We did it.
171 Thoroughbreds showed up and showcased their talent and trainability in ten different disciplines after less than ten months of training since racing. 179 others participated in the training process. Almost all of the 350 are on their path to secure futures in second careers.
1500 people showed up. 1000 bought tickets and another 500 came for free. 200 evaluation forms say that people had a blast and want to do it again. 59 sponsors and 96 volunteers want us to do it again.
Over 50,000 Thoroughbreds will have raced in 2015, and at least 15,000 of them will retire. These horses are in need of good trainers to prepare them for the jobs that will secure their futures.
There are LOTS of trainers wanting to prove that they are good at this.
So...YES. There will be a 2016 Thoroughbred Makeover, and YES. It will be at the Kentucky Horse Park.
We are working to create a Makeover entry system that serves the horses better than the first come, first served process that had trainers rushing to acquire horses this year. We have been listening to the input of competitors, judges, sponsors, and volunteers, and are still consulting and assessing the potential effects of all the proposals. If your ideas haven't been heard, it's not too late. Go to this link.
The following two paragraphs will answer some basic questions that many are asking about the 2016 Thoroughbred Makeover.
The first step in the process will be to select from trainer applications a group that includes professionals, amateurs and juniors who can demonstrate proven success in the primary discipline for which they will train. The application form will be posted online Monday, January 4, with notice emailed to all RRP members and e-news subscribers. It will require references, competition results, and video in the primary discipline for which expertise is to be assessed. The form will be accompanied by a description of the approval process. To be considered for selection, trainers must be members in good standing of Retired Racehorse Project and agree to the terms of a participation agreement that sets forth the responsibilities of both RRP and the trainers.
Accepted trainers will acquire an eligible horse from a source of their choosing. To be eligible for the 2016 Makeover a horse must 1) be registered with The Jockey Club and have a lip tattoo, 2) have raced or had a published work after October 1, 2014, and 3) have not started in training for a second career before January 1, 2016 other than a maximum of fifteen allowable rides. A detailed explanation will be provided describing the standards and enforcement to determine horse eligibility, particularly requirement #3.
2015 has been a year of creation for Retired Racehorse Project. 2016 will be about consolidation and growth.
We expect that Off-Track Thoroughbred Magazine will inspire thousands to join RRP as members, providing an ongoing revenue stream to ensure that our programs and services continue far into the future. We know that the Retired Racehorse Resource Directory will fulfill its mission as "Your guide to acquiring, placing, selling, and serving the Off-Track Thoroughbred." And we expect that the 2017 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium will not only transition hundreds of Thoroughbreds into second careers, but will prepare thousands of horse people to become responsible owners and outstanding trainers of these magnificent animals in the coming decades.
I look forward to seeing you at the winter horse expos, at Rolex Kentucky CCI**, at other events that we have not yet scheduled, and of course in the Covered Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park on the third weekend of October 2016.
- Steuart Pittman, President Retired Racehorse Project
