Michael Blowen of Old Friends named Galbreath Award winner

Michael Blowen, the founder of Throughbred retirement farm Old Friends, has been named the winner of the John W. Galbreath award in recognition of outstanding entrepreneurship in the equine industry.

The University of Louisville College of Business Equine Industry Program has given the Galbreath Award annually since 1990 to honor entrepreneurial leadership that has had a significant and positive impact on the equine industry.

Blowen, a retired Boston Globe movie critic and arts journalist, established Old Friends Farm in Georgetown, Ky., in 2003 to provide a retirement home for racehorses. The first big-name horse entrusted to his care was Sunshine Forever, who had been owned and campaigned by the award’s namesake, John W. Galbreath.

Galbreath owned Darby Dan Farm in Lexington, Ky., and was a former Churchill Downs chairman who distinguished himself as both a businessman and a horseman.

View the most recent edition of the DRF Old Friends Magazine

“I am flabbergasted,” Blowen said. “Especially when I think that John Galbreath’s own Sunshine Forever helped me build a foundation for success. I had a simple idea and I was always surprised someone else hadn’t done it before me. This award reinforces our belief at Old Friends that aftercare is an important part of racing.”

Today, Old Friends operates its primary facility in Georgetown, as well as two satellite farms: Old Friends at Kentucky Downs in Franklin, Ky., and Old Friends at Cabin Creek in New York state near the racing town of Saratoga Springs. The organization has grown from one horse in a leased paddock to a herd of more than 200 rescued and retired horses at its three locations, all of which are open to the public.

“Michael Blowen represents everything the Galbreath Award celebrates,” said Sean Beirne, director of the UofL equine program. “He saw an opportunity to showcase Thoroughbreds in their twilight years and let them continue to thrill their fans in a unique way. UofL is proud to acknowledge his achievements.”

A dinner in Blowen’s honor is scheduled for Jan. 16, 2019 at the University Club in Louisville, Ky.