Old Friends Virtual Tour - Wallenda 1990-2016

Michael Blowen, founder of Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farms, speaks to visitors about multiple graded-stakes winner Wallenda. Sadly, Wallenda passed away on May 9th, 2016. Bio from our website: When our flying Wallenda arrived from Japan, his homecoming was fueled by hundreds of fans. Anchored by a substantial contribution from Cot and Anne Campbell of Dogwood Stable, this Grade I winning son of Gulch out of So Glad (ARG) was welcomed by hundreds of supporters. Named after the high wire performer, Karl Wallenda, this magnificent Thoroughbred was most famous for winning the Grade I Super Derby and Grade II Pennsylvania Derby in 1993. This tall, dark and handsome stud has captured the imagination of thousands of fans since his return to the U.S. Bred in Florida by Peter Brant and Haras Santa Maria, he campaigned wearing the distinctive Dogwood silks for trainer Frank Alexander and jockey Herb McCauley. Wallenda earned $1,205,929 in just 33 lifetime starts. Obit Press Release May 9, 2016 : Wallenda, a multiple graded-stakes winner, was euthanized today at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement farm in Georgetown, KY., where he had been pensioned since 2007. The 26-year-old stallion had been dealing with complications brought on by a collapsed suspensory. "He was, by any definition, a warrior," said Old Friends founder and President Michael Blowen. "Like his sire, Gulch, who was also with us for many years, Wallenda was one of the toughest and most resilient horses we have ever known. "Despite his ongoing hoof issues, he maintained a gleam in his eye and vibrant attitude," Blowen continued. "But today his demeanor changed, and after much discussion with our vet, Dr. Bryan Waldridge, the vets at Hagyard, and the amazing farriers at Dr. Bryan Fraley's Equine Podiatry, we felt Wallenda's medical issues had reached the point where we could no longer maintain his comfort or quality of life." Named after the famous aerialist Karl Wallenda of The Flying Wallendas, the horse was bred by Peter M. Brant and Haras Santa Maria de Araras, and was later purchased by Cot Campbell's Dogwood Stables. A Kentucky Derby contender in 1993, Wallenda went on to win the Pennsylvania Derby, though his greatest victory came later that year in the Louisiana Super Derby, where he beat Saintly Prospector at the wire for the $400,000 purse. Wallenda [Gulch - So Glad (ARG), Liloy (FR.)] had seven wins from his 33 starts and career earnings of just over $1.2 million Entering stud in 1995, the dark bay stallion went first to New Zealand and later at Toyosato Stallion Center in Hokkaido, Japan. Old Friends, with the help of Dogwood, trainer Frank Alexander, members of the stallion's syndicate, and loyal supporters, returned Wallenda to the United States in 2007. "We're extremely grateful to Dr. Fraley and his team for their continued care and creative approach to Wallenda's welfare and comfort," said Blowen, "and we're grateful to Cot Campbell and everyone who helped us bring him home from Japan. He was a favorite here on the farm and we will miss seeing him every day." Old Friends President and Founder Michael Blowen about Wallenda: When Dogwood Stable's Cot Campbell named Wallenda after the great high wire artist, Karl Wallenda, 26 years ago, I don't think he imagined that the son of Gulch would become the equine embodiment of his namesake. Wallenda's life was like crossing the Grand Canyon every day on a thin wire with only determination and audacity keeping him from the abyss. He lived by his courage and wits and toughness. Ironically, both Wallendas, who lived by their extraordinary feet were, ultimately, betrayed by them. We have..and had...more lovable horses at Old Friends but none of them could surpass the determination and resilience of the incomparable flying Wallenda. Old Friends thanks the hard work and dedication of Equisport Photos in making this video. Video © Equisport photos and Old Friends, Inc. www.oldfriendsquine.org About Old Friends: Old Friends is a 501(c)3 non profit organization that provides a dignified retirement to Thoroughbreds whose racing and breeding careers have come to an end. By promoting these one-time celebrated horses through a campaign of education and tourism, we hope to raise awareness of all equines in need. _____________________________________________________________