The horse racing world goes through multiple addendum and changes, in hierarchy, management, staff and whatnot. In the same vein, a beloved member of the equine community bid adieu. The founder of Old Friends Thoroughbred Farm announced his departure from his position, a move that has caused a stir in the horse racing community. The announcement came as the group celebrates an incredible two decades. The farm, which has been instrumental in the Thoroughbred retirement program, is finally ending an era of its legend’s service since 2003.

Now, his retirement message for Old Friends represents a significant period of introspection, change, and foreshadows an exciting new phase in the organization’s history.

Horse racing veteran hangs his boots

Michael Blowen, the father of Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm, will be leaving his position as president. To guarantee a smooth transition, Blowen will still be actively involved, welcoming guests, giving tours, and making contributions in a variety of ways. In the retirement news published by Blood Horse, he said, “I’ve really taken it as far as I can take it.”

Blowen shared, “It started out with Diane and I and a golf cart and feeding the horses; a little mom and pop operation on the corner. And, today it’s like a multi-million dollar corporation, and it needs somebody that can handle that kind of operation.” After thinking about the farm’s growth and sustainability for years, Blowen decided to resign as president and CEO.

John Nicholson, the former executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park served from 1997 to 2014, will formally take over the role on February 1, 2024. Over the moon by Nicholson’s acceptance of the position, Blowen shared, “So when John said he would like to take the position, I just thought this was the greatest thing.”

The excitement over the president’s onboarding

Blowen, looking back on the change, said, “I’m not worried about it at all. I feel like, instead of being an old has been, I feel that a big weight has been lifted off of my shoulders.” He stressed how important it is to find someone who can oversee a facility the size of Old Friends and who has the same profound bond with the horses.

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With Nicholson leading the organization as it begins this new chapter, the new founder stated that Old Friends will be a “strong and viable force for all the good things it does for decades and generations to come.“ Blowen’s legacy and Nicholson’s expertise together create a foundation for a bright future where Old Friends’ purpose of providing Thoroughbred aftercare will never waver.

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