 2012. “Sarava” is a Brazilian greeting that means “good luck” and we thank Gary Drake of Louisville and Paul and Susan Roy of Great Britain for our good luck, their donation of this great Belmont Stakes winner to Old Friends.
About Old Friends: Old Friends is a 501(c)3 non profit organization that provides a dignified retirement to Thoroughbreds whose racing and breeding careers have come to an end. By promoting these one-time celebrated horses through a campaign of education and tourism, we hope to raise awareness of all equines in need. If you'd like to help, please consider a donation at www.oldfriendsequine.org

[@elwoodblues6663]

great story

[@ronaldking7462]

Outstanding tribute to noble team team of War Emblem and Edgar Prado and thrilling, memorable Belmont Stakes.

[@haroldkreye8770]

He is beautiful.

[@11SEXMACHINE]

Good looking horse for sure.

[@lespangen]

So handsome 😬

[@christinematton4125]

I love watching these videos but wonder if there are any recent ones ??? Also would love to know if old friends would consider taking in California Chrome when Japan is through with him and or no one else takes him. I'm so afraid he'll end up forgotten and in the slaughter pipeline .

[@peggypapczun2906]

What a nice, gentle horse he is! I never knew what happened to Sarava after he was retired. Was afraid he ended up in Japan or Russia or someplace. Thanks so much for the great video--all the great videos! Love these horses so much!

[@johnwalsh3215]

He says I’m no dummy one and done for racing and I can double dip on the carrots! He’s a good boy!

[@g0ezle0nard96]

Sarava-sired by 1984 inaugural Breeders Cup Classic winner Wild Again sired by Icecapade a son of the mighty Neartic son of Nearco. Nearco sired Neartic, Nasrullah, and Royal Charger. Nasrullah sired Bold Ruler sire of Secretariat.