Old Friends Virtual Tour - Silver Charm 2020

Michael Blowen, founder of Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farms with Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm. Filmed by Mary Greene. Please consider making a donation to Old Friends at www.oldfriendsequine.org to support our over 200 thoroughbred retirees.
1997 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Silver Charm was bred in Florida by Mary Lou Wootton. Owned by Robert and Beverley Lewis and trained by Bob Baffert, he leaped to a juvenile stakes win in the 1996 Del Mar Futurity (G2) ridden by David Flores, then hit the 1997 Derby trail with his San Vicente (G3) win, Chris McCarron up. The Kentucky Derby began Silver Charm’s partnership with jockey Gary Stevens. In a thrilling finish they prevailed over Captain Bodgit and Free House. A repeat performance in the Preakness raised Triple Crown hopes and Silver Charm ran a heroic Belmont, but he was edged out by Touch Gold. Silver Charm was awarded the 1997 Three Year Old Male Championship. In 1998, teamed with Stevens, he won the San Fernando (G2), Strub (G2) and prestigious Dubai World Cup (G1), Kentucky Cup Classic (3) and Goodwood (G2). A close second in the 1998 Breeders’ Cup Classic and win in the Clark (G2) rounded out this superlative campaign. At five, Silver Charm won the San Pasqual (G2). In his 24 starts he achieved 12 wins, 7 seconds and 2 thirds for $6,944,369. He entered stud in 2000 at Three Chimneys in Kentucky, was relocated in 2005 to Japan and stood at JBBA’s Stallion Stations until 2014. Silver Charm was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 2007. In December 2014 he retired to Old Friends thanks to the cooperative efforts of JBBA, the Lewis family and Three Chimneys.
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. Please consider making a donation to Old Friends at www.oldfriendsequine.org. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

[@Pudu22]

I was lucky enough to see Silver Charm back in February. To my surprise, he even gave me a kiss! Such a magnificent animal. Looking forward to visiting again in the future.

[@lishmarlin7055]

Once an athlete, ALWAYS an athlete 🥰🥰😍😍😍 pure beauty

[@user-tu4rn8ui9u]

Still a beauty. Love to see him happy. Still runnin'!

[@marthaworthington6060]

HAPPY DERBY DAY, Silver Charm🤗♥️!! Do you remember that fabulous day when you recharged millions of racing fans on your way to the Triple Crown & $6,944,369? And happy Derby Day to you Michael Blowen. On this nostalgic Ky. D. day Sweet Silver Charm, this family member (lol) & the breeder of your Moma, (Bonnie's Poker) wanted to pass on some family information & let you know how much you are loved and are a huge part of my heart, thoughts & memories. Your Grandma, What A Surprise was my favorite mare due to her spunky brave nature as she lived with a very bad enlarged knee from her gruelling racing days (68 races) before we bought her for breeding.Although a good producer, she was retired from breeding far earlier than other mares due to her bad knee as she could still have a great life just grazing with some the weaned foals whom she kept calm & comforted. At 28 yrs.she still had a younger face for her age & was lovingly burried on our Longchamp Farm, Paris, Ky Silver Charm, you have inherited your Grandam's beautiful fine featured head, her intelligent, poised & level headed (in all situations) demeanor, as well as your dam's well balanced conformation & powerful hindquarters. What the (now) funny thing is, I had been hoping What A Surprise would have a nice big colt as she had the yr. prior, so was disappointed when at around 5 in the morning I delivered her filly (your dam) not knowing she would produce YOU, Silver Charm, who became THE BIGGEST SURPRISE and THRILL of all. To me you are family & we followed you in person for all your triple crown races, Breeder's Cup, and others. Did you know, Gary Stephens apologized to me for his bad ride in the Belmont at the Lewis's party after the race. He said he was focusing on that great rival Free House. The crowd hushed to an eery quiet as they too thought you would have won if you had been closer to Touch Gold, BUT, as we knew you would, you beat Touch Gold $1,179,970 and Skip Away $9,616,360, in the Breeders Cup!!(Another jockey error) so I was told!Gonna watch your races & tear up today on this Kentucy Derby Day, May 2, 2020. Blessings to you Silver Charm .Did you know you have the same grandsire as Seattle Slew's?? There almost WASN'T a Poker Stallion . POKER was voted to be euthanized by his syndicate due to his man killer disposition developed by mistreatment after racing & no one wanted to get near him after he savaged a groom. BUT, he was saved from euthanasia, by my dad, Dr. William E. Wortnington the ONLY man to risk his life to save Poker and handle him in the breeding shed for several years. Behind this info is another great story for another day! Thank you Michael for loving and caring for our favorite horse of all time, please give him an xtra 😘 from Martha Garland Worthington, Bonnie's Poker (bred by Dr. and Mrs. S. E. Garland) Longchamp Farm♥️🤗 mlgworting [e-mail]

[@kevinw8688]

I don't know a ton about horse racing, but I went to see SC last week, a fun horse, loves his carrots. I didn't know what a real champ this boy was. I've watched his Triple Crown races multiple times. I am so rooting for him to win that Belmont. He just didn't see Touch Gold. Still one of what? 28 to every win 2 of 3 of the T-Crown runs? This horse was a warrior. I want to see him again, he's getting up there in years, but he's a rock star and his soft carrots prove he earned that right.

[@spacemerchants]

Silver Charm is perfect in every way! It was lovely to see him run through his meadow. Such a handsome guy.

[@joechrow8341]

This Horse was all Guts and Heart...Even during the 12 Furlong Belmont he was as Tenacious as it gets in the Stretch finishing a Close 2nd...He was Extremely Wide on the far Turn and that Probably Cost him the Crown...This farm retirement life run by his Biggest fan is very well deserved for this Horse

[@kevinw8688]

I was talking to a horseman the other day and he said the fact Touch Gold was so wide it didn't allow Silver Charm to see who he was really racing against. Touch Gold was like a rocket ship at the end. I wish Silver Charm had won it all, but had he, I may not have gotten a chance to meet him.

[@JBfromKY]

This place is worth a visit. Very nice tour.

[@mickvanquish]

great great video,,I'm a big fan of the racehorses, looks like a beautiful place,,,,,,lucky people,,,,,,,

[@LowkeyLowkeyl]

I had always wondered what had happened to Silver Charm, I was fortunate enough to have seen him and bet with him for the Kentucky and Preakness stakes.!! Loved it !! God bless all of you, and Michael thank you for loving and caring the way you do,God bless you my friend, wish there were more like you in the world !! Aloha from Big Island Hawaii 🌴☮️🙏🤙🏼🍍🌺🙂

[@willthetrill4849]

I know Silver Charm is up there in age close to the maximum lifespan. I just hope he'll make it to at least 35 years old. We're not ready to lose him yet

[@kevinw8688]

He seems in great spirits (i saw him this week). Gotta feed him soft carrots because of no teeth, but he's still spunky and chill

[@BestLifeChallenge]

Can't wait to deliver a few carrots to Silver Charm in person asap . . . !

[@MrLew1965]

The World of the Equine Community needs more loving caring people like this !! These are the real champions of the horse racing world that get no trophies or huge purse pay-outs ! Tons of respect to you my friend !! I would LOVE to visit these horses !!

[@fuchsiaswing8545]

What a beauty. Old Friends does remarkable work. Seeing this lion-hearted champion living a comfortable and happy life brings a tear to my eye. Like a true champion, he still possesses that unrivaled competitive spirit. Love him.

[@jr978]

Silver Charm and Michael ~~ 😍

[@joeyprince2910]

Wow! That boy can run. Didn’t think you had it in you Mike. Ha ha ha.

[@crankybuzzard6867]

I hope to visit sometime. Does me well to see what a great spot for the ol runners.

[@phdiers]

God I miss going to Old Friends. I so loved staying there when they had the B&B. We always stayed in the "Creator" room. Some of the best times of my life.

[@detngator]

I have a wish list seeing you all is at top. When I get my pension going to pay someone to drive me up

[@jackcodmyt1352]

Looking sliver

[@ZenyattafanfromCa]

This is the best! Cannot wait to go. God Bless Michael and all his volunteers and especially these wonderful animals. Been there twice but last time was 5 years ago. Definitely need my Old Friends fix. Thank you. Last time especially a real treat to receive a tour from Michael. ❤️😊

[@11SEXMACHINE]

Literally heaven on earth

[@chocolatetownforever7537]

Love these vids. I dont know whats more impressive, Silver Charm, or you hopping over the fence and running around. You move great for your age. Keep up the great work at Old Friends. These horses gave their all, for not a lot in return. They deserve to be taken care of and loved in their retirement years. And you do that. God bless you, and all the animals there.

[@judyakajude3370]

*Saint* Michael, I think this is my FAVE video you've done!!! 💞😍 How incredibly smart SILVER CHARM is 😁 I love how you can run in his paddock with him 🐎 I was concerned you could fall 😉 Thank you for being an Old Friend 🐴 (Judy from CA)

[@annelogan95]

He's such a sweet horse. Love him!! I've been twice and I can't wait to see him, Alphabet Soup, and everyone again.

[@melissa007ish]

Great stuff! I've been to Old Friends a couple of times and I can't say enough great things. Silver Charm and Michael Blowen are both pretty great! Highly recommend as a place to visit when we are through our troubles.

[@kc8767]

0:57. Hurry up and take your picture, my tongue is drying up. 😛😛

[@kmac1766]

This, my friends, is living! God bless Old Friends & all those they serve.

[@TheBlue65packer]

If it wasn't for an article in People magazine I saw on Old Friends! I would not of known about what a great place it is! I hope to visit someday in the future!

[@bobbieswift2874]

Absolutely fantastic 💕...thanks so much Michael for sharing the great Silver Charm with all of us. I see why he’s so special to you. Wow !

[@lsieu]

Hi Michael! I found Old Friends Farm thru your videos. As much as I like Beth's videos, I hope that you will periodically still make some, especially with the recent editions. Thank you for your consideration.

[@myronschabe]

Really appreciate this story about the buy back from Japan....cause otherwise he would have been slaughter bound....and magnificent horse like this, with his record!! This is a happy ending and I really like this horse farm and it's mission...love for the horses shows thru....though Thoroughbred racing needs to do much, much, much more that race horses have sustainable lives and don't end up at slaughter. It can't be all up to individuals, it has to be systematic.

[@spenfor1598]

Missed this video when posted!!! Have been to Old Friend's many times!!! Silver Charm is one of my absolute favs!!!! Magnificent horse!!! Wonderful place!!!! Sure missed my visit this spring!!!! Thanks for taking such great care of all the horses!!!! Hope to see you soon!!!! 💕

[@Sagitariusmaria]

This is so nice to see you both! Thank you for sharing!

[@lisabenson]

Great channel!

[@PauloFernandoNunes]

Que lindo! Foi craque!!!

[@ananiramirez7462]

Por este caballo soy aficionado a las carreras de pura sangre es una lastima que no ganara la triple corona.(solo le falto el Belmont) pero era un caballo de gran corazon,siempre ganando con lo justo

[@CC-xn5xi]

Beautiful

[@lespangen]

so glad Mr. Lewis had the means and foresight to put in place an agreement that it sounds like would prevent his meeting the same fate as poor Ferdinand in Japan🥵🥵🥵

[@lisacepluch1152]

Love that fly spray holder. What a good idea. Silver Charm isn't so bad either 😁

[@terrykelly5496]

Did Silver Charm give the raspberry to Michael re getting together with Touch Gold?

[@denisesomewherearoundhere1798]

He looks wonderful. And he’s too funny with that tongue!

[@retrofuturistic8]

No teeth, at least in the front, which makes me wonder how he chews the carrots.

[@elwoodblues6663]

😇

[@markwest8960]

Any word on the book of stories about Silver Charm by your wife? I looked on Amazon and didn't see it. I'd be interested in purchasing it if available yet.

[@nancyhodge7331]

to bad he did not get big red

[@johnhoie1]

I’m very glad Silver Charm is somewhere he is loved and cared for, but what about his owner from his racing days? This horse is royalty, and should have been retired at a major breeding farm. Edit: I take it back, after hearing the backstory, he has been treated well.

[@kevinburke6055]

Why is he so white now? I just watched his Kentucky Derby he looked dark back then.

[@OfficialMuffiin]

Grey horses will turn white with age.

[@Wigfield84]

He's old! I think he's like 90 in people years.

[@fuchsiaswing8545]

Because grey horses turn white, he's an old guy now but still a beauty.

[@josh80s]

Before commenting, I checked out the website. It has no information about the facilities or care that is offered. The "About" page boasts centers around and mostly boasts about its founder, Michael, and its deceptive, contrary to what Michael would have you believe, "Thoroughbred Retirement" was around long before him - he was not the pioneer of the industry. The longest and oldest such retirement facility is in Pennsylvania (founded in 1946).There are many others and perhaps better. If you're asking for public donation, be transparent, s at least show the damn facilities and what you do exactly for the horses entrusted to your care.