From Michael...
 

Nearly seven years ago, on a sunny October afternoon at Keeneland, my friend, trainer John Botty, handed me a win ticket on a claimer he shipped in from New England named Our Revival. She won easily and paid $9. "Just give the money to Old Friends," said John. And I did. Since then, John has trained a bevy of Thoroughbreds, including the 2010 and 211 New England Horses of the Year, and contributed to Old Friends. And he's never asked for a favor. Until two weeks ago. It was a warm Friday night at River Downs and Tim Wilson had a maiden claimer entered named Storm of Yanji for owner Tony Chase. We were on the backside waiting to bring Stormy up when the phone rang It was John and he was in a panic. He found that one of the horses he used to own was caught up in the Keith Asmussen imbroglio in Texas, where several Throughbreds were caught up in an unfortunate situation but found their way to the care of Donna Keen at Remember Me Farm. "I don't even know if this horse is still alive," said the usually unflappable Botty. He was in full panic mode. I immediately called our invaluable helper, Tim Ford in Indianapolis and he soon tracked down the horse and discovered that the animal was safe and sound at Rememember Me. Wednesday morning, at about 6:30, a van from Arkansas pulled up and out stepped John's 12-year-old horse. The tag, attached to her rope halter, read Our Revival. It was the first time I'd set my eyes on her since October 19, 2005 and she was more beautiful than ever. Old Friends Karma.
 

We recently added to new retirees from Earl Mack (or Earl Macke). Star Plus, an energetic stallion, and Lion Hunter, a gelding. Mr Mack is very supportive of his horses and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and Old Friends We previously retired his beautiful mare, Santona. Special thanks to Denali Stud for keeping all three Thoroughbreds until we had their spots open up. Last week, Mixed Pleasure, a 27-year-old stallion, arrived from the West Coast. Thanks to everyone who helped him get here in good health but special gratitude for Barbara Grimaldi who egineered his retirement to Old Friends We're doing our best to cut down the waiting list and appreciate everyone's patience as we try to find more spots for more retirees.

Zippy Chippy is big news!