Just in time for a long holiday weekend, the rulebook for the 2021 iteration of the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) Thoroughbred Makeover has been released! 2021 will be the biggest year for the Makeover yet, as it will host two tiers of competition: one for 2021-eligible horses and the other for the horses who were originally being prepared for the 2020 Makeover that could not be held as scheduled this year.
Whether you’re thinking of competing for the first time next year, you’re a long-time competitor, or you’re rolling over your 2020 entry into 2021, make sure to give the all-important rulebook a read. It’s even colorfully marked up so that changes, clarifications, and special notes pertaining to the impact of the 2020 Makeover postponement can be clearly distinguished.
If you’re still working on your application or on the fence about applying for the 2021 Makeover, keep in mind that applications are opening on Tuesday, December 1st and will close on January 15, 2021. You don’t have to have found a horse yet — as always, horses don’t need to be declared until next summer — but as long as you’ve gotten your entry done and dusted, it doesn’t hurt to window shop a bit for the perfect partner. Our three OTTB picks this weeks are all believed to be 2021 RRP eligible, so maybe one of these will be the one for you!
He’s Thunder. Photo via CANTER Illinois.
He’s Thunder (HE’S HAD ENOUGH – MISS THUNDERELLA, BY THUNDER GULCH): 2016 16.1-hand Florida-bred gelding
He’s Thunder and he’s a beautiful boy! If you look closely, that beautiful chestnut coat is actually roan, too. This four-year-old last raced in late October of this year, capping off his racing career at 20 starts and $12,472 earned. He’s Thunder has a nice over-tracking walk and a great athletic build. Oh, and not to mention a super cute face!
Located at Fairmount Park Race Track in Collinsville, Illinois.
View He’s Thunder on CANTER Illinois.
Christmas Pickles. Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.
Christmas Pickles (AWESOME AGAIN – RIVERTOWN BELLE, BY BELLAMY ROAD): 2017 17.0-hand Kentucky-bred mare
The seasonally appropriate Christmas Pickles may look like just a fuzzy little youngster, but this three-year-old is already clocking in at 17-hands tall! If you’re looking to lock down your potential Makeover horse sooner rather than later and give them a little down time before the real work starts, “Pickles” might be great candidate. She’ll be a very neat horse to see transform into a sport horse, that’s for sure! This filly is still young and learning some of her ground manners, but the Maker’s Mark staff have found her to be a quick learner with an affectionate personality.
Located in Lexington, Kentucky.
View Christmas Pickle on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.
Bay Bridge. Photo via CANTER Maryland.
Bay Bridge (WAR CHANT – APRIL GATOR, BY GREEN ALLIGATOR): 2013 16.1-hand Maryland-bred gelding
Bay Bridge has been a successful turf horse, earning $155,678 in 39 career starts, but now as rising eight-year-old and as the turf tracks close for the season his connection have decided it’s time for him to move on to another athletic endeavor instead of keeping him in race training over the winter. The beautiful Bay Bridge is a barn favorite and has the calm temperament you’d expect from a season racehorse. He most recently raced this October, and as a proven athlete he should be a fun one to transition into a new sport.
Located at Laurel Park, Maryland.
