The organization is named in memory of the magnificent Ferdinand, the 1986 Kentucky Derby Champion, Breeders’ Cup Classic winner and 1987 Horse of the Year who earned more than $4 million during his career. In 1989 he was retired from racing and exported to Japan to stand at stud. Tragically, a few years later, Ferdinand was slaughtered for human consumption. Racehorses are often at-risk for abuse, neglect and slaughter when their racing careers have ended. Friends of Ferdinand provides programs to rehome, rescue, rehabilitate, re-train, and adopt racehorses retiring from Midwest racetracks.