Blustery late-winter weather did not stop a crowd of fans from flocking to Old Friends Farm Feb. 24 to celebrate the 30th birthdays of 1997 Triple Crown rivals Silver Charm and Touch Gold . Both horses reside at the Georgetown, Ky., facility.
Inside the newly renovated indoor event space, there was food and merriment including human and equine cakes, along with commemorative cards and photos which were given out in exchange for donations. The horses also received plenty of attention and treats.
A fan with Silver Charm
“It’s unbelievable, Silver Charm actually turned 30 two days ago and Touch Gold’s actual foaling day isn’t until May but we decided we’d celebrate both of their birthdays on the same day because of their Triple Crown adventures in 1997,” said Michael Blowen, founder and former president of Old Friends.
“It symbolizes a lot to me, these two horses, on how they get along. … Once they stop competing, they relax and once they get relaxed they become amazing horses again.”
Michael Blowen at Old Friends
In 1997, Silver Charm won both the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1), but fell short of the Triple Crown when second to Touch Gold in the Belmont Stakes (G1). He retired to Old Friends in 2014 after standing stud at Three Chimneys and JBBA’s Stallion Stations in Japan. Touch Gold arrived in 2015 after a stud career at Adena Springs Farm.
30th birthday decorations adorn the fence