Three Puerto Rican horses rest at a layover stop in Kentucky before the final leg of their journey to The Exceller Fund’s farm. Photo via Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare Inc. on Facebook.
Though there’s already been been much heartbreak and there’s still a long road of recovery ahead, we’re starting to see some happy endings come from the hurricane-stricken thoroughbred racing scene in Puerto Rico.
Racing resumed at the Camarero Racetrack at the end of October in a limited capacity as upwards of 500 people came out to watch the three races. There was no betting open to the public nor were there purses for the winners; the primary goal of the exhibition was to prepare horses competing in the upcoming Clasico Internacional del Caribe at Gulfstream Park in December.
While some horses have departed the island to settle in at Gulfstream prior to running in the Clasico, others retired from racing are now leaving the island for new homes. Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare (CTA) has been working hard to care for and arrange transport for horses headed to the mainland seeking second careers or retirement. Many of the thoroughbreds that have raced in Puerto Rico were bred in the contiguous United States and several breeding farms have stepped in to welcome their progeny home for a happy retirement.
You can follow along with CTA as they continue to their efforts and donate if you can. For now, here are our three OTTB picks this week:
Photo via CANTER Pennsylvania.
Rhinestone Cowgirl (Cowboy Cal – Dance Number, by Afleet): 2014 16.2-hand Pennsylvania bred mare
Just because her name is Cowgirl, doesn’t mean she can’t be an eventer. This long-legged filly has only been out of race training for a couple weeks, but was still a lady when the CANTER volunteers met her. Her nice sound movement makes her a promising sport prospect. She was also very sweet to her caretakers and seems like she’d love to have her own person!
View Rhinestone Cowgirl on CANTER PA.
Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.
Mickey McFly (Badge – Flora Mac Flimsey, by Big Mukora): 2010 16.2-hand New York bred gelding
Mickey has the building blocks of a lovely event horse and apparently a family history too – two sibling’s of his have already transitioned into second careers as eventers. As a homebred, Mickey’s owner/trainer is very fond of him and is retiring him sound since he just isn’t as competitive at the track anymore. There’s no chrome to be seen on this gelding anywhere, but he’ll catch your eye anyway with his lovely way of going.
View Mickey McFly on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.
Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.
Gran the Man (Grand Slam – Silvereniecharm, by Silver Charm): 2011 16.1-hand New York bred gelding
Gorgeous grey alert! Not only is this gelding stunning to look at, but he’s been a great athlete on the track as well earning over $150,000 in 31 starts. Gran has been a favorite of exercise riders because of his good work ethic, but lately he hasn’t had the same competitive spark to race as he had in the past. He is sound with no vices and ready to take on a new job!
View Gran the Man on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds. (Psst – and according to Facebook, his price has been reduced!)
