Peanut butter and jelly, bread and butter, Thoroughbreds and eventing … some things just go together! And we can now add the Retired Racehorse Project and the Breeders’ Cup to that list of perfect matches, as the two organizations announced early last month that they would be partnering up to promote the Thoroughbred both on the track and off.
As a part of the partnership, the winning rider of America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred from the Thoroughbred Makeover would receive tickets to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships and be honored in the winner’s circle between Friday’s races. Just one problem: the winner, Elisa Wallace, was already slated to compete two of her horses, Simply Priceless and Riot Gear, at Rocking Horse Fall H.T. that same weekend. It was certainly not for nothing though as each of her horses won their respective Intermediate divisions, RRP representatives were still able to attend and be recognized at the Breeders’ Cup, and a highlight reel of Elisa and Reloaded’s winning Makeover rides was broadcast on the Jumbotron.
Looking for your perfect match? Here are three prospects ready to come off the track and into your life:
Cosmo the Comet (SPANISH STEPS – PLEASANT DEED, BY ALYDEED): 2009 17.1-hand Florida-bred gelding
Let’s kick today’s wishlist off with a (very) tall, dark, and handsome war horse, shall we? Cosmo the Comet was a successful racehorse making 52 total starts and earning nearly $120,000. He last raced in September 2017 (making him still eligible for the 2019 Thoroughbred Makeover) and has since been simply hanging out at his owner’s farm very near the Finger Lakes Race Track.
This war horse retired sound and now that he’s had a year of let down to adjust to a slower lifestyle, he is ready to go back to work in a new career. Cosmo the Comet did his best racing on the turf and his owner thinks he’d really enjoy eventing. She calls him “good natured and loving” but also says he can be a strong ride but isn’t naughty and has lots of endurance.
Located in Clifton Springs, New York.
View Cosmo the Comet on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds on Facebook.
Zesty Zar (TAPIZAR – GOLDEN DREAMS, BY TOUCH GOLD): 2015 16.1-hand Maryland-bred gelding
Zesty Zar sounds like a really lovely young horse to bring along off the track. The folks at New Vocations say he’s a pleasure to work with on the ground and note that he especially enjoys grooming and bath time. Not only that, but he’s also lovely to work with under saddle. “Zar” is forward thinking, eager to please, and seems to enjoy learning new things. Having last raced at the end of August after 13 total starts he’s still very green as a riding horse, but the future looks promising for him!
Located in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania.
View Zesty Zar on New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.
Richiesonarampage (STROLL – WILDDREAMSCOMETRUE, BY WILDCAT HEIR): 2015 16.2-hand Illinois-bred gelding
Richiesonarampage raced 15 times and earned $27,000 and he certainly looks proud of himself for it, doesn’t he? This gelding is nicely put together and was very sweet and personable with CANTER Chicago’s volunteers who did his photoshoot – they have pegged this horse as one who they think is going to sell fast! “Ritchie” is said to be sound and was noted to have clean legs. He actually raced just two days prior to his CANTER listing and seems just as fresh and fit as ever.
Located in Cicero, Illinois at Hawthorne Race Course.