Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin

Nobody takes Thoroughbreds more seriously than Lexington, Kentucky. And for one week a year, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event offers racing and eventing enthusiasts an opportunity to join in raising a glass to this versatile equine breed.

From the Trade Fair (look for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance at booth #86, Retired Racehorse Project at #244, and New Vocations at #124) to Thoroughbred Makeover demos, RRP’s Hoedown at Hagyard, and the Maker’s Mark Commemorative Bottle Fundraiser to benefit TAA, Rolex is a celebration of OTTBs everywhere.

Not to mention an opportunity to watch some of the world’s most talented OTTB eventers in action! Check out Allie Conrad’s post Meet the Thoroughbreds Going to Rolex for a roll call of both raced and unraced Thoroughbreds who will be contesting this year’s four-star event. You can bet we’ll be cheering extra loudly when they come galloping past.

And, of course, if you’re in the market Rolex offers some of the best OTTB window shopping in the world. This week and next we’ll be featuring OTTBs that are currently available for adoption at the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center, located at the Kentucky Horse Park. If you see one that strikes your fancy and you’re heading to Rolex, go meet them in person (er, horse?)!

Check out a full list of MMSC Thoroughbreds available for adoption here. Let’s start with these three striking bays:

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Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Catron (Distorted Humor – Cindy’s Mom, by A.P. Indy), a 16hh, 2010 gelding and the MMSC’s current blue-blooded four-star general.

With Mr. Prospector on the sire’s side and A.P. Indy on the dam’s side, this seasoned warhorse had 12 starts, was in the money 50% of the time, and garnered over $207,000. He’s classically good-looking, analytical and duty-oriented. Having last raced at the end of January of this year and been recently castrated, he’s still a little battle weary and stiff. But he has shown moments of brilliance and suspension at liberty, and he took to jumping in our Hitchcock pen with verve and exuberance. Expect great things from this one when he’s ready to start off on a new and different campaign.

View Catron on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center. 

Photo via Maker's Mark Secretariat Center.

Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Katie’s Secret aka “Katie” (Confide – Katie’s Affair, by Colonial Affair) is a 15.3hh, 2013 unraced mare who is pretty as a picture, balanced and sound.

This mare is sensitive, sweet and willing to please. She’s also a very quick learner and athletic to boot. Because of this, it would be easy to push her too hard too fast. If you take the time it takes to build up this mare’s confidence while you work on her skill sets, she is a mare that has a great deal to offer as an event prospect, dressage horse or BFF.

View Katie’s Secret on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

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Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.

Road to Riches aka “Rory” (Quality Road – Academic Art, by El Prado (IRE)) is an unraced 17hh, 2013 mare.

On the ground, this big girl is still very much a baby, a little insecure, and at times awkward. But under saddle, Rory is astoundingly balanced for her age and size and has effortless lead changes. Although she came off the track just two weeks before coming to MMSC and has a lot to learn, she picks things up quickly and wants to please. She showed her trainers a willingness to jump and they think with her big rhythmic stride that she would shine in the hunter show ring.

View Road to Riches on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.