Many hoped that Justify, the undefeated winner of the 2018 Triple Crown, would go on to have a memorable fall season much like American Pharoah did in 2015, but last week we learned that sadly it was not to be. Due to some filling in his ankle, Justify’s connections decided that he would not have enough time to train for a return to racing without potentially compromising the colt’s soundness. Rather than run him again and risk injury, he’ll begin his retirement at Winstar Farm in Kentucky before heading to stud at the start of the breeding season next year.
Justify will live like a king in his retirement from racing, there’s no doubt about that, but not all racehorses are as lucky as they step off the track. Of course, not all of them are as decorated either, but that doesn’t mean they can’t find success at a different sport! Here are three Thoroughbreds currently available who we think would make great event horse prospects:
Winglet. Photo via New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.
Winglet (ENGLISH CHANNEL – WINSOME WOMAN, BY PERFECT SOUL (IRE)): 2015 15.2 1/2-hand Kentucky-bred gelding
This unraced gelding is cute as a bug and perfect for someone looking for a pocket-rocket type! Whoever gets a hold of him will need to be the kind of person who can shrug off a youngster’s spooks and reassure him that everything is no big deal. For the person who can do that, he looks to be an athletic and handy little guy! He has already been started under saddle and is proving to be responsive to subtle aids and nicely forward. Winglet is a playful guy who wants to be friends with everyone. He has no wear and tear and also no stall vices!
Located in Lexington, Kentucky.
View Winglet on New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.
Dighton. Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.
Dighton (B L’S APPEAL – GIVONNA S, BY ABAGINONE): 2010 16.3-hand Florida-bred gelding
Good looks, a solid build, durability, and athleticism — this classy horse truly has it all. Dighton has an incredible record: 79 career starts with 11 wins (including one just last month), 12 seconds and 14 thirds amassing nearly $400,000 in earnings. He also holds the distinction of having won at every New York Racing Association track. This war horse has plenty left in the tank, but given his success on the track it’s harder for him to find race conditions that he is eligible for so his connections have opted to see him move on to a second career where he could find similar success. Given the nice movement in his jog video and the fluid gallop displayed in his race footage, Dighton could surely have a future as an event horse!
Located at Finger Lakes Race Track in Farmington, New York.
View Dighton on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds Inc.
Be Good To Us. Photo via CANTER Delaware.
Be Good To Us (THREE HOUR NAP – DOTTIE BOOTH, BY AMERICAN CHANCE): 2013 15.3-hand Illinois-bred mare
Be Good To Us has been pretty good to her connections, winning almost $46,000 in her 28 career starts. However, she’s not as competitive as she used to be and thus she’s offered up for sale in hopes she can find a new job. He connections describe her as the kind of mare who’ll change your mind about not wanting a mare: “She’s a very professional, smart mare with no drama ever and lovely to ride,” they say. Her jog video show how nicely she moves just the day after a race — can’t you just picture her owning the jog strip?
Located at Delaware Park in Wilmington, Delaware.
