Old Friends Virtual Tour - War Emblem 1999-2020

Michael Blowen, founder of Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farms, with War Emblem from film footage from 2017. Many thanks to Equisport Photos for the video. Please consider making a donation to Old Friends at www.oldfriendsequine.org
2002 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner War Emblem was bred in Kentucky by Charles Nuckols, Jr. & Sons. The handsome, nearly black colt was purchased for $20,000 and won his first start at Arlington Park ridden by Alfredo Juarez, Jr. for Russell L. Reineman Stable, Inc. and trainer Frank Springer. He into Derby contention with a 6 ¼ length victory in the Illinois Derby, Larry Sterling, Jr. in the irons. Purchased by The Thoroughbred Corporation, War Emblem was thereafter trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Victor Espinoza. On Derby day 2002 the spirited colt outran the speed and put away the challengers. He scored a repeat performance in the 2002 Preakness. But a Triple Crown was not to be. War Emblem was denied the Belmont by fellow future Old Friends retiree Sarava. His final win in the prestigious Haskell Stakes (G1) resulted in earnings of $3,491,000 for 7 wins, 0 seconds and 0 thirds in 13 races. War Emblem’s entire stud career was spent at Shadai Stallion Station in Japan. He proved a shy breeder with only 118 foals in a dozen years at stud; nevertheless, his progeny include Japan’s 2012 champion juvenile filly Robe Tissage and Shuka Sho (Jpn G1) winner Black Emblem. War Emblem was retired from stud in 2015 and donated by the Yoshida family to Old Friends. Grateful thanks go to the Yoshida family, the staff of Shadai Stallion Station, Emanuel de Seroux, and the many supporters who generously enabled War Emblem’s retirement to Old Friends.
GEORGETOWN, KY - MARCH 24, 2020 - Michael Blowen, founder and President of Old Friends, the nonprofit Thoroughbred Retirement Farm based in Kentucky, today released the findings of the necropsy report regarding the recent passing of 2002 Kentucky Derby - Preakness winner War Emblem.
War Emblem, 21, was found deceased at Old Friends on March 11, 2020 after what was initially perceived to be a fatal paddock accident. A full medical report was, at that time, pending.
The following statement was issued by Old Friends veterinarian, Dr. Bryan Waldridge of Park Equine Hospital in Versailles, KY:
"After War Emblem's sudden death, a complete necropsy was performed at the University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The cause of death was ruptured small intestine. The cause of the tear in his small intestine could not be determined by anatomic or microscopic examination. No strangulation or displacement of the small intestine was present. Rupture of the small intestine without a predisposing cause is an uncommon and, unfortunately, fatal injury. "
"We were very proud to be given the opportunity to repatriate War Emblem when his stallion career came to an end, and we were lucky enough to have him with us for nearly five years," said Blowen. "His great speed, great beauty, intelligence, and distinct personality made him one of our most popular and beloved retirees, visited by hundreds of fans weekly, even in our off season.
"Our entire staff was devastated by his unexpected passing," Blowen added. "We'll all miss him terribly."
Old Friends thanks the hard work and dedication of Equisport Photos in making this video.
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.

[@joseguedes2498]

Michael and his staff are angels God put on Earth.

[@laurenurban3942]

I’ll always remember War Emblem. He was sold just a few weeks before the Kentucky Derby to a Saudi Baffert client who wanted to win the derby. They made an offer on him and he was sold right before the derby.

[@redrider1435]

Rest In Peace Handsome

[@spenfor1598]

Beautiful War Emblem Our hearts are broken!!So glad we got to see you several times! You had the best life at Old Friends! RIP Big Boy

[@saradapagediocletian9707]

War Emblem and I share a birthday! Just one year difference.

[@alisonlee3314]

A little chestnut mare in there with him might have made him less grumpy. RIP sweet boy xxx

[@middlebrook12123]

Love you War Emblem AND Old Friends

[@lindaosika7648]

He was smart.

[@cjmiro90277]

What a character!

[@johnwalsh3215]

War Emblems was a great one! His Legacy will live on! R I P handsome boy!

[@christinematton4125]

Poor guy😭 glad he passed knowing he was loved .

[@lisacepluch1152]

So beautiful. He will be missed but so glad he retired at Old Friends.

[@TheBlue65packer]

What a lovable grump War Emblem was! Micheal sure had an awesome relationship with the grumpy old man!

[@ZenyattafanfromCa]

Thank you, thank you Old Friends and Michael. Rest In Peace.

[@jr978]

Never forgotten~ RIP War Emblem.

[@janicewhedbee5199]

War Emblem, man what a cool name You deserve the best and you received the best and well deserved. Miss you my friend.

[@normajackson4496]

That’s great thing that you all are doing for for this horses Bob he loves you God bless every one

[@Sagitariusmaria]

All the love ❤️ that Michael gives to these beautiful stallions is a blessing to their life’s thank you for sharing.

[@marathonlady1446]

It’s sad to me to see them grow old after all the incredible races and hype. May this beloved horse RIP!

[@cosmic1229]

So happy he didn't stay in Japan. He wouldn't breed the mares anymore and they blamed his poor pedigree for his interest in other poor pedigrees. They abused him and gave him mass amounts of testosterone which is why his attitude is very angry and responsive. I'm glad he got to spend the rest of his life back home and away from the possibilities of slaughter