Top Sprinter Bonapaw Retired at Old Friends
Equestrian News Release

GEORGETOWN, KY— MARCH 19, 2009 —Bonapaw, winner of the 2002 G1 Vosburg Stakes, has arrived at Old Friends. His owner, James Richards, Jr. of Louisiana, donated the now 13-year-old gelding to the Georgetown-based Thoroughbred retirement facility last month.

Purchased by twin brothers Dennis and James Richards at the Keeneland Yearling sale for $6,500, the meagerly bred Bonapaw (Sabona—Pawlova, by Nijinsky) was nothing short of a fairy tale horse—the Richards’s own Cinderfella. Successful under the tutelage of several trainers, the gelding truly found his stride with Norman Miller, and became one of the country’s top sprinters.

A star of Louisiana’s Fair Grounds, Bonapaw had 49 career starts and 18 victories. In addition to the Vosburgh, wins include the Count Fleet Handicap at age 5, as well as the Taylor’s Special H, and the G3 Hanshin H. At 6 he captured the Arlington Sprint. That same year he finished 6th in the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-1). Bonapaw’s lifetime career earnings total over $1.1 million.

The bay gelding was retired in 2002 with “some breathing issues,” said Richards Jr., whose father and uncle were the horse’s original owners. Also, “after my dad died, he just quit running,” he added.

Bonapaw has been at a farm in Folsom, LA, but “we didn’t have enough time to give him the proper care, and so I talked to some people at the track and found out about Old Friends and thought it was worth a phone call,” says Richards. Richards spoke with Old Friends founder and president Michael Blowen, who “was very informative. He knew our horse, he saw him race, and even knew some of the horses he raced against.”

“I'm just thrilled that the Richards’ family is trusting us with his great racehorse,” said Blowen. “He meant so much to everyone involved with him. I know his fans will be as thrilled as I am to see him in person. The Richards are also sending along his collection of trophies and many photographs, which I’m sure will be the centerpiece of the proposed museum we hope to have up within the next 18 months at Old Friends.”

Bonapaw was transported from Louisiana by Sallee Vans and arrive in Georgetown on March 17. He is comfortably settling in with new paddock mates Kudos and Easy Ellis. “This is something my dad and uncle would have wanted for him,” says Richards.

Located on 1841 Paynes Depot Road in Georgetown, KY, Old Friends is home to more than 30 retired Thoroughbreds, including 16 stallions. Among the many Champions are Eclipse Award winners Sunshine Forever and The Wicked North, the great sprinter Ogygian, stakes winner Danthebluegrassman, and millionaire Awad. The farm is open daily to tourists by appointment. For more information on tours, booking rooms at the Old Friends Bed & Breakfast, or to make a donation cal l 502-863-1775 or see their website at http://www.oldfriendsequine.org



Photo Credit: Rick Capone