Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement facility near Georgetown, Ky., reported Jan. 22 that 2010 Breeders' Cup Marathon (G3) winner Eldaafer has died at 21. He arrived in June of 2014 along with his goat friends Google and Yahoo.
"Eldaafer was an accomplished racehorse whose grit and consistency defined his career, highlighted by his extraordinary Breeders' Cup achievements. From the moment he arrived at Old Friends, he became a favorite among visitors and staff alike. We were honored to provide him a home in retirement, and he will be deeply missed," said John Nicholson, president and CEO of Old Friends.
A top-level racehorse who raced in every Breeders' Cup Marathon from 2009 to 2012, only seven horses in the history of the Breeders' Cup World Championships have made more Breeders' Cup starts than Eldaafer. The gelding by A.P. Indy out of multiple grade 1 winner Habibti made 46 career starts with 13 wins and 10 other top-three finishes. In addition to his Breeders' Cup victory, he also won the 2009 Brooklyn Handicap (G2), 2013 Greenwood Cup Stakes (G3), 2010 Turfway Park Fall Championship Stakes (G3), and 2012 Carl Hanford Memorial Stakes with Diane Morici training him for all his stakes victories.
Breaking his maiden in only his second start Sept. 13, 2008, at Belmont Park as a 3-year-old for owner/breeder Shadwell Farm, Eldaafer ended his career almost five years to the day after that first victory with a win Sept. 2, 2013, in the Greenwood Cup for Morici and owners Jim Atwell and Kevin Jacobsen.
Eldaafer would arrive nine months after his retirement with a surprise in tow—Google and Yahoo. Just like he did during his time on the track, Eldaafer quickly became an Old Friends fan favorite along with the goats when living in paddock 50. The trio proved to be a big source of entertainment for visitors on the farm, often playing and starring in multiple videos. Google and Yahoo preceded Eldaafer in death.
"Eldaafer distinguished himself as a Breeders' Cup champion and a horse whose longevity and toughness earned the respect of fans around the world. His time at Old Friends allowed many more to meet him and enjoy his story, and we commend the team there for the tremendous care and attention he received as a resident. Our thoughts are with everyone who knew him and played a part in his journey over the years," said Breeders' Cup executive vice president and chief racing officer Dora Delgado.
