Judge's Case dies at Old Friends at age 20

Judge's Case, a Grade 1-placed stakes winner, was euthanized Monday at Old Friends Equine Retirement in Georgetown, Ky., due to chronic orthropedic disease. The gelded son of Montbrook was 20.

Bred in Florida by J.C. and Phyllis Dudley, Judge's Case earned $707,618 over the course of nine seasons and 104 starts, hitting the board 62 times and winning 16 races.

He won the 2001 Lexington Park Claiming Stakes at Pimlico and placed in seven additional stakes. The most notable of those efforts was the Grade 1 Pimlico Special Handicap in 2003, where he finished third to Horse of the Year Mineshaft. He also turned in third-place efforts in the Grade 3 Fort Marcy Handicap at Aqueduct and the William Donald Schaeffer Handicap at Pimlico.

Judge’s Case raced until age 11, retiring in May 2008. He attempted a second career as a show jumper, but was hampered by a torn suspensory ligament. The gelding joined the roster at Old Friends in December 2008.

"He was a true warrior," said Old Friends founder and president Michael Blowen. "He always kept his game face on no matter what and was such a fan favorite and a favorite around the barn. We were honored to have him with us all these years, and we will certainly miss him."

Judge’s Case was last owned on the racetrack by partners Daniel Zamborsky, Jason Phillips, and owner-trainers Tom and Lisa Schell, who visited him often at Old Friends and helped to provide for him over the years.

"While saddened by the news, my heart is full of joy with the memories of the last 10 years," Zamborsky said. "I can never thank Old Friends and Michael Blowen enough for everything they did for Judge. While he was lucky to have found Old Friends, I feel we were the fortunate ones. Making the trips to visit him, going to the track, and taking evening rides around the farm with Michael are memories I will always treasure.

"Judge may be gone, but his spirit will always live on," Zamborsky continued. "I look forward to many more years visiting Old Friends and making new memories with all the horses that are so fortunate."