Eldaafer, BC Marathon winner, retired to Old Friends

Eldaafer, winner of the Grade 2 Brooklyn Handicap and the Grade 3 Breeders’ Cup Marathon, has been retired to Old Friends in Georgetown, Ky. The aftercare home for racehorses said in a release Thursday that the 9-year-old A.P. Indy gelding arrived in Kentucky on June 2 along with two pet goats that serve as his companions.

“Eldaafer is a sturdy throwback to a time when stamina and strength were valued,” Old Friends president and founder Michael Blowen said. “We’re very grateful that his connections trust Old Friends to take care of his well-deserved retirement.”

Eldaafer raced for several different owners during six busy seasons and was trained for the bulk of his career by Diane Morici (Alvarado). His marquee wins were in the 2009 Brooklyn at Belmont Park and 2010 Marathon at Churchill Downs.

Additionally, Eldaafer won the 2010 Grade 3 Turfway Park Championship, the 2013 Grade 3 Greenwood Cup, and a listed stakes in 2012. He also placed in seven stakes, including the 2010 and 2012 editions of the Brooklyn. Overall, Eldaafer won 13 of 46 starts, with three seconds and seven thirds, and earned $1,031,835.