Belmont winner Sarava arrives at Old Friends

Beginning his career on the turf in Europe, Sarava failed to break his maiden

overseas. Returning to the U.S., a minor injury kept the budding three-year-old

off the Kentucky Derby trail in 2002, but he returned with a vengeance under conditioner

Ken McPeek to demolished the field in the Sir Barton Stakes on Preakness Day at

Pimlico.

Sarava's greatest victory -- and maybe one of the game's biggest upsets -- came

three weeks later when, at 70-1, he ended War Emblem's bid for the Triple Crown

by capturing the 134th running of the Belmont Stakes.

Not only was Sarava the longest shot in Belmont Stakes history but his

victory came before what was then the largest crowd ever assembled for the race:

103,000 in attendance.

"Sarava is the first classic winner to retire at Old Friends," said Old

Friends founder, Michael Blowen. "We are thrilled that Gary and the Roys would

trust us with his great stallion and grateful for the generous endowment.

"I also want to thank Midway (Kentucky) Mayor and bloodstock agent, Tom Bozarth, for his

assistance. I know Sarava's fans will love to visit him. To

me, it's like having Michael Jordan in my yard."

"Sarava has been a special horse to all of us," Gary Drake said. "He has done

his job well on the track and in the breeding shed, and has earned a respectful

retirement. We are pleased that Michael and the Old Friends staff will be caring

for him. They do a marvelous job with their retired stallions."

For more information about Sarava or any of the retirees at Old Friends

contact the farm at (502) 863-1775.

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com