Breeders’ Cup Marathon 2010 winner Eldaafer dies at 21
Eldaafer, winner of the 2010 Breeders' Cup Marathon (G3), has died at age 21, Old Friends Thoroughbred retirement facility in Georgetown, Ky., announced. He arrived in June 2014 along with his goat companions 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 competed in every Breeders' Cup Marathon from 2009 to 2012, Eldaafer ranks among eight horses in Breeders' Cup history with the most starts in the event. The gelding made 46 starts with 13 wins and 10 other top-three finishes. In addition to his Breeders' Cup victory, he won the Brooklyn Handicap (G2), Greenwood Cup Stakes (G3), Turfway Park Fall Championship Stakes (G3) and Carl Hanford Memorial Stakes, with Diane Morici training him for all his stakes victories.
Breaking his maiden in his second start at Belmont Park as a 3-year-old on Sept. 13, 2008, for breeder Shadwell Farm, Eldaafer ended his career almost five years to the day after that first victory with a win in the Greenwood Cup Stakes (G3) on Sept. 2, 2013, for Morici and owners Jim Atwell and Kevin Jacobson.
Eldaafer arrived nine months after his retirement with a surprise in tow – Google and Yahoo. As he did during his time on the track, Eldaafer quickly became an Old Friends fan favorite along with the goats 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 Dora Delgado, Breeders' Cup executive vice president and chief racing officer.