The news that Old Friends has earned a 2015 Eclipse Award was met with understandable euphoria. The recognition by our fellow professionals in horse racing is something that everyone connected with Old Friends...from our visitors to our staff and volunteers to our top donors to the fifth grade class at Western Elementary in Georgetown..can all take a certain measure of pride. The arrivals of Game on Dude, Amazombie and Silver Charm (our Triple Crown) is a measure of how we've grown in terms of population and respect from the sport.
However, in the midst of the jubilation, we lost A.P. Slew (15) on Dec. 21 and Kiri's Clown (25) last night. Both suffered bouts of colic. In the case of A.P. Slew, there was little that could be done and he was euthanized after exploratory surgery at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. Kiri's Clown came through his operation with flying colors. The prognosis for extending his quality of life was excellent. Unfortunately, while coming out of anesthesia, he slipped and broke his leg. As I well know, the bones of older horses and humans just aren't what they used to be. I take some, but very small, solace in the fact that we did everything we could to improve their lives.
We're looking forward to 2015 with grounded optimism. Diane and I will be at Gulfstream Park on Dec.16 to accept the ThoroFan Award at their annual brunch, and, the following night, to express our gratitude at the Eclipse Awards. We humbly accept both as representatives of Old Friends because it's Old Friends that earned them both.
A.P. Slew photo © Laura Battles
