War Emblem was one of many horses who won the first two jewels of the Triple Crown but came up short. He looked to be a winner going up to the Belmont, but he stumbled badly at the gate and wound up being beaten by a horse named Sarava. Coincidentally, Sarava is a resident at Old Friends as well.
Old Friends did not exist when I went to Kentucky back in 1989. Perhaps someday, if or when I do return, I will make sure a pay a visit there.
After War Emblem retired from racing, he was sent to Japan for a time, but eventually he made his way back to the United States. He was a popular attraction at Old Friends.
From the link:
War Emblem went on to capture the Haskell Invitational (G1) for a third grade 1 win that year and was named champion 3-year-old colt. He was retired with seven wins from 13 starts and earnings of $3,491,000.
In the fall of 2002, War Emblem was sold to the Yoshida family for $17 million to stand at their renowned Shadai Stallion Station in Hokkaido, which also stood the great Sunday Silence. War Emblem proved a difficult but talented stallion. He sired fewer than 200 foals, but many of them were talented runners, including Japan's champion 2-year-old filly Robe Tissage.
When War Emblem was retired from stud duty, the Yoshida family generously agreed to donate the stallion to Old Friends. Negotiations were coordinated by Narvick International's Emmanuel de Seroux.
"We're very grateful to Mr. Yoshida and all of the fans who helped get War Emblem to Old Friends nearly five years ago," said Old Friends founder and president Michael Blowen. "I know we're supposed to appreciate all of our retirees the same, but he was one of the very special ones. He was tough, narcissistic, bold, and handsome. I adored him.
War Emblem loved to bite people, but he did have his favorites and didn't resort to hurting them.
2002 Kentucky Derby:
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