Two-time Eclipse and Classic winner Charismatic (Summer Squall–Bali Babe, by Drone) will return to the United States in late November after 14 years standing at stud in Japan and will be pensioned at Old Friends. The 20-year-old is the third GI Kentucky Derby winner to repatriated from Japan by Old Friends, joining War Emblem and Silver Charm.
“This is yet another dream come true,” said Old Friends founder and President Michael Blowen. “Charismatic holds such special memories for so many racing fans, so it's particularly meaningful to be able to bring him home. We'd like to thank the people at Narvick International, Megumi Igarashi, and the JBBA's Kaori Matsuda for keeping us apprised of his career in Japan all these years and for making all of the arrangements for his trip,” Blowen added. “And, of course, we are eternally grateful to the Lewis family for their unmatched generosity and to everyone at Tito's Vodka for helping us make this happen.”
Charismatic's journey is being sponsored in large part by a gift from his former owners through the Robert and Beverly Lewis Family Foundation, and Tito's Handmade Vodka.
“My family and I are so pleased to learn that our Horse of the Year Charismatic will be returning from Japan, and will be joining our beloved Silver Charm at Old Friends,” said Beverly Lewis, who campaigned the horse with her late husband, Robert. “Charismatic's star shone very brightly, though only for a few weeks in 1999, when he won the Derby, the Preakness, and took a shot at Triple Crown immortality. Unfortunately, he was injured in that last race and was never able to run again, but now we are all looking forward to visiting him when he arrives!”
Originally sent to stud at Farish's Lane's End Farm, Charismatic was sent to Japan in 2002. Plans call for the stallion to be shipped in late November. Arrival times will be announced when they are confirmed.
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