Photo by Mitchell Bryant for Sam Stroud Photography.
Celeste Hotze loves her Thoroughbreds so much, she included him in their wedding photos!
The chestnut on her husband’s arm, JC Sometimes an Angel (“Reily”), is an 8-year-old OTTB whom Celeste has evented through Novice. He’s been battling chronic Lyme Disease for the last couple of years, so he hasn’t been competing much lately, but Celeste says he just got cleared to go back to work after a second round of treatment. We look forward to seeing them in the startbox soon! The little lady on the left is a 16-month old Thoroughbred — she’s got some big shoes to fill.
We asked Celeste what she loves about ex-racers. “The real question is, what DON’T I love about OTTBs?” she says. “I’m in love with everything about Thoroughbreds. They have the biggest hearts with so much try. They’re the biggest characters with so much personality, they keep me laughing (and sometimes screaming) every day! They’re definitely my breed of choice.”
Photo courtesy of Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.
Tamiani Trail (Bellamy Road – Seismic Shift, by Richter Scale): 2012 16-hand mare From the moment her connections at the Secretariat Center laid eyes on Tamiami Trail, they say they were struck by her self-assurance and presence. Her trainer corroborated this by extolling her courage, her smarts, and her try. “Tami,” a denizen of 16 starts (3-4-0), is competitive through and through. She’s a wonderful combination of analytical yet bold, and although she’s a bit stove up from her recent retirement from the racetrack, when she loosens up and develops a new set of muscles, she will be fancy and formidable. If you’re the type of person who likes the challenges of a smart and competitive horse and if you are willing to give her the time she needs to rest and recuperate, this horse could be the one for you. View Tamiani Trail on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.
Photo courtesy of Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.
Mom’s Chance (Comeonmom – Chanced, by American Chance): 2012 17.2-hand filly No, that’s not a typo: this is a BIG girl, towering over Finger Lakes Finest’s volunteers! She is described as good to work with, good to gallop and a nicely tempered girl who was so sweet during her photo session. FLF loved her adorable face and kind expression, and it’s hard not to be wowed by those long legs! They were also wowed by her light, lofty movement. This statuesque young filly could be your next eventing or dressage mount (polo and barrels are not in her cards). She finishes her racing career with 12 in the money finishes out of 26 starts, so she’s earned her keep in the trainer’s stable. Her breeder is her contact for more information and maybe for some cute baby pictures! View Mom’s Change on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.
Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.
Blue Claret (Bluegrass Cat – Regal Ruby, by Rubiano): 2010 16-hand mare This very loved mare has been a successful race mare earning over $85,000 in 37 races with 7 wins, 14 seconds and 4 thirds. She is very special to her current connections because she was her trainer’s 1,000th win and a good home is a must. She is described as sound and hardworking with a “fun” personality. She loves treats and attention (which she must receive lots of since her dapples were evident even with a fuzzy winter coat). Her trainer would love to follow her second career, hopefully in a sporting discipline as she is described as athletic and wanting to perform and please. She has no vices. View Blue Claret on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.
