Have you heard? Trainer applications for the 2019 Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) Thoroughbred Makeover are now open! That means that it’s now totally appropriate to start dreaming, scheming, and window-shopping for the perfect RRP 2019 prospect.
EN’s Shelby Allen already put together a great synopsis of everything you need to know about important dates to remember and eligibility requirements, but it’s worth reiterating that the deadline for trainer applications is January 15, 2019. Eligible OTTBs are Jockey Club Registered and have raced or had a published work after July 1, 2017. They also must not have begun training for a second career before December 1, 2018. Here are three RRP 2019 eligible candidates to get your window shopping started!
Hangry. Photo via CANTER PA.
Hangry (MACHO UNO – CLASSIC LAKE, BY TIZNOW): 2013 16.1-hand New York-bred gelding
Don’t let Hangry’s name fool you — he’s a sweet and easy-going horse, plus he’s a true athlete! In 46 starts, Hangry earned almost $95,000. In 2018, however, he just hasn’t been placing as well as he used too and is retiring sound and in search of a new job to excel at. Hangry’s sensible, he’s about as amateur-friendly as an OTTB can get, and he’s the type of horse that would do anything to please his people.
Located in Grantville, Pennsylvania.
Farmer’s Only. Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.
Farmers Only (BIG DRAMA – SWEETTAY, BY CRAFTY FRIEND): 2013 16.1-hand Arkansas-bred gelding
This big-boned gelding has the personality and the aptitude to really excel off the track. “Barney” is looking for someone to be his person and when he finds them, he’s bound to impress. Barney has had a few training rides as MMSC (but remains RRP eligible) and has been in jumper tack, dressage tack, and even western tack and he looks great in all of them. He’s very balanced under saddle and shows lovely smooth gaits, plus he’s keen to jump when pointed towards a crossrail!
Located in Lexington, Kentucky.
View Farmers Only on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center
Bonfire Rising. Photo via New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.
Bonfire Rising (WILBURN – BONITA RIOS, BY FREUD): 2014 16.1-hand New York-bred mare
Talk about eye-catching! In addition to her good looks, “Pumpkin” is one of the friendliest horses in the barn. She enjoys the company of both horses and humans alike but at the same time isn’t herd-bound at all, often wandering independently in the paddock. Pumpkin has the makings of a great sporthorse prospect and has the pedigree to back it up as well, boasting A.P. Indy, Storm Cat, and Fappiano sire lines. She has a great mentality, especially for a young horse, and is very focused when working and brave in new situations as well.
Located in Ballston Spa, New York.
