Ballindaggin, the stately 23-year-old New York-bred chestnut who swept the 1987 New York Stallion Series and defeated an international field in the 1988 Molson Export Challenge, was humanely euthanized on July 22 at the Hagyard Equine Institute.

A multiple stakes winner of $946,894 in just 14 starts, Ballindaggin was recently diagnosed by Dr. Doug Byars as suffering from severe back problems brought on by degenerative arthritis. The decision to euthanize was made in consultation with Dr. Byars, Dr. Hunt, and Old Friends President Michael Blowen.

Ballindaggin had resided at the Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement facility based in Georgetown, KY, for two years. He was donated to the farm by Idaho owner/breeders Bob and Robbie Waters who visited him often during his retirement.

“Ballindaggin was one of our kindest, most intelligent residents,” said Blowen. “He was farm manager Janet Beyersdorfer’s favorite retiree. But he told us it was time. His eyes had turned from proud and courageous to insecure. We wanted him to go with his dignity intact. He’ll never be forgotten.”

A public memorial service will be held later this summer at Old Friends.

Old Friends is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is home to nearly 30 retired racehorses. It’s Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily who come to see such luminaries of the sport as Eclipse-winner Sunshine Forever, Grade 1 winner Affirmed Success, and Seabiscuit star Popcorn Deelites. For information about tours and other retirees, call (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.