Belmont Stakes winner Sarava retired from stud, sent to Old Friends

Sarava, the 2002 Belmont Stakes winner, has been retired from stud to the Old Friends equine retirement haven in Georgetown, Ky., Old Friends announced Saturday. He is the first classic winner to reside at the farm.

Sarava won the Belmont by a half-length over Medaglia d’Oro. He also won the Sir Barton Stakes at Pimlico in 2002 and earned $773,832 from a career that featured 3 wins and 3 seconds in 17 lifetime starts. His owners, Gary Drake of Louisville and Paul and Susan Roy of Great Britain, donated him to Old Friends.

The Wild Again horse most recently stood at Bridlewood Farm in Ocala, Fla., for a $1,500 fee. He has had 19 foals of 2012 reported so far, according to the Jockey Club. He is the sire of Grade 2 winner Gladding and stakes-placed performers Gorgeous Melody, Star of Sarava, and Sarava’s Dancer.

Sarav is out of the unraced Deputy Minister mare Rhythm of Life and was bred by Timber Bay Farm.

“Sarava is the first classic winner to retire at Old Friends,” said Old Friends founder Michael Blowen. “We are thrilled that Gary and the Roys would trust us with this great stallion and grateful for the generous endowment.”

“Sarava has been a special horse to all of us,” Drake said. “He has done his job well on the track and in the breeding shed and has earned a respectful retirement. We are pleased that Michael and the Old Friends staff will be caring for him. They do a marvelous job with their retired stallions.”