SARAVA - IN MEMORIAM

About Sarava:
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. Sadly, we lost Sarava in August 2023.
Old Friends thanks the hard work and dedication of 'High Road Productions' producing this video. Thanks also to Rick Capone for his photo of Sarava.
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. www.oldfriendsquine.org

[@charlenefreeman922]

Sarava paid our mortgage with that win and I was in love with this Wild Again before and forever after l. I will always miss this amazing beauty.

[@roccospano611]

Very nice video tribute, Sarava was one of my favorite horses , and was very underrated in the Belmont as the win price indicated.

[@scottadams2094]

RIP Big Fella. Thank you for one of the MOST memorable days of my life!!!

[@kayeroskaft9619]

What a race! Sensational Sarava. The good byes are always difficult. (Now I will look up every horse in this race.)

[@michaelconlee3925]

I'm so glad we got to meet Sarava at Old Friends earlier this year. RIP champ.

[@lespangen]

Wonderful yea long shot’s Glad Sareva got to live out his days at Old Friends safe and receiving much deserved carrot tribute condolence to all who loved him

[@dianemanson7756]

I remember that race well. Was heartbroken at the time for War Emblem. Took a while to get over being upset with Sarava. But happy they both ended up at Old Friends. May they gallop together in horsey heaven.

[@monicap1717]

Beautiful RIP Sarava🌹 RIP War Emblem

[@spenfor1598]

Oh my!! I cried through the whole video!!! 😓 Hard to believe we have lost these two beautiful horses War Emblem and Sarava!!! 😭 It will be so hard to go by their padduct's next visit! So heartbreaking!! 💔 Thankfully Edgar Prado got to visit with Sarava before his passing!! So sweet playing the race and the smile when they won!! 🏇😊 Thank you for this tribute!!! Thank you Old Friends for the wonderful home you gave this sweet boy!! RIP Sarava 🌈🐎 RIP War Emblem 🌈🐎 You will never be forgotten!! 💕 A life well lived!! 🐎💖 May your memory be a Blessing to all that loved you!!! 💕

[@lespangen]

The quality field partially explains Sareva’s odds, according to one of Mr. b’s stories, his owner persuaded many of his friends to bet on Sareva and they won a lot of money when he was the upset winner ( such a gorgeous horse: glad he got to spend his final days at Old Friends condolences to all connections 😥😥😰😰wonder if he and War Emblem remembered their competition (unlikely I realize ( Sorry that neither is still with us)

[@lindaosika7648]

It was Sarava's day to shine.

[@pn1123]

Thank you for this lovely tribute. I had forgotten what a star studded Belmont that was, and Sarava out ran Medalia D'Oro that day. But I do remember him zooming around his paddock every time I visited Old Friends. Thank you Old Friends for giving him the retirement he deserved. RIP Sarava.

[@lespangen]

Sorry I missed visiting him😰

[@lespangen]

70:1 quite a long shot and big pay day for owner who convinced his friends to each bet100 on Sarava

[@CC-xn5xi]

What a stallion. Awesome to the end.

[@OwnedByACatNamedC.C.]

I’m so sad to hear this news. It was timely that Edgar Prado visited Old Friends & saw Sarava one last time. Little did he know that this great horse would leave us a little over a month later. Blessings to Old Friends for the love & care they give to these magnificent horses.

[@sandraramsey3329]

Kentucky Songs ❤

[@joseguedes2498]

Simply tears in my eyes. What a homage to a great horse.

[@larryhillebrand5421]

Rest in peace sarava I saw you a month or so before u passed an I'm so glad I did . I told my girlfriend about u passing away an she cried but we were so blessed to see u one last time run free like u did in the Belmont

[@monikaranee]

These are always so tough to watch. I laughed at the end when he was hearing it on the phone and moving his head, but man if the tears aren’t also streaming down.😢

[@CC-xn5xi]

What's the best time of year to visit Old Friends?