Old Friends at Cabin Creek announced the passing of Commentator, a celebrated New York-bred racehorse, who was humanely euthanized on June 27 at age 24 due to complications from Potomac horse fever. Commentator had a distinguished racing career, highlighted by two victories in Saratoga’s Whitney Handicap (G1) in 2005 and 2008, and was named New York Horse of the Year twice. Trained by Nick Zito and campaigned by Tracy Farmer, he won 14 races, including the final Massachusetts Handicap in 2008, and retired with over $2.04 million in earnings, holding a track record at Belmont Park.

After retiring, Commentator initially lived at Old Friends’ Dream Chase Farm in Kentucky before moving to Cabin Creek in 2016, where he became a beloved ambassador for retired racehorses. Known for his intelligence and unique personality, he spent his final years alongside fellow resident Watchem Smokey. The New York Racing Association honors his legacy with the annual Commentator Stakes at Belmont Park, and Old Friends expressed gratitude to his connections for their ongoing support.