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Kentucky Derby Museum Retires Thoroughbred racehorse Phantom on Tour

The Kentucky Derby Museum has retired a longtime friend and favorite, former Thoroughbred racehorse Phantom on Tour. Phantom has greeted hundreds of thousands of guests at the Derby Museum since first arriving in March of 2002. In 2006, Phantom battled EPM (a neurological disease caused by a parasite) and after rigorous treatment and rehabilitation returned to the Derby Museum.

After eight years in service to his fans, it is time for the 16-year-old Phantom to enjoy a life of leisure on the pasture of a farm. He will be turned out to a paddock with another horse who suffered from EPM. Phantom was on loan to the Derby Museum from the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and he will return to TRF’s Blackburn Farm in Lexington, KY.

Phantom’s bloodlines include Derby winners, Secretariat (1973), Northern Dancer (1964) and Reigh Count (1928). During Phantom on Tour’s impressive racing career he won the Rebel Stakes, the Florida Stallion Stakes and the New Orleans Handicap. He ran sixth in the 1997 Kentucky Derby only six lengths behind the winner, Silver Charm. His race earnings were $724,605.

Phantom on Tour shared his time at the Derby Museum with full size miniature horse, Winston and vacationed annually at Upson Downs farm. For the last few years, Perfect Drift who finished third in the Kentucky Derby in 2002 has traded places with Phantom during vacations. Perfect Drift will now become the primary thoroughbred for the Derby Museum.

Phantom will depart for Blackburn farm between 10:30-11:00 a.m. Thursday morning.

To watch a video of Phantom and Winston at the museum: http://www.youtube.com/user/kyderbymuseum

The Kentucky Derby Museum, which sits on the front steps of historic Churchill Downs, is a very visible part of our community as one of Louisville’s premiere attractions. Graciously welcoming over 210,000 guests through the doors each year and giving them a first hand look at the event for which Louisville, Kentucky is known worldwide. The Museum aims to provide a lasting impression of tradition, hospitality and pride to our many visitors.

The Kentucky Derby Museum
704 Central Avenue
Louisville, KY 40208
(502) 637-7097 Info
(502) 637-1111 Office
Tour reservations: (502) 637-1111 ext 220
Front desk: (502) 637-1111 ext 242
[email protected]

www.derbymuseum.org

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