GEORGETOWN, Ky. – January 22, 2026 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement facility in Georgetown, Ky., is saddened to report that 2010 Breeders’ Cup Marathon (G2) winner Eldaafer has died at 21 years of age. 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 have made more Breeders’ Cup starts than Eldaafer. In all, the gelding made 46 starts with 13 wins and 10 other top three finishes. In addition to his Breeders’ Cup victory, he also won the Brooklyn H. (G2), Greenwood Cup S. (G3), Turfway Park Fall Championship S. (G3), and Carl Hanford Memorial S. with Diane Morici training him for all his stakes victories.

Breaking his maiden in only his second start at Belmont Park as a 3-year-old on September 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 (G3) on September 2, 2013 for Morici and owners Jim Atwell and Kevin Jacobson.

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.

Sired by 1992 Horse of the Year A. P. Indy out of 2002 Eclipse Award runner-up Habibti, Eldaafer was bred in Kentucky by Shadwell Farm. He raced as a homebred from the barn of Kiaran McLaughlin until January of his 4 year old campaign. Claimed for $20,000 that January, he raced for Mansour Alghuwayriyah’s Stable. Under trainer Diane Alvarado he won most of his starts that spring. In June he won the 2009 Brooklyn Handicap (G2). At 5 he took the 2010 Turfway Park Fall Championship (G3) at a mile and a half. Eldaafer crowned his 5 year old campaign with his win in the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Marathon (G3) for IEAH Stables and Mansour Albaroudy. But that wasn’t all. At 7 years old, the sturdy campaigner won the Carl Hanford Memorial S at Delaware Park for owners Jim Atwell and Kevin Jacobsen, and at 8 he prevailed in the Greenwood Cup (G3). From 46 starts Eldaafer gleaned 13 wins, 3 seconds and 7 thirds and $1,031,835. During a work in November 2013 he sustained a suspensory injury and was retired. His trainer, Diane Alvarado, worked with Old Friends to ensure Eldaafer’s wellbeing until he arrived at Old Friends. In May 2014 the champion settled in at Dream Chase Farm accompanied by his long-time companions, the goats Google and Yahoo.  Google wanted to go to the paddock with Eldaafer on the day of the Breeder’s Cup and they had to lock him up, making Eldaafer late for the post parade! (Sadly, we lost Google in 2018)

Retired after suffering a suspensory injury during a routine work at Gulfstream Park, November 2013.