Attention 2018 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover trainers: There’s an exciting new award up for grabs this year! MidAtlantic Horse Rescue is generously sponsoring the $1,000 Iron Horse Award which will be bestowed to the top placing horse foaled in or before 2008.
Though often overlooked due to their age, older racehorses have much to offer in their second careers having already proved their durability. But at last year’s Thoroughbred Makeover, just 22 of the 305 competing horses were at least 10 years old. Can 2018 top that?
If you’re still looking for a horse (trainers have until August 1, 2018 to register their horse), fear not — we’re here to help! Here are three 2018 Thoroughbred Makeover eligible “Iron Horses” ready and waiting to show you what they’re made of.
Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds, Inc.
New York Tough (Good and Tough – Tulane Girl, by Valid Expectations): 2007 15.3-hand New York bred gelding
At 64 career starts, 21 wins, and almost $200,000 earned, New York Tough lives up to his name. “Toughie” is an easy-going guy as well as a hard-working athlete. Though he popped a splint early last year he has recovered to be totally sound and has been lightly restarted under saddle, but remains 2018 RRP eligible. His rider reports that he’s just an all-around good boy under saddle and isn’t spooky in the slightest. He’d make a great project for an OTTB first-timer!
View New York Tough on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds, Inc.
Photo via CANTER Michigan.
Native Britches (Native Factor – Starlet Britches, by Habitonia): 2005 Michigan bred gelding
Native Britches is another been-there-done-that good ‘ol boy who could be a suitable project for a young rider or adult amateur. He’s been so reliable for his trainer that he was used to teach riders to gallop. This lovely bay is a true war horse, proving his reliability and durability with over 100 starts. Now that he’s done with racing, his trainer wants him to find him a wonderful new home and a second career that he can be just as good at.
View Native Britches on CANTER Michigan.
Photo via CANTER Maryland.
Legendary King (Brahms – Dance Skirt, by Caucasus): 2008 15.3-hand Kentucky bred gelding
Just look at that face! Not only is Legendary King cute as a button, he’s also a real solid citizen who’s just enjoyable to be around. “King” is reported to be totally sound, but when he came back into training he just didn’t have the same zest for racing that he had throughout his 64 career starts. His connections decided that after a year of downtime on the farm, it’s time to let him move on to a new home and a new career.
