Silver Charm is a 28-year-old American thoroughbred racehorse and the oldest living Derby winner. Renowned for taking home the 1997 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, his career earnings totaled nearly $6 million. Since 2014, the Derby champion has retired to Old Friends Farm in Georgetown.

It has long been a tradition to auction off the halters of Derby champion horses to commemorate their success and legacy. The Friends Farm recently announced Silver Charm’s halter auction, giving fans the chance to own a piece of history and contribute to a good cause.

The great American racehorse earns big in the ongoing auction

On May 22, Conley, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, was shot and murdered while conducting a routine traffic stop. In his memory, the Old Friends Farm is auctioning off Silver Charm’s halter to raise money for the family of the deceased Scott County deputy. The current bid is at $515 and will end on June 11 at 9 p.m.

Earlier in the month, on 7th May, the Old Friends Farm held its 18th Annual Homecoming Event. It included a live and silent auction of works of art, prints, and racing memorabilia, along with an impressive collection of high-end stallion halters. The property has over 15 retired thoroughbreds, including 2007 New York-bred Horse of the Year Banrock, and two-time Whitney Handicap winner Commentator. The farm also holds an annual tribute for departed horses. 

Derby champions’ halters are highly sought after. The fact that there are so few halters worn by Kentucky Derby champions increases their value for collectors. Many of these auctions are private affairs that are accessible to a select group of individuals. Despite being a rich affair, the fans own a piece of legacy while supporting a good cause.

The greatest horses are part of greater impacts

The Kentucky Derby horse auctions are undoubtedly a wealthy man’s business. Even after retiring from their successful career, these horses often become an integral part of many charities. In 2016, one of the biggest halter auctions in history benefited Thursday’s Child and Our Mim’s Retirement Haven. 

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Many of the halters used by Kentucky Derby winners have been auctioned off by Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA). The money raised goes to organizations that support equine research, backstretch and farm worker programs, and Thoroughbred retraining, rehoming, and retirement. Horse riding continues to be a celebrated sport, while the proceeds from the high-value Derby champions’ trinkets contribute to charities.

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