More good news for trainers competing in the 2018 Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover later this fall, especially for those training New York-breds! The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, New York Racing Association, and New York Thoroughbred Breeders Inc. are jointly sponsoring the $5,000 Empire State Success Story Award, which will go to the top-placed New York-bred at the Makeover.
With New York-breds in mind, let’s take a look at three currently looking for new homes and second careers:
In Harm’s Way. Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds Inc.
In Harm’s Way (HOOK AND LADDER – NEW HARMONY, BY A.P. INDY): 2010 16.2-hand New York-bred gelding
This horse’s story is a great example of the connections doing right by their horse. “Harmie” earned over $190,000 for his connections in his 27 career starts, before retiring soundly and being adopted out to a new home. Some time later, however, Harmie’s former race connections got wind that his owners were planning to have him put down due to foot soreness so they offered to take him back. He returned to them with terribly short feet and 200 lbs. underweight.
After some TLC — some shoes, letting his feet grow out, and proper nutrition – Harmie is back in top shape and his connections are enjoying riding around the farm, but he’s ready once again for a shot at second career; they’re looking to give him the chance to excel at being the riding horse they know he can be. He has a charming demeanor and those that know him describe him as an “in your pocket” type, plus he has great sporthorse bloodlines.
Located near Finger Lakes Race Track in Farmington, NY.
View In Harm’s Way on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds, Inc.
Cent of a Giant. Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.
Cent of Giant (FROST GIANT – CENTRINA, BY WHEELAWAY): 2015 15.2-hand New York-bred gelding
After just three starts, this three-year-old has made it clear that he’d prefer a career other than racing. Though he doesn’t want to race, he does have good bloodlines for jumping and his trainer says he likes to gallop and has no pull, buck, or spook. For a three-year-old, he’s a chill and easy to handle guy. Cent of a Giant has a balanced build overall and though he’s a little bum-high right now he’s still growing and estimated to reach 16.0-hands or taller. He’s RRP eligible, if you’re still looking, and sound with no vices — someone scoop him up!
Located at Located at Finger Lakes Race Track, Farmington, NY.
View Cent of a Giant on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds Inc.
Titus Catienus. Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.
Titus Catienus (CATIENUS – MIZLALA, BY UNBRIDLED’S SONG): 2008 16.1-hand New York-bred gelding
Titus arrived at the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center after enjoying five years of pasture turnout while rehabbing from a soft tissue injury. The old injury is now well-healed and folks at MMSC have put him into their training program where he’s happy to have a job again and eager to please his new humans. This handsome guy has already stolen the hearts of the staff through his friendliness and keenness to learn. Titus already goes in a light frame on the flat, has been introduced to pole work and small jumps, and enjoys going out on the trails. He also looks great in Western tack if you’re into that!
Located at Makers Mark Secretariat Center, Lexington, KY.
