Game on Dude takes up residence at Old Friends

Michael Blowen, founder and president of

Old Friends,

announced Friday that multiple Grade 1-winning multi-millionaire Game on Dude has been retired to the

Thoroughbred

retirement center in Georgetown, Kentucky.

Campaigned by trainer Bob Baffert and owned by a

partnership that includes Joe Torre's Diamond Pride, the Lanni Family Trust,

Mercedes Stable and Bernie Schiappa, the seven-year-old gelded son of Awesome Again

was retired from racing on September 18 following one of the most prestigious

campaigns in history.

Game on Dude holds the distinction of being the only horse to ever capture three

runnings of the Santa Anita Handicap. His Big 'Cap victory in 2014 came

at a near-American record time of 1:58, which was the fastest time in the

race's 79-year history.

In addition, the dark bay is only the second horse in history to

sweep California's three Grade 1 handicaps­--the Santa Anita Handicap, the

Hollywood Gold Cup and the Pacific Classic-- in the same year.

In his 34 career starts, Game on Dude captured 16 wins, eight of them Grade

1s, and earnings of just under $6.5 million.

"We are thrilled that Bob Baffert and the owners of Game on Dude are entrusting

Old Friends with their spectacular racehorse," Blowen said. "It's such

an honor to show him off to all of his fans and visitors.

"Over the last few

weeks, Bob asked a lot of detailed questions about his care," Blowen added. "Now

I know how the people of Cleveland felt when LeBron James signed with the Cavs."

"It feels like we are sending our child off to camp for five years," Baffert

said via telephone. "(My wife) Jill and I have been supporters of Old Friends

and we really felt Game on Dude needed to be somewhere where he would be loved

on -- he is such a sweet horse, such a good soul, and we know there will be a lot

of interaction there."

Currently, arrangements are being made for Game on Dude's flight to Kentucky via the Tex

Sutton Forwarding Co. and arrival times will be announced when they are

confirmed. A press event as well as a public viewing will be scheduled.

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that

cares for 150 retired racehorses. It's Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite

facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby

Frankel Division.

For more information on tours or to make a donation, please contact

the main farm at 502-863-1775 or see their website at

oldfriendsequine.org.

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