Stage Colony, 22, Euthanized at Old Friends
Equestrian News Release

GEORGETOWN, KY—FEBRUARY 24, 2008— Stage Colony, a son of Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Pleasant Colony, was humanely euthanized at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility based in Georgetown, KY, on February 15 due to complications from colic. He was 22.

Owners Edmond and Sharon Hudon retired their beloved champion to Old Friends in November of last year. Prior to that he stood at Doug Arnold’s Buck Pond Farm near Versailles, KY.

Stage Colony, a multiple graded stakes winner of over $300,000, sired 15 runners that have won or placed in stakes. They include multiple stakes winners Black Bart and Stage Player as well as South African champion Colonial Girl.

“We had been out to Old Friends on a tour,” says Sharon Hudon of how Stage Colony came to Old Friends. “ Michael Blowen [president and founder] is one of the few that takes retired stallions—and we’re lucky there is some place like that.

“Stage Colony could have certainly stayed at Buck Pond, they would have made provisions for us,” adds Hudon. “But at Old Friends we knew that he would get a lot of attention from all the visitors there every day and lots of treats, and that’s what we wanted for him. At Michael’s he’d be a star.”

The Hudons visited Stage Colony nearly once a week. “It’s very sad,” noted Sharon of her horse’s passing, “but we’ve been in the horse business a long time, and we know this is, unfortunately, what happens sometimes.”

“We’re very sad to have lost one of our newest friends,” said Blowen. “The Hudons are wonderful people and we can’t thank them enough for allowing Stage Colony to spend his final days here. Every horse should be that fortunate, to be cared for with the devotion they showed him.”

A mid-March memorial service will be planned. For more information please contact Old Friends at (502) 863 1775.

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that is home to more than 30 retired racehorses. It’s Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. For more information on tours, reservations at the Old Friends B&B, or to make a donation, contact the farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at http://www.oldfriendsequine.org.