Speaker Identification

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Identified by the opening introduction, where the speaker says, “I’m Mark Otto, your host,” and by his continued role guiding the interview, sponsor mentions, questions, and closing remarks.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: Identified by the host’s introduction of John Nicholson and by the guest’s first-person discussion of his childhood, Kentucky Horse Park career, and leadership role at Old Friends.

Speaker 3 – Announcer / Theme Music: Identified by the lyric-style opening, mid-show musical bridge, and closing tag lines that frame the program rather than function as live conversation.

Speaker 3 – Announcer / Theme Music: I've been down roads from Churchill to LA Met kings of speed and stars along the way. They got stories that the cameras never show Yeah, the truth behind the fame is what we know. From the saddle to the silver screen blow fast lanes and punch lines on a late night show. You think you've seen it all, but you don't know the half till the curtain lifts and we all have a laugh. It's not just who they are, it's how they came to be a little horsepower. A little mystery, a Hollywood and Horsepower baby Take a ride where the legends laugh and the engines. Ever hide from the track to the spotlight stories unwind. Gather truths a little wild in one of a kind Hollywood and Horsepower where the real ones show. Every twist and turn is a tale you didn't know So pour a drink, sit back, enjoy the show. Where the fast and famous Let it all go.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Welcome to Hollywood and Horsepower the show about the story behind the story. I'm Mark Otto your host and we are brought to you today by Tony's Steak and Seafood. In Lexington, Kentucky with stores in restaurants in Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Lexington and Bowling Green. Tony always says there's always room at his table for one more. I always say dining at Tony's is an experience not just dinner. You owe it to yourself to make your reservation and go. Don't wait for a special occasion any day of the week is fine Tony's Steak and Seafood. We are joined today by a very special guest from an organization that's near and dear to my heart. I've supported these guys since their inception years talk about them almost every week. And John Nicholson started out at the Horse Park went on from there and we're going to learn a. Little bit more about his career so John welcome to the show.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: Mark it's good to be with you today. It's a great thing we had to be on the show.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: It's an honor. I appreciate you taking the time and I'm excited to learn more about. Where you came from or what you're doing I know some of your career. But I but I don't even know it all so you're known to many people in the industry. As the head of the Horse Park and then for people that don't or haven't heard which probably. More of the distant folks John took over from Michael Blowen Michael is still involved at old. Friends but John took over as president and CEO of Old Friends probably was John about. Two years ago. Yes, two years ago two years ago in March. Yeah. Okay so almost yeah just about. Exactly two years ago and Michael's still there he does tours and he's involved in. Things but John is handling they've been really taking Old Friends to like the next the next. Phase and as Michael said as much needed it was time and I think. Everybody in the industry commends Michael on what he's done and also having the.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Foresight to bring somebody like you in and fortunately the timing was right that it worked. Out that you were able to join the organization. So I know definitely for sure it is. Mark definitely for sure it is. Yes, and I mean what's funny is I as. I've been friends with Michael and a supporter of the farm since I mean well Black Tie Affair was. There when I was there I mean you didn't have a lot of horses it's pretty small. And you go back to the creation man. I go back to what we call the lean years. But I'm sure there's still some times today but it was at times almost scary back then. But the fun thing is through all of that and I mean there was a lot of adversity. I know I want to get into that here but Michael has always had a smile on his face. I mean the darkest days when most people would be drinking Maalox out of a bottle with a straw. He would always greet people with a smile he was always he looked just like he does today.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Standing on the top of the hill with a big smile on his face ready to greet anybody that comes. And I truly believe that attitude and that outlook is what saw Old Friends through those days. I don't know if anybody else could have weathered it. You are so right and I'll tell you for me it's like in it's like being at Disney World and having. Walt Disney there the whole time. No, it's not that excellent analogy that's very yeah and it is like. Disney World. In every sense I mean they told Walt Disney it would never work they told Walt Disney. You got to be crazy you're going to build a amusement park in the middle of a swamp. Yes, the stories are wrong but it's very true that Michael Blowen didn't get the industry. Support on the front end. People were not really understanding what he saw. I don't want to say. They're against it but I think most people were almost confused like you want to do what?

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: But he saw it. He saw it from the beginning like this is going to work you just have to trust me. And I really we could do we've done a show on Michael and we'll do some again but. I wanted to talk today a little bit about your career because you came to Old Friends it's old. Friends equine.org for people who are just joining us with John Nicholson and Old Friends. Is the largest thoroughbred retirement bond in the world from my understanding.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: Well yeah certainly as a sanctuary I don't think there's any question. About that and it certainly is the highest profile and once again that is a tribute to Michael. As you were saying Mark and it's not only serves all these horses but I think it served. As a platform and a voice for the whole cause of aftercare and so it enjoys not only a national. But an international reputation for setting a standard for the care of these retired champions.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: I agree. So take us back to the beginning like where was home for you? Where did you grow. Up and how did you get interested in the horse industry?

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: I grew up in Winchester Kentucky which is about 30 miles outside of Lexington. And it's interesting I have two Mark I have two older brothers I'm the youngest and the youngest. By a bit. Our brothers are both a decade or more older than I am and all three of us have ended. Up in the horse world and all three of us came to it in different in different worlds. Our father. Was not a horse guy he was an optometrist a small town optometrist but interestingly his best friend. Was a guy named Bill O'Neill who was the farm manager of Vwamazon farm and he was a trainer. As well and they were my father and him were practically inseparable they were they were. Just great buddies to Irishman and the I would be able to ride my bike after school to. To Vwamazon farm in Clark County it was only about three miles from our house and I became. Just enamored with that wonderful culture and that whole vibe of a thoroughbred horse farm.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: And they had it all they had the stallions the mares the breeding operation. The foals were always there and they had a racing stable as well so I got inculcated into. That whole world as a as a youngster through what we called him uncle Billy he was so. He was such a family friend so sometime around I think it was the spring and fall of my. Third grade year and my fourth grade year I spent a lot of time at the farm I hung around. I was probably a little bit of a nuisance but I learned a little bit about the do's and don'ts. To be around but a thoroughbred horse farm but in the spring and fall Vwamke took me. To Keeneland early in the morning on Saturdays to see to see really the backside of. The track and how it's exciting and vibrant and when it sunrise on the backside of a. Thoroughbred track especially a track like Keeneland on a Saturday at a race meet it's just something.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: That is almost better experienced than explained it's so exciting it's so vibrant and for. A kid who was eight or nine years old that was quite an education as I as I called him later. Much later I said that's where I learned profanity I didn't know all those. Yes, I didn't know all those words but I got quite an education in and what. The backside is like but also just an increased sense of reverence for these horses and. How well they were treated and how special they were but what just incredible. Athletes and that was going to be my that was going to be my career either a thoroughbred. Trainer or a farm manager except for one thing that getting up at three o'clock in the morning. Thing was just that sounds good in theory until you really do it so as time went on I still. Had the horse bug that never went away but I knew that I really wasn't cut out maybe wasn't cut out.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: To be a trainer or a farm manager to have that sense of that kind of dedication to be up that. Early every single day the horses don't know that it's the weekend. The horses don't know that it's Christmas or anything like that it's so that world is. 365 so life went on college went on and when I got out of college I actually got into the tourism. World I worked at the Kentucky Department of Parks.

Speaker 3 – Announcer / Theme Music: In a history book it ain't about the thing when you strip it down it's about the road that got. Them there somehow Hollywood and Horsepower take it slow where the truth runs deeper than the world. Will show from the fast lane life to the silver screen blow it's a story behind it all we want. To know Hollywood and Horsepower pull up a chair every voice gotta turn it that brought them here. Yes, we'll laugh yeah we'll learn yeah we'll lean in close to the moments that matter the most.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: So we're joined by John Nicholson with Old Friends and he's telling us a little bit about his. Career how it came about when he's in college he gets out goes tourism so and. You're realizing getting up at three in the morning which is an excellent point I don't think. Most people realize most horse trainers I kind so I'm much I'm even more from the outside than you. Are I kind of came from marketing and entertainment into in sales into the horse industry. Back in about 2013 I've always in Michael Blowen and I've had this conversation. It's interesting to me how similar the horse industry is to Hollywood and entertainment. And what I mean is in the sense of you have to really want it I mean I know Bob. Baffert pretty well Bob and Joe have been kind enough to what myself and Michael tag. Along at different events and Bob's they've actually become good friends and I don't think.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Most people realize I mean he's up at like 2.33 in the morning every day and he's never. Gone by like 3.34 I mean but I mean people don't he goes to bed at like 7 o'clock. At night and I don't yeah people realize what this and it is a passion it is not like. Like I don't want to make it sound like he's carrying the rocket your brother I and I think he's just. An example I'm not I'm not picking on Bob I'm just saying I think most horse trainers. Much like musicians or actors it's a labor of love like you absolutely have to walk to do it. Because it is not just Saturday morning dressed in a nice suit at Keeneland or the Churchill Downs or. Belmont or Saratoga there's a lot behind the scenes that nobody sees. That's right exactly and celebrity is not visited on it's not visited on everybody we. See the Bafferts and the Todd Pletcher's and for every one of those there's 100 or more.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: That are laboring the same amount of hours and in many cases are as competent and has good at. What they what they do they just haven't had the magic dust sprinkled yet to be to be a celebrity. But sometimes I think it's a passion yeah and I think sometimes a celebrity comes and that's. An actual point and I've had a couple of trainers tell me kind of the same thing that. If you can survive if you make it through some of those lean years and learn from your mistakes. And other people's mistakes eventually you might get a shot and it is a matter of the. Stars aligning you've got to get the right horse the right jockey the right the right exercise. Writers the right opportunities and hopefully you're in a position in your career where you're able to. Know where best to point this horse one of the biggest things eye-openers that I got that I never.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Was aware of when American Pharoah was running through his Triple Crown campaign Bob was very. Gracious to kind of what Michael Blowen and I tag along in different places and one of the things. That I really noticed that stood out to me that Bob and Jimmy Barnes did was they talked a lot. About differences between Farrow and other horses and it became very obvious to me that like. Oh they're every time they lose they go back and dissect this thing and try to figure out what. To do difference so maybe this horse was worked they felt like he was worked too much. Or maybe this horse should add one more work and you have to remember too these are. These are athletes I've always said a horse trainer has the toughest job to me just like a vet does. Because you have the only athlete or patient that can't communicate to you other than with his. Body language that's very true and I think I've always had a lot of respect but it.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: But to your point there's so many aspects that go into it you're absolutely correct for. Every pletcher brown and Baffert there are at least a hundred maybe 200 people who are working. Probably as harder and just the stars haven't aligned I mean I don't I don't think there's. Any one thing it's not just the horse it's not just the jockey it's like you've got to kind of get. Everything to in one line for everything to come and then you've got to have a good trip. The wrong that's right it costs you the race I mean especially in big races what. Kentucky Derby and you can run down through the numbers you get out those outer gates. It's really tough that's right or the inner gates so you're coming out of college you get into. Tourism where does your career go then yeah so I've spent a few years.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: Managing state parks in Kentucky and learn kind of learning that trade and at the end of my. 20s I was I met someone who said there's a position open at the Kentucky Horse Park for the director. Of operations they need somebody that kind of knows how to run the operations of. A tourism facility not just the horse farm but it's a horse farm too this is this is a way to marry. My love of horses and the knowledge that I'd gained in that time working about how to. How to operate a tourism facility at park and to it that involved guest and. And guest relations all those sort of things and I was able to persuade them to hire me. And it was really good for me marking that was the place that I expanded my knowledge of horses. And my understanding of the horse world far beyond just thoroughbred racing which was the only thing. I had been exposed to understand equestrian sport of dressage and hunters.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: And jumpers show breeds like Saddlebreds then the whole western world of these ranch horses. And in quarter horses and all of that so then my love of the love of the horse became really. Multidimensional and I spent the next 17 years that and every one of them was wonderful and. Exhilarating did a lot of things internationally we went to the People's Republic of China. And we partnered with the history of culture there and did an exhibition in the international. Museum of the horse which is at the horse park on the role of the horse in chinese history. We went over there with the idea of getting one of those terracotta horses from emperor shinshi. Wands tomb we wanted one of them to be able to display in the museum and have an exhibition. Well here's really talk about serendipity we were in Beijing we were supposed to meet with the. Ministry of culture folks well who we met with was the minister of culture of all of china.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: And he it turns out that this guy did his doctoral thesis as a young man on the role of the horse. In chinese history and he had been waiting his whole life to do this story and he had been a victim. Of the cultural revolution so his whole life had been like really tragic but also really. Great and then he came back out to become a one of the leaders of. The most populous country in the world and he opened up the floodgates for us he was. So happy we were doing this that we ended up not just with one we had 21 of the. Terracotta soldiers horses and chariots and it was more than an ever come from china to the. United states up to that point more than it ever come to the Smithsonian or the Metropolitan in. New york or any other museum came to the Kentucky Horse Park and that was just so fascinating and. It was very successful we did the same thing with britain three years later with the royal.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: Family and with the British Museum and we had several hundred artifacts henry. Diafes riding armor this is all that is all called All the Queen's Horses the role of the. Horse in british history and Queen Elizabeth I's saddle and just all these things. That were really fascinating Princess Anne came over and opened the exhibit forest and then. In the course of all that we also convinced the very conservative kind of stodgy. Equestrian world to have the first ever World Equestrian Games outside of europe. And these are like the olympics every four years the World Equestrian Games and it's seven disciplines. And sports and it had always been in europe and we convinced them to come to the u.s in 2010. And had five hundred thousand people come to it was broadcast on nbc it was probably the. Biggest advancement for equestrian type sport in the u.s really in history and so the.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: Whole my whole 17 years at the horse park was really a fantastic odyssey but one of the cool. Things about the horse park was it was yes a big museum and cultural center it was a competition. Venue second to none in the world having the World Equestrian Games but as a tourism facility. We had something there called the Hall of Champions and this was really this really scratched my. Thoroughbred itch while I was there we had John Henry we had Forego we had Alysheba we had Cigar we'd. Go for Gin, Bold Forbes I mean just an incredible amount of royalty there and to be in the presence. Of those horses as a thoroughbred guy I was just I felt so incredible every day much like michael. Feels every day for his career but that's where I met michael and it was some time. Sometime in around 2001 I met one of the daily presentations of these champions. And I meet this journalist from boston this movie critic who's retiring and he tells me.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: I love what you do here I love it I love it and he goes I want to do something I bought a farm in midway. And I just want to have a few horses in my backyard and really tell the story and. And of course everything as you said and you said it very well everything about michael's. Infectious and you just you're he's a magnet you're just drawn to him and. I didn't know that what he was talking about would really work and I was probably I. Wasn't necessarily a skeptic but I probably was like a lot of people I didn't quite get it. What that's okay I describe it I really describe it that I don't look at it as a negative. I think some people describe it that way but I look at it as they didn't understand and. Michael is like you said he's infectious he's so positive and the other thing is to. When he really believes in something he believes a thousand percent and the other thing I've always.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: Noticed with him is that he can see kind of a head so everybody in the room won't see what.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: He's seeing but he thought it very clearly and what's interesting is he's normally. Right I mean I would say 99 times out of 100 he's spot on and when you look back at his career it's. Crazy I mean he was like he was a professor at Emerson College and he went on to be the entertainment. Letter for the Boston Globe but I always tell people you have to put that in context this is pre-interact. This is there was no ipad or iphone to look up a movie review or Rotten Tomatoes or. Fic flicher you picked up the Los Angeles Times the New York Times or the Boston Globe. And if one of those three panned your movie you had a problem I mean in the producer director. The you waited for those to come out I remember people like lorin michael's saying. We would go to dinner and wait for the early editions to come out and if the review was. Good okay we can eat it was like he was a corner of that triangle in entertainment then he comes.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: From there and came to Kentucky and he worked for a couple other associations before he even. Started Old Friends so I mean I really had an amazing career like you said he's so positive. He's so infectious he's one of those guys you just want to be around can't help but like him. But I'm born and you and I remember then I don't know what he's exactly trying to do but I. Sure hope it works for him because I want good absolute yeah and it all turned out that he's been. Like family for me my kids grew up with him it's the hymn and diane both and they're just. Brilliant people and yeah it is amazing what he did and I remember those early days like. And it was funny because I'm probably similar to him in the fact that like I was just. Running around trying to make it work I was talking to everybody and it was actually one of the guys. At the bob quavelin that would feed bob told me he said if you met Michael Blowen and I said now.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: And he said you two need to meet he goes I think you guys would hit it off and I literally just. Drove in the driveway never met him before drove up and I'll never forget this they had a failure. There and they had black tie affair they were working on his hooves and of course I didn't even. Know who black tie affair was I later realized how significant that was but him and I hit it off. Right from the beginning and it was I was much like you I kind of looked around and I'm like. I don't know this is a work but I sure hope it does because he is a great guy and diane is so great.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: And I just you're just you're just pulling for him and yeah everywhere I have been I've always. Tried to help any way that I could and now I've paid on comparison by they've had so. Many people step up and it's so great how much the industry's got behind it I mean it's just. To me it's like a it's been fulfilling to me to watch his dream come true. Absolutely and to and to see him and I told him this when we worked it out that. I would come in and be president and I said my job michael is to see I'm not I mean. Among many things but I want you to take your well-deserved Victory laps every single day. And he still is so wonderful with people and then wonderful with the horses and I think everybody's. Enthusiastic about sharing this story with people as he ever as he ever has been and of course. Still serves as a it's an important component of Old Friends and we talk.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: Pretty much every day or close to every day and strategize and it's good that he's. Still very much involved in this we've what we've got to do here is preserve. The spirit of the founder forever and yet advanced this great brand that he has. At the vanguard of the whole aftercare movement and expand it and make sure that this is. Something that's going to go on for many generations and that it continues in the. Spirit of michael but we have to make sure that it will grow and prosper and continue to be. The important statement about aftercare a hundred years from now and we're setting it. That it grows and evolves yeah and I think that's in another thing another credit. Not to just gush on him but I mean another credit to michael was the foresight that he saw. He needed to bring somebody in to kind of go to the next level and carry on he's. So many one of the things that I've done in my career is a lot of like business.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: Consulting marketing acquisitions and mergers and one of the biggest challenges that I've always.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Wrestled with companies is sometimes a family owned company especially one that's the. Family started which kind of like what Old Friends was is it's hard for them to let go. It's hard for them to handle the times of the next person and let that person run. And but yet it's necessary and it's one of those where like sometimes that determines the. Success or failure and the longevity of it and no you're absolutely right I mean it's I joked. Around but I told michael one time when they first brought you on I said it's. I said he it's great I knew you by reputation and I said it's a perfect guy for the position and I. Really thought we're very fortunate to that it worked out that you were able to come and willing. To come but I told michael I said it's also a tough job because it's like you wake up every day. And it's almost like it's funny I had a friend of mine who was in england and he was pretty high.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Up in things and he described the english monarchy as you wake up every morning and your job is not. To kill it so you just feel like our job today is to make sure it continues on for another hundred. Years and goes on to somebody else and that's kind of how I see Old Friends just what you said. It's like it's like now we're in the next phase and it's so amazing that it is getting. To this point and that it does and I'm not saying it's easy I'm not trying to pretend like the. Hard part's over but it's just really great that it is continuing on and that you can see. The future coming together for it yeah the key thing is the brand has been established. In absolutely and it sounds like such a crass one. Shout one-dimensional shallow marketing statement but when we say brand here we're talking about. A standard of care for horses we're talking about a mindset and a heart set about what is.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Important and that's the well-being of the horse first and foremost every single day. Every single horse and once you've established that then you're selling it's. Great to be a salesman when you have a good you're going to be a great salesman if you have a good. Product and all we have to do is to make sure that we don't lose sight of how precious our reputation. Is and our brand is and our attitude is and then once you once you do that and that. Becomes firmly your mindset and firmly the culture of the organization from pop-up bottom. So then you then you start making the decisions of okay we need to have a bit more sophisticated. Financial system we need to bring some younger people in on from younger. When I say younger I mean innovative cutting edge ideas and people into the organization. And think expansively about how we grow and how we have multiple locations.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: And how we make this sustainable financially with a few different ideas in terms of a. A business model and business model sounds kind of like well wait a. Minute to non-profit what do you have a business model for but you do you absolutely. Do but not yeah I mean I've been involved in many non-profits not as an. Affordable friend for many years and I think most people are mainly saying it's for our listeners. It's like most people all realized non-profits in many ways are the most complex business because. As a general rule you don't survive on a product your product is your brand and you're. Absolutely right if you don't have those core things built in and I think the. Other thing the Old Friends has done that I really had needs to mention this Old Friends. Was really one of the first aftercare organizations that I came across. And I'm telling you this as somebody from the outside so I kind of travel all over the country.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: All over the world in some places met with a lot of different people because I was I was working. For a company and we were selling products into the horse farms and tracks and I was doing a lot. Of branding a lot of marketing that's my world when one of the things that stood out to me with. Michael was he was so supportive of racing so you really looked at it like there's. Professional breeders there's professional trainers there's professional jockeys and world. Professional retirement so it's a dignified retirement for a thoroughbred racehorse. Were not an adversary to racing and I really that's very important yeah very important that we. Realized that was a thing I there are actually people out there that. Work in aftercare that really don't care for racing which seems odd but anyhow regardless of them. I think that was a really positive that michael did and it took a while.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: For him to kind of convince the industry that yeah they were really part of the industry. And today I mean I feel like Old Friends is a part of the industry it's not it's not just you. Know some side line to it's actually part of it and how many. How many guests do you guys get a year now oh wait in the neighborhood of 20 000 that. Our main farm yeah and for people that are just joining us we're joined by john nichlson. Who's the CEO president of Old Friends founded by michael and Diane Blowen and michael still there but. Talking about Old Friends and about the tourism side of it they had so many. Touchstones along the way I mean usa today wall street journal the Smithsonian. Cbs sunday morning and I you could tell me better than I can probably remember. God of the places that named it like one of the best tourist destinations in the state of Kentucky.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: It's amazing how I really admire how it is not only thoroughbred retirement but it's also. A part of tourism it's also part of equine health and research so I don't talk a little bit. About that tell us a little bit about how many different universities and veterinarians and. I know you have failure schools oberght university that come there and volunteer their time and. Services and at the same time they're learning from these horses well that's what this is right.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: Mark and you got to think about it there's no other place anywhere. Or very few places none that I can think of where you have this many geriatric horses. Yes, I do the largest group of aging thoroughbreds in the world that I'm aware. That's exactly right and we are very aware of their background their breeding their. DNA their life and it's a great laboratory it's funny we're engaged with. Rood & Riddle hospital doing some new things examining some new approaches to laminitis. And you're right with the Kentucky Horseshoeing School which is like the harvard of. Farrier work they are a partner of ours and take care of the feet of all. All the horses and over the years this has been the place that a lot of the academic part of. The industry has gathered and we only intend to do to do more of that and that. I'm a personal believer very strongly that every horse needs a job for as long as.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: That horse can do the job and that's and if the horse doesn't want to do the job then that. We respect that and that's fine but you have to remember that the partnership between. Human beings and horses is many thousands of years old and horses evolved because of the help of. Human beings who needed a partner to advance civilization and so the horse evolved. To do this very thing and so now there was for many generate for. Many thousands of years it was a mutual dependency now we've reached a point in civilization for. Much of civilization that we could probably survive the horse the horse is not vital for our. Transportation anymore or for our agriculture and the horse generally speaking doesn't fight our. Wars force any anymore but that bond is still there and the horse exists to do to want to. To want to be a partner with mankind and we both have that love jean for each other and.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: There's no question there are social animals so we want we want to make sure. That we're these horses have a chance to contribute back to their fellow horses and make their. World better one of the things we do is if a if a horse is and I'm not talking about. Silver Charm or Big Brown but the horses that are that ask to come here their. Owners ask if they might retire here we do see is this horse could this horse have a second career. Doing something else would it would the horse be happier doing that and we have real discussions. About that about what is the best thing for this particular horse for the remainder. Of his or her life and I'm really I'm really proud we adopt that attitude and I'm really. Also happy you touched on something that and I'm very I share michaels strong belief in this. And even try to do some more things in this regard and that's celebrate racing.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: And we are unapologetic enthusiastic proponents of the sport of thoroughbred racing and. There's not this we don't adopt the attitude of oh these poor horses how they've had a rough. Terrible life and we are here to save them or rescue them from the terrible. Life they've had that's not that's not our role that we think they are magnificent. Creatures and magnificent partners that have done so much for us and from the beginning of their. Life to the end they should be treated respectfully and lovingly and reverently and that's. What we do now that's not today that's their point oh go ahead sorry well just to finish the point. That certainly Old Friends was accelerated by the terrible fate of Ferdinand and.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: The 1986 derby winner who ended up in a slaughterhouse in Japan and not to not to say. That this industry didn't have to take a serious look at what was happening to some of the. Retired athletes at the at a point when they were no longer producing. Income for owners there's no there's no running from that but we're proud of how the industry. Has addressed that knowing that it's still got a got a ways to go but that the vast majority. Of thoroughbred participants on the human side of things love these horses and care for them. Deeply and want the best for them and that's what we celebrate we are unapologetic. Components of the sport yeah and there's no question I mean going back to Ferdinand and I. Really credit Michael a lot with that I mean Old Friends had what was called Ferdinand's ball for. Many years I really felt like he was the one that shined this spotlight on that and don't get me.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Wrong I'm not trying to point fingers to anybody or anything else I mean it was it was. One thing people need to understand and this is something that I had some pretty high level. People kind of educate me on early on different cultures view it different ways they're not being. Cool to these animals that's the way they're used in their culture so it wasn't a matter that. Somebody was being mean it was a matter that there was no place for that horse to go. At that time and that was their culture now one of the things that I always tell people and I. Think this is something that really needs is a miss probably one of the biggest misconceptions. And you touched on it Old Friends is not like the way we're at home for old horses and it's not a. Rescue since I was not always we ran from the word rescue because these horses love to do this pat. Very well known jockey I got to know him years ago pat told me something once that I really didn't.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Know he said the jockey's job is to manage energy he said my job is to conserve energy. So that when the time is right and when the horse is ready I let him go and we were in the race he. Says if it was up to the horse he'd run full out from the time he left the gate he goes that's why. If you ever see a jockey fall off the horse he's the guy that wins he goes it isn't half of a. Million he goes 110 pound 120 pound passenger it was going to make a difference to a 1200 pound. Animal with a nine foot stride he found that right what it what is missing is there's nobody there. To conserve that energy and I always tell people if you don't think that they are bred and built to. Run go to any farm in Kentucky Florida of California anywhere in the country and stand there in the. Afternoon they're running up and down the hill racing each other they will really.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Stare at each other and almost have a stare down and run up the hill and down the hill we've seen. This time and time again at Old Friends where across the aisle two horses would go. Back and forth half the day but they actually enjoy it and I always tell people the people who. Aren't familiar with horse race these animals are probably cared for better than most people's. Kids I mean I've been on the backside of these barns and I can tell you from and we've all heard. The story and I know there's been some horrible stories but I hate to point this out but pick. Up a newspaper and look there's some horrible stories of what humans do to humans as well so. It bad things happen that doesn't mean that an entire industry is bad horse race as a. Organization is very studious about the horse they forget they're not saying they don't have. Room to improve they are well aware of that they try to do it every day and fortunately there.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Is the Thoroughbred aftercare alliance and there are places like Old Friends and CARMA that. They truly do care and not just about themselves I mean Michael was a very selfless in the fact that. As his Old Friends was growing and he was going through his own challenges he always. Took the time to help other people who were in aftercare he gave his time to TAA he gave his time. To other groups but really didn't do anything per se to benefit Old Friends but he knew that as. An organization and as an industry we had to get better at this and it was yeah it was exactly. Something that we had to do as a group and there's power in numbers. You get you get six people in the same room and you're going to come up with better ideas and that. That was exactly right no so I really think that's something that most people don't realize. We're joined by not John Nicholson with Old Friends president CEO talking about aftercare.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Raising and you bring up a really good point that it's like I don't think most. People understand the life of a race force and how well they're cared for how much they're. Concerned I mean from the time that they're born it's one of the few farm animals. One of the few breeds and I grew up on a beef farm we had cordurocers but I did not I was never. Around thoroughbreds until really I started working at Kentucky and one of the things that stood out. To me and I remember Luke Fallon at Hagyard telling me this is that rarely is there a thorough.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: Born that people aren't helping a little bit so from the time they take their first breath. They kind of have people watching out for them being they're cared for so it's a very well cared. For animals a whole the industry you go to a racehorse and I or a racetrack and I encourage. People to do this if you're anywhere that is close to a racetrack and I don't care if it's. Bigger small I don't care if you're like Finger Lakes in Ohio or if you're down in Oklahoma. Or if you're by Gulfstream in Florida or Santa Anita if you're looking for something to do go. Spend an afternoon and look at these animals they're majestic I mean they're so beautiful. And they're so well cared for and you'll notice the second thing you get done racing there's people. That rush up to them cool them down wipe them off get them cleaned up give them a drink I mean. They're very cared for and I'm not talking about just the multi million dollar horses.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: I'm talking about a five thousand dollar horse that might be running for a two thousand dollar. Purse you'll stay asleep in what more care and that's another thing I think that Old Friends. Is done that I really admire they do take the Silver Charms in the Big Browns in the game on. Dudes but they also took Zippy Chippy could never want to rest exactly I think. Thought that a little bit because that's an it that's something I think a lot of people will. Realize out of the famous horses that Old Friends has there's another 400 of them. That aren't so famous well what the way I say it is we have we have the great and we have those. Who strived to be great and we love each of them absolutely the same and they. All have their own individual stories and it is true that if you come here on a tour you're. The horses that you will see in a general tour our horses that are recognizable names.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: Really to the general public and certainly to the to horse racing enthusiasts and these guys. Make it possible for us to take care and give homes to the less the less recognized and sure. And that was the commitment once again Michael made early on that we that we. Continue and it's all part of this philosophy that the horse comes first and the well-being of. Of the horse comes first and that is every single horse every single day and that's certainly. Consistent with that philosophy and it's what we what we want to continue in the years. Ahead my goodness the challenge that we have we have now is that as we speak this morning we. Had 290 we have 290 thoroughbred race horses that we're caring for and we would have we would care. For more if we had more land and we're working on that and that's part of this whole thing we were. Talking about the evolution of Old Friends and the establishment of new.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: 21st century business models and also new supporters that we're looking to. Be to introduce ourselves to charitable donations are always going to be at the heart of what we do. But we're trying to be innovative in other ways to produce income so that we can we can. Take care of more horses and in other the only way we can take care of more horses is to. Have more land and the only way we can have more land is to have more financial resources so that's. The yeah that's the business part of what we're what we're doing and. Much like the horse we're excited about the future yeah exactly like the horse park was the horse park. Was partnered with a lot of people to accomplish his goals the horse park is and like and I think. Old Friends is like this too and going to be even more in the years ahead is a is the head of a. Grand confederation of various interest groups and various components of the horse world.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: And at the Kentucky Horse Park it's really that way I mean it quote everything you. Mentioned quarter horses quarter horses to jumpers to event horses and it's very international and. It's a broad confederation of organizations that have all come together that have the. Kentucky Horse Park in common well I think that Old Friends is establishing that and in the years. Ahead even going to be it's even going to be more that way that you think about. MyRacehorse.com which is one of the most exciting things I think that's happened in.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: thoroughbred racing in the last several years in the last decade or so yeah Michael Behrens. Was a guest on this show a few weeks ago yeah what a wonderful guy and the innovative spirit. That Michael Behrens has is the same kind of innovative spirit that I think Michael Blowen had. And I will tell you when I approached Michael Behrens about being a partner for Old Friends. It was at the Eclipse Awards a year ago and when he first came here we were he walked he. Came on the farm and the farm very well we were up on the barn we were chatting and I said. Let's just tag along with a general tour and we got to the back of the tour listen to the to the. Tour guide walked around for five minutes and he took me Michael took me aside and said John. Said Old Friends people are more my racehorse people than anybody who's standing in line at a. Turnstile at a track right now he said because these people who are here at Old Friends are.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Like my racehorse people in that they care for the horse first and they love the horse. And then love all the heritage and all that is special about thoroughbred racing and so our. Partnership was born then and so that's just an example of the confederation the groups. That we're building that are all supportive of aftercare in general and Old Friends specifically. Well I think it's interesting it's worth noting that one of the things that kind of came out. Early on and it's probably evolved some sense then I haven't seen numbers recently but a large. Percentage probably the majority of visitors to the farm that took tours were not from horse. Racing they were tourists we got a lot of people that were coming to Kentucky for maybe a bourbon. Tour or coming to Kentucky for a vacation or passing through Kentucky out of their way to. Someplace else and that could continue to grow which was another thing that I always.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Thought was really nice about Old Friends was Michael would always tell people on every tour. When they would say ask questions and I've stood there like you I tagged along in. The back of tours and I would listen and people would say well where do they race and. Michael would always encourage people if you're in town you should go to Keeneland even. If they're not racing go see it and walk around go to the gift shop so it was it really. I felt helped draw people to the sport and really exposed them to racing because I think a. Lot of people it was at his mainstream we're in the first generation right now of people who now. Probably not for like you grew up in Kentucky so Kentucky it's part of the culture. But like I grew up outside of Detroit my dad went to the horse races like hazel park and places. Like that state fire with his dad I didn't go with my dad he never took me it wasn't something we did.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: We're kind of in the first generation of people who didn't go to the racetrack with their parents. Now there are some good point people in like Saratoga so the more things we can do. To expose people and that's something I always tell people is it is a great source of entertainment. It's a great experience if you're looking for something different something outside. Something fun and here's the other thing I really like about horse racing it carries to everybody. So if you are if you are in love with the horse and I had this conversation one time. With one of the tracks I said you have to understand there's multiple fans and they said what do you. Mean and I said so there's a fan for the horse there's that person that just loves horses they. Just came because they love horses and they want to see them they're happy even watching them walk. Around between races and if they can walk up to the edge of the rail and pet their nose that's.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: That's the highlight of the day there's people that are fans of a particular horse they've heard. About this horse and they've never seen him in person and they want to see like American. Feral head a lot of those people justify head a lot of those people and Silver Charm and you. Know Game On Dude Game On Dude I was working in California when he was running and I was not. Working on horse racing he was like a local celebrity I mean people oh yeah he'll see him race he and. It was because his name was out there so much then you have a fan for the track you have a fan. For the race and you could even have a fan for the trainer of the farm so if you're not catering. To all those people you're leaving somebody out and that's something that I think Old Friends. Has done a great job of is they kind of capture everything from the hardcore race fan even trainers.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Have been there and they've really enjoyed it to someone who's never been near a thoroughbred race. Horse or really doesn't understand what it even is they've heard of the Kentucky Derby. They might have saw a clip of it on TV but they didn't I've had people say what. Else do they do besides the Kentucky Derby because you have to remember in many parts of the country. It's not broadcast every day that's right that's right everyone doesn't show up across. Some places so it's and I always tell people if you're looking for an experience if you're looking. For something different to you on your trip take an afternoon go to the track you can do any. Level you want so you take over the typical racetrack you could do anything from going to meal. On one of the upper restaurants where you get dressed up and have your own table down to a. General admission on the apron and you got a hot dog and one handed a drink in the other and.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Everybody there's something for everyone I tell people this all the time it is not what you think. It is it is not a guy with a with a half smoked cigar in a racing form standing. Around the rail screaming at a horse it is just generally it is a great way for. People to get outside if you feel like dressing up if you want to take a date it's a great experience. For that and in some majestic thing I mean there's nothing more elegant or more. Interesting to me than turf racing I love that I love watching it's just there's something. Special about it and I've always enjoyed sitting there watching that it ever any track I mean. Anything from literally Keeneland's aqueduct I think it's a great experience to watch. Stuff like that but another thing I wanted to touch on were jumping around a little bit but. Another thing that I really stood out in my mind at Old Friends was going back to the beginning.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: And Doug Byers Dr. Byers was a veterinarian who donated his time and services he was very. Well known you knew Doug and yeah he was the vet for the horse park for many of the years. Yes, we're down the veterinarian around the world yeah and he was kind enough and he kind. Of saw again like you and I he was captivated by Michael but one of the things he said that always. Stuck with me and there was I don't want to mention the horse's name but it there was a horse that came. There one time that wasn't in the best of shape he had a hard time getting off the trunk his legs. Weren't that good and the conversation was had what should be done and Doug said. Something that really stuck with me he said let's try and make him comfortable. And let's put him out let a horse be a horse he said the more you can let them be who they are. The better their health is going to be so he said just let him tell you what he needs and he says.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: If he's if he's not coming around we'll do what's right by him but let's see how he does that horse. Went on to live years because walking became better he became much healthier and it's. Him it goes back to those core beliefs and Michael has said that a million times you have to let. Horse be a horse you let them tell you what they want to let them tell you what they need. And that's right it really is a core belief that I believe that's one of the reasons. And I remember Bob Baffert said this he said he didn't come for a long time. Joe came but Bob never came and he said afterwards he said I do come because I just. Thought it would be depressing he goes I was worried but I was just going to see a bunch of old. Horses in their final years and he says I remember them he's just like athletes. It wasn't like they had it all he said they looked terrific he says solar's.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: Term never looked better and that was a good horse that is a good point and. You're I'm glad you're making this overarching point if there is one consistent thing that. People will say and these are and I mean everybody broadly but specifically people who know horses. And have been involved in the industry they come here for the first time or even if they've. Been here they will always say not goodness these horses look good and I think that's what. Everything you said contributes to that the philosophy and the idea is that every. Horse is an individual and every horse will tell you what they like what is their. Bliss and what they're not happy about it let that too yeah there's no question yeah and. And as I'm outside right now surrounded by I mean you were talking about. Game On Dude and I was looking at him he's a couple of paddocks away and one of the.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: Most remarkable things is that you will rarely hear a horse winning at Old Friends because you. Know if you're been around horses winning almost always because they have a concern about. Some form of insecurity that they feel they have a concern my buddy's being taken away and. I'm remaining here it's feeding time and I'm not seeing any truck here I'm not and or. My girlfriend's moving away something that's when you hear horses. When it you it's very as an alarm it's yeah it's very blissfully quiet here because. These horses feel are more than contented I think that they have that feeling of total safety. Of total security of comfort and that kind of innate knowledge that they would have that they're. Surrounded by human beings that really care for them well I think it's a testament to them because.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: I mean like I told you I grew up around horses one of the things that stood out to me when I. First came there was how many of them laid down to sleep you will never see a horse lay down to. Sleep if he doesn't feel completely safe and content if there's anything that's disturbing to him he'll. Generally back up against something and kind of cock one foot and sleep standing up and that's a. Very that when you see a horse laying on his side out in the grass that is the most vulnerable he. Will ever be his belly is exposed his legs are exposed you have to go back to. Like when they were a wild animal those instincts are still there so when they lay down that's really. A signal that they're completely content and there's a care in the world in their mind.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: That's right they're herd animals at the very basic level absolutely yeah. Ran over thousands of years also to be a part of the herd with human beings. So that they want to be that they don't like being alone and no and so even if you have a paddock. Your own paddock if you're a stallion you're very close to other horses so you're feeling that. Sense of security and add to that the human beings that are around and you're right. It's not it's counter instinctual for them to lay down to sleep because that would make them vulnerable. To vulnerable it's great yeah predators that's right then they're not like that an.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Interesting point doing you touched on it and I want to kind of give this example for our guests. I'm joined with John Nicholson CEO and president of Old Friends Old Friends equine. Dot org one of the things that I think is another thing that people may or may not realize about. Horses in general is and you mentioned it that they're herd animals and they're social and in. My mind I mean I'm not reciting any clinicals here but I'm just saying in my personal experience. That herd expands to people so yeah I have noticed that they like their people and they know their. People I mean they when they see a tour coming up the hill you'll notice certain horses make their. Way over to the very point where they know that tour guide is going to bring that group I mean I. Went through a divorce many years ago it was a rough time like most people have gone through that.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: And I was living in Lexington and I used to go out to Old Friends I was on the board at that time. And I was out to Old Friends in the evening sometimes just it's been a rough day just to get. Away sometimes just walk around this was much it was a little more relaxed it was a good. Formals we are now but Game On Dude was there now you talk about like it's interesting I've. Worked with celebrities I've worked with musicians known people I've never gotten starstruck. Game On Dude I was starstruck and I think it was because I was in California when he was racing. I just always found him unique and I didn't know anything about racing what stood out to me with him. Was how when he raced he looked so relaxed he just glided around the track I remember one time. He was in a race I think he was the charles town he ran the entire race with his ears up and.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Forward which horses do not do usually when they're pushing when they're really running their ears. Will go back I mean he was just so relaxed you'd see him before the race when the other. Horses are kind of like fucking sideways chomp and he'd just be standing there he didn't he. Looked anxious he never looked excited and he just he had a stride just glided so when we. Found out that he was coming to Old Friends it was like somebody telling you all this was coming. To dinner I mean it was that level for me and I remember the day he got there I was fortunate. Enough to be there and it was it was crazy and I'll tell you one more story it was kind of funny. So I started to say this story when I would go out there at night Game On Dude got so used to. Me coming that when he would see my truck coming up the hill he would start walking over to the.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Corner of his paddock and wait for me and I would go over there and lean on the fence and just I. Mean I wouldn't say a word obviously he didn't say a word but it was just like he just kind of. Knew you needed somebody to hang out with he was such a sensitive like just. Like he could sense it and that's something else that I will tell people too for people that don't. Know about these horses another thing that always stood out to me was how they could sense people's. Needs so Old Friends get the multitude of tourists one of the groups of people that has come. Over the years have been severely handicapped or sometimes people that have mental. Health issues or other physical issues it always amazed me that you could have the most. Physically limited person that's in bonds a wheelchair and maybe not even able to communicate. And the horses were so gentle with them they would bend their head down really slow.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: And they were there it was almost like they sensed this person needs a little extra care. And that's yeah standing in a distance like watching this it was just kind of like. Breathtaking it's like oh my god they can sense that this person needs a little extra. Care and they're giving a little extra care from their side of the fence I'm so glad you that you.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: Witnessed that and that you were in that you were able to see to see it because that is so. Real mark and we see it all the time and I would see it at the horse park all the time as. Well and it's part of this in the evolutionary process at some point there became this. Soulful heartfelt connection and that we have for each other that people have for the horse. And the horse has for us because not only of the practical dependency but that evolved into this. Emotional this emotional connection of understanding we were here to help each other and. Just an overwhelming sense of gratitude for what certainly for what horses have done for us and. I say all the time we can never give back to them all that they have given to us but there is. That unspoken communication is a real thing and that's that feeling of this horse somehow. Someway gets me and appreciates me because that horse somehow someway understands that I care about.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: Him or her and that's replicated tens of thousands of times a day with mankind's. Interaction with these with these horses and when you talk to and I'm listening to you. Talk to your listeners about all that all that special about this relationship between horses and. Man and everything about thoroughbred racing here we are as we approach the we're a quarter. Of the way through the 21st century and some may some may say why is it why is that relevant now. Horse racing once was the was the most popular sport in America and even as late as. It's 60 or 70 years ago within the top three or four but to your listeners who are loving. Loving experiences about culture and loving experience perhaps about American heritage. Thoroughbred horse racing is a solid continual part of the American story and I would urge folks if. They are in any way thinking of coming to Kentucky and you talked about all the all the different.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: Ways you can experience a racetrack but if you come to Kentucky for example it's not a. Single afternoon placing a wager on a horse at a track here you could take in the entire the. Entire culture and the entire horse racing ecosystem and go to the farms and the farms are. Welcoming and these are these are farms with great history and great stories about some of the. Owners of these horses are household of these farms are household names and with rich histories. And they're aesthetically beautiful and so you go and enjoy that but you also have you come to an. Understanding that there are seven about 17 000 of these thoroughbred horses born every year and. There's going to be one or two or three or maybe a few more that become legendary and that when. That little foal is on the ground our people are asking is that the one it's just going to. Be is this going to be American Pharoah it's just secretariat it's just who is this going.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: It's just going to be Silver Charm and there's something magical about. That world and then you visit a place like Old Friends that exist for the very reverence of these. Animals of these horses and celebrating the bond and then when you go to the track and especially. A track like Keeneland or Saratoga in New York or delma that you feel you feel the generations that. Were there before and you feel how this history is woven in woven into americans america's story. And it's a it's a deeply rich experience much more than just petting a nice horse much more than. Just giving a carrot even though those things are pretty special and it's much more than putting. Two dollars to win it's a it's a great enriching experience and in Kentucky it's a it's a real. Part of the tourism world part of the culture really I mean and I lived in like kent for six. Years I probably will end up there again I'm I absolutely Kentucky is a special.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Place and I didn't go up there so I mean it isn't like I've got a vested interest I'm telling people. That Kentucky is the biggest misconception of the state I think that we have and I've been to all 50. And I can honestly tell you is somebody that is very well traveled it is one of my favorite. Places in the world I mean don't give me wrong Key West is a special place del mar is a. Special place sanitize is a special place but Kentucky has such a charm and culture to it with horses. With that fabric of the horse racing and the history of the horse but even beyond that just. I tell people I said it's one of the places it's one of the last places in america where people. Still dressed to go to dinner it's one of the last places in america an active. Community people are knit together and you talk about these histories. And I can do a whole show on that because I did michael can tell you when I first came I didn't know.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Anything so what I would do not that I know a lot now but I don't do it and I would go to like these. Peak stores like the tag sales and stuff and I would buy these old stallion registries. And old blood horses and when I see old I mean from the 20s 30s 40s 50s and I started reading from. The back to the front of okay this is where this one came from this with us and then I started. In my travels talking to these people and it amazed me the history so whether you're interested in. American history or the horse or bourbon or candy or just great restaurants and people. There is not a place that's this better than Kentucky and I will tell you like the interesting story to. Me of the of the farms so like you take Claiborne Farm and I tell people this all the time. Claiborne Farm any of these farms win WinStar they're all they are more manicured than a. Nice country club they are absolutely beautiful farms they are when you say farm.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: It really isn't a farm in the sense that most people think so you're touching on your point you. Know if you have an opportunity to be there and go do the farm tours and there's multiple ones to. Pick from do yourself a favor and do that because you will you will first lose your breath when. You're pulling in the gates and it's like the second thing that hits you that hit me was. Because I started working with horse farms and I spent a lot of I spend a lot of time in farms. It's the first horse barn you'll ever be in that you don't smell horses. You look around you see horses on both sides of you and you don't smell horses these things are. Meticulous they are so clean everything is varnished everything is polished everything is manicured. Trimmed and landscaped the horses look great the grounds look great and then the history. When you walk into a Claiborne Farm and you see Secretariat name on the paddock.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: And you see Bold Ruler and you see in those rulers it's like these are part of history. Bull Hancock took it on himself to bring stallions into america to increase the bloodline. Because he knew that the breed needed to diversify if you look at the history and Claiborne. Their farm goes back to before Kentucky was a state Richard was one of the surveyors that surveyed. The state I mean it's amazing how deep this and that's another thing I've told people I said you've. Never seen history like you'll see in Kentucky because what happened was. That is the country was being settled people traveled from east to west and the surveyors. Realized when they were around Lexington that the horses were covered quicker so then they. Started doubling back and making camps around the waterways because they would switch out their. Horses and that was really how this was kind of discovered that this is one of the few places on.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Earth that has this type of grass and it's kind of interesting to me that most people think. A little bit is being the center of it because of Churchill Downs which is a terrific city and. Churchill is absolutely another wealth of history but it's really Lexington is the center of. The industry that's absolutely true and I mean we revere Churchill Downs. As the place for the therapy but I think if you're if you if you use the word offsenic and horse racing. You have to think of Keeneland and I would say the same thing of Saratoga in new york. I would suspect that the sights and the sounds and the smells of Saratoga and a Saratoga meat. This summer is probably a whole lot like it was 100 years ago I would agree with that and I. I will I always say there's two schools you're either a Del Mar dying or you're a Saratoga guy. I was a Del Mar guy because I worked in california but I've always appreciated Saratoga and I agree.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: With you a hundred percent Saratoga you feel like you want back in time from standing there. Eating a hotdog or a lobster roll to wooden bleachers to the grandstand type feel to looking out past. The track at the landscape of the area and the fact that the entire town comes together one. Of the things that stood out to me when I've been and I've been there many times but one of the things. That always stands out to me still on Saratoga is how many people walk to the track so they. Basically let it come forward and they don't get in their car and go it's like it was a hundred. Years ago they walk to the track there's a huge group of people that get their first thing in the. Morning to claim their picnic table under the trees and you have so many things going on there. At the same time that was the other thing that kind of stood out to me about Saratoga you have.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: The racetrack up front where people are in the bleachers and they're there to watch. Every race and really be right there at the rail then you have under the trees at the picnic. Tables and that's almost like a family union or a day at a park and people bring their. Coolers they pack their lunch they get the same picnic table every year I've met I used to walk.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: Around talk to those people because I was always curious about their stories and you I've met. People there that have been coming there for 50 years they started coming there with a grandfather. And they still make the same sandwiches they're like we always get the same baloney and the same. Bread because that's the way grandpa did it and I love that I think it's so cool that they. There's so much tradition there and it's interesting in a much different way. Del Mars like that so del mar was started by Bing Crosby with people that don't know. There's actually pictures in Del Mar Bing Crosby taking tickets on opening day. And to this day they have what's called a season of bang in the fall and people dress up like. Bing Crosby and the ladies dress up like in the forties and go to the track because that's what you. Do if you live in southern california yeah we're all yeah where else can you where else are things.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: Like that happening that are just that are just happily frivolous but celebratory and. Honoring of what became what came before and you were talking about serret. Saratoga and all the magic of that and I'm glad you brought up I'm just learning about. Del Mar Jimmy Durante and Bing Crosby and all and all the heritage there but you. Know when we when we talk about Old Friends we have to talk about Saratoga because when we go there. We being michael and myself and anybody from Old Friends we stay at Anne's Washington Inn. Joey Vokins Joey Vokins are real times he's a great guy it's a he's a great guy and that is. The coolest place it's the it is the most comfortable uplifting in the world I think and it is. A lot of history there too a lot of history for Old Friends because it was on the porch of the. Inn that michael says that he and joey began to explore what they thought needed to be done in.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: Terms of what became that nobody had the word after care but the idea of having a place where. People could come and look at horses and he says was really born on those probably I suspect late. Night perhaps with some spirits infusing the conversation yeah on the porch of and. When the meat happens and we're on our way joey puts that big sign says Anne's Washington Inn. The birthplace of Old Friends which is it's pretty it's pretty cool and it is really cool. We have a part do you still have a party that ever year no there was a fun I know they did a. Fundraiser yeah we used to do a fundraiser every year there on thursday night it was before. One of the big races yeah that they're not doing it now but and Anne's Washington Inn at breakfast. In the morning and at cocktails on the porch at night is still kind of an assemblage. Of those dear devotees the Old Friends in the discussion revolves around what's going to.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: Be the next horse or what's the latest thing what's happening at Old Friends so I love. Special connections for people that are if you ever get the chance to go to Saratoga. Anne's Washington Inn it's a but I want to call it bed and breakfast it's really like an end. And they have a breakfast area and that they have this huge wrapper on porch it's right in town. It's a beautiful place and it's fun to stay there because in the evenings you kind of touched on this.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: You never know who's going to show up on that porch I've been following hall of fame jockeys. There I've seen retired trainers there people you've heard their name and never met before. With fit pakai and all burrato and big names over the years I've seen just. Sitting there and you can walk up and sit down next to them and introduce yourself and they'll. Start talking to you and I think that's another thing about horse racing that most people don't. Realize is how accessible it is it's one of the very few very good sports that like. You can buy a general admission ticket walked on to the rail and you get a pretty good chance. Of being able to talk to somebody or meet a jockey or meet somebody who's known and they will almost. Always take the time to say hello or take a picture or sign your program and but. You're not going to do that in an afled game I mean you're not going to do that.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Is it a lot of other professional sports and I'm not knocking any other sports. I work with a lot of them as well but there's an accessibility to horse racing that is still kind. Of kind of like what you said it's almost like it was a hundred years ago people will still walk. Up and just start talking to you it's almost like everybody is the same when you're at the track. That is true the great it's the great equalizer and you're right not only the rail the track. But you go to the to the paddock area where they're saddling and you can't get that close. To tom brady or anybody like that the really are seeing them up very. Up close and personal both the both the human athletes in the in the equine athletes and boy. You get a thoroughbred and peak racing condition that is a pretty special. Special moment you see that jockey mount up riders up that's pretty it's pretty cool. And it's in another point that people tell people to watch for.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Look at the connection between the jockey and the horse this is something interesting so one of the. Things I learned from bob that most people I don't think realize is that the jockey in the horse. Relationship is absolutely critical to how well he does so you take like several very. Famous horses and I'm not going to mention their name because I don't want to call anybody out but. There have been horses that are very well known and they didn't start out so good. The trainer changed jockeys and all of a sudden they were in the winter circle on every race. And that's a testament to and that's something Bob said he goes it's matching that. Personality the horse has a personality the jockey has a personality and find it's like. Finding two people that work well together and there's and there's an absolute connection because. You watch those jockeys as they're going out to the track they're not they are rubbing their.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Neck they're talking to the horse I've seen these guys bend down and kiss them on the back of the. Head there's a connection between them and the horse they care about that horse and the. Reason I bring this up is like there's this image out there that the jockey is beating the crap out. Of the horse the game to run that is not the case at all in fact having been friends I'm good. Friends with Gary Stevens I was very close to Randy Romero I know Pat Day most of the time when. You see that riding crop go back to where it looks like they're hitting him they're really not. Hitting him they brush him they just kind of graze him it's in fact sometimes like Gary would say. He wouldn't even do that he would kind of flip it up to where they could see it out of the corner. Of their eye to get them to move over a little bit yeah and he said he wouldn't even touch him.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: It's a yeah it's not they care about these animals and there's a connection and you. Also got to remember the jockey makes a percentage with some exceptions I mean there's sometimes. They get a fee but most of the time they get a percentage of what that horse wins so it's in their. Best interest to take care of that horse and help him manage his power conserving the energy. Get through the crowd not get hung up and let him go when it's the right time and the reason. It's critical for people that don't know a horse has a limited amount of link that they can run. I always tell people a horse is a lot like an air pump it's like a gasoline engine and the lungs. Are like the cylinders so the reason some horses are able to have more endurance is that generally. Have better condition larger ones some of these horses are actually it's come to be known as like.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Expector horses like secretariat American Pharoah justify they actually am and they literally. Physically have bigger ones and bigger hearts but there's a limit to what they're going to be. Able to run before they start slowing down the jockey has to calculate that he has to get to. Know him and say okay I need to get him to hear on the track before I let him go because if I don't. He's gonna run a steam before I get to the finish line and we're gonna get past right at the last. Minute by a horse that saves his energy so there's a lot to this but the underlying thing I want. Everybody to understand is how much everybody from the person that's standing there when they're born. To the people that what we call imprint them they'll literally take a young. Pole and like basically hug them and hold them and rub their head and rub their sides and grab.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Their legs that will set the tone for the rest of that horse's life that I've had so many if they. Don't imprint them right at birth they'll be hard to handle if possible to handle later on in life. And then all the way up to where they retire so these animals are cared for people really. Truly love them and I'll tell you one more story and I know you probably got to get going but. You talk about being star struck and about people and stuff I've been around a lot of celebrities a. Lot of musicians a lot of known people never really fazed me michael and I are standing in the panic. At Belmont guests of bob and jill they're gracious enough to let us tag along and literally american. Pharaohs getting saddled right in front of us he's putting Victor up on him and I noticed people. Coming over and talking to the guy next to me and they keep oh jones so great oh gosh so nice to see.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: And I'm sitting I must add a puzzle book on my face because michael weans over to me he says. That's Joe Torre and for listeners they know him as the manager of the Yankees and Dodgers. I did not know who he was I vaguely heard his name and I kind of had a puzzle book michael rolled his. Eyes at me and went oh my god I can't believe he made it this far in life and he looks at me and he. Says he owned Game On Dude nears with the Yankees I immediately was like star I. I was spun around and I said you want him Game On Dude and of course he's looking at me like do. We have security here I don't know who this is but and I said no I said I were with Old Friends. We have Game On Dude at the farm and he's eyes got big when you talk about people caring about. These animals this is a World Series-winning baseball manager and player who manager I'm sorry.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Not coach who is his eyes get big and he said you guys have Game On Dude he said I had lost track. Of him he says I love that horse and I said I said you got to come and see him he says what. I want to do that so him and I trade cards and as it goes with celebrities this we leave. Michael and I are in the car and michael's like look I don't get too excited he goes sometimes. These guys don't show up they say they'll show up they don't show up so just don't get. And I said no I really think he's gonna about a week and a half later my phone rings it's a. New york number and he's like mike's Joe Torre and I said yeah and he says the invitation is still. Good to come and I said absolutely he said could we come on for a Saturday I said absolutely. And he said do you care for bring some friends and then no as an ordinary so I went to the Louisville.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Slugger museum in Louisville and got a bat made that spent my own money got a bat made that said. Game On Dude and it had his starts his wins and his total earnings like they do for baseball players. And then we got a bunch of hats made by embroidery down in done Lexington trisha store with game. On dude silk on the front Old Friends on the back and his name on it and I gave those to. Joe when he came Joe Torre you would have thought I gave him a gold brick he held that bat his voice. Was crack he said this is the coolest thing I've ever got he said this is going in my office. He made the guys that were with him take their hats off and put Game On Dude's head time. He's like did you have to put these out and then he gave us a bunch of baseballs that he had signed. And said here sell these and buy some food for the horses we spent only four hours riding around. Said Game On Dude carrots took him around showing the rest of the barn.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: He spent the entire day there and he could not have been more gracious more interested. And genuinely you could tell excited to see Game On Dude you could see the connection between him. And Game On Dude and it might just be me but I think Game On Dude remembered it game. I don't have any doubt I don't have any doubt he's pretty social so he treats everybody pretty. Good but I think he remembered joe and it was it was kind of a neat moment I have pictures in my office. Of joe and Game On Dude to this day and I in other way interesting I'm sitting here looking at it right. Now I've got a picture of my daughter my youngest sitting on a fence post with Game On Dude's head. Their lap when we first got him and that'll give people an idea of how kind and gentle he is he was. Such from day one he was just something special he's just a really special horse but that's.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: A great story I can't thank you enough for taking the time to join us today this has been john. Ceo and president of Old Friends for anybody who's interested and I hope you are. Oldfriendsequine.org take a look at their website if you're in the area please schedule a tour. Go see it you'll you will call and thank us and if you can help out in any way. Bigger small I always tell people if you can't do a lot do what you can these horses deserve. It Old Friends is a great organization and I can honestly tell you every dollar including a. Lot out of people's pockets that are just glad to help goes to support these horses so we all. Really try to do anything we can to help these guys I can't thank you enough john for joining.

Speaker 2 – John Nicholson, Guest: Us today thoroughly enjoyed it mark it was it was great visiting with you and. Appreciate all you've done for our for Old Friends over the years and your friends. From here say hello and many more to come so we'll hopefully be working together for many. Years I really appreciate it and anything coming up that you guys want to talk about that's. On the horizon for you guys sir well breeders yeah well Breeders' Cup is going to be great here. Because it's in it's in Lexington this year so we'll be having a big bash the day after breeders. Cup but we're going to have lots of special activities and everything during the week to.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Breeders' Cup so if you're in town you really got to come out and see us all right make your plans. Early folks and if you're traveling this summer they are just north of Lexington Kentucky right. Off the highway you're coming in from the east west north or south they're right at the intersection. So you can't it's very easy to get to they have ample parking even if you're driving a big. Motorhome or a bus if you have bus tours call them they're more than happy to accommodate your group. And they can also help you with other things there's area restaurants they can help kind of connect. You with there's breweries in the area there's distilleries in the area if you want to see bourbon. Industry there's an in-the-narrows farm tours so definitely make your plans you owe it to yourself. To go to Lexington Kentucky Georgetown Kentucky this is a beautiful part of the country.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: And you'll be thankful that you did we're brought to you today by Tony's Steak and Seafood. Lexington Jam you owe it to yourself to check those guys out too they have restaurants. In Indianapolis Cincinnati and Bowling Green as well as Lexington we're also we support. Equine athletes we also support humans on this show No, Fallen Heroes is an organization that was. Started by a friend of mine fellow aviator Matt “Whiz” Buckley a Top Gun pilot the real Top Gun pilot. And he started this to help first responders veterans and anybody who needs some help. Transitioning getting back to civilian life so nofallenheroes.org oldfriendsequine.org. If you have employees I guarantee you have employee issues check out Mary Beth Gray for. Consulting it's marybethgrayhealthcare.com and you can't go long if you work with her she will save you. Guys wanting so this has been Hollywood and Horsepower we can't thank you enough for joining us John.

Speaker 1 – Mark Otto, Host: Thanks for taking the time we're big supporters here Old Friends and I want to tell everybody. We have been involved from the beginning and I hope I'm involved right till my end so. We can't thank you enough and look forward to seeing you guys soon this is how we're going to work. Thoroughly enjoyed it thank you and we'll see you guys again next week.

Speaker 3 – Announcer / Theme Music: Stick around. You never know who's next. And trust me they got a story worth hearing.