LEGENDARY Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm continues to thrive – at the ripe old age of 31.
The champion American Thoroughbred won the famous race way back in 1997.
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Silver Charm is the oldest living Derby champion and the last born in the 20th century.
The grey – foaled in 1994 – also won the Preakness Stakes and Dubai World Cup during a prestigious racing career.
Following his exploits on the track, Silver Charm was retired to Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky for an initial stud fee of $25,000.
He later lived in Japan before returning to Kentucky and the Old Friends Equine, a horse retirement facility in Georgetown.
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Silver Charm moved back to the facility in 2014.
And he remains there to this day, attracting thousands of visitors as the farm’s “chief fundraiser”.
“He’s still just thriving being around people,” Old Friends CEO John Nicholson told USA Today.
“Every day is a treasure, and every day we have him, we feel blessed.”
The farm needs millions to run every year.
Silver Charm knows his role and is one of the biggest attractions for horse racing fans who visit.
“It takes $3.5 million a year to operate Old Friends and all of our farms, and I would put Silver Charm as our chief fundraiser,” Nicholson continued.
“He’s a part of every message we send. He’s often the messenger.
“He excites people when they’re here, and he always delivers as far as being a good public figure.
“He’s very aware when the camera is around.
“He’s very aware when people are here to see him, and he always puts on a good show.”
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Silver Charm led the Belmont Stakes in 1997 with an eighth of a mile to go and looked poised to become the first Triple Crown winner in 19 years.
But he was beaten by Touch Gold, who accelerated past him in the last 75 yards to win by half a length.
The pair are now at the same facility, with Touch Gold just one paddock over from his former race rival.
Silver Charm is now equivalent of 90 years old in human years.
And his longevity is a testament to the aftercare provided by the staff at Old Friends.
“[Aftercare] is a pillar of the industry,” Nicholson continued.
“It’s not a fringe thing. You’ve just got to do it.”