“Cru meant so much to us,” said JoAnn Pepper, owner and manager of Old Friends in Cabin Creek. “He could brighten the day just by standing there. He was fun and happy. He loved every meal, just like his father. He leaves us sad, but blessed to have known and loved him.”
Valiant Crusader retired to Old Friends in Cabin Creek in May 2024 after volunteer Mary Eddy found him on Craigslist outside Atlanta, Georgia and noticed how similar he looked to his father. Before arriving at Cabin Creek, Valiant Crusader changed hands several times and was primarily used to breed quarter horse mares.
As a racehorse, the New York-bred Diablo mare Diablo’s Pixie raced four times at Aqueduct Racetrack for trainer John Hertler in 2003-2004, his best finish being sixth in his final career race in 2004. Although Valiant Crusader earned only $365 in purse money, his retirement from Old Friends at Cabin Creek underscores the farm’s mission to provide a loving retirement for all Thoroughbreds, regardless of their racing records.
Valiant Crusader is best remembered by the volunteers and visitors of Old Friends at Cabin Creek, where he kept watch over the farm from one of the two paddocks on top of the front hill and opposite Group 1 winner A Shin Forward. Valiant Crusader was, like his father, a very gentle stallion and even spent time in a paddock with gelding Watchem Smokey. His kind-hearted nature and gentle eyes made him one of the most welcoming horses on the farm, both to new volunteers and visitors.
Old Friends at Cabin Creek is proud and honored to have given this noble stallion a soft landing for his final years while serving as a perfect ambassador for the good retirement of all Thoroughbreds.
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