TCA Title Sponsor of Thoroughbred Makeover

The Retired Racehorse Project and Thoroughbred Charities of America jointly announced July 7 that TCA will be title sponsor of the Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium Oct. 23-25 at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.

The TCA Thoroughbred Makeover will bring together 350 recently retired Thoroughbred racehorses to compete for more than $100,000 in cash and prizes in 10 equestrian disciplines.

"Rekindling the demand for Thoroughbreds in second careers is a necessary element in providing aftercare for racehorses," TCA president Dan Rosenberg said in a release. "Steuart Pittman and the Retired Racehorse Project have done an outstanding job of increasing demand by showcasing the versatility of the Thoroughbred in so many disciplines.

"We know Thoroughbreds to be beautiful, courageous, willing, and competitive athletes on the racetrack, and it should come as no surprise that they bring the same characteristics to second careers. We are proud of our association with the Retired Racehorse Project and the TCA Thoroughbred Makeover."

The TCA Thoroughbred Makeover will serve as the kick-off event for the much-anticipated Breeders' Cup Festival, a week-long celebration of various events, concerts, and unique activities in and around Lexington that will culminate with the two-day Breeders' Cup World Championships Oct. 30-31 at Keeneland.

"There is probably no group of people on earth more committed to the welfare of Thoroughbred horses than the board of TCA," RRP president Steuart Pittman said. "Their support and guidance have given us the confidence to move this event to Kentucky and open it up to professional, amateur, and junior trainers.

"Every dollar invested in this event leverages more than $10 in the care and training of an ex-racehorse. By October these horses will have real market value and their futures will look bright."

The Thoroughbred Makeover horses were trained only to race at the start of this year. They will arrive in Kentucky from 44 states, Canada, and Great Britain to perform in their new disciplines and be scored on both talent and training.

Barrel racing, competitive trail, dressage, eventing, field hunter, freestyle, polo, show hunter, show jumper, and working ranch will be featured. Top scorers will compete in a finale at the end of the weekend and an overall champion will be crowned America's Most Wanted Thoroughbred.

The weekend's festivities will also feature educational seminars, a vendor fair, demonstrations, and horse shopping. Speakers and judges include Olympic veterans, top veterinarians, and some of racing's top owners, jockeys, and trainers.

Said Thoroughbred owner and former horse show judge Maggi Moss: "There is nothing more athletic, elegant, or intelligent than the Thoroughbred horse. My passion is seeing retired racehorses compete in other forums, so my weekend judging the hunters at the Thoroughbred Makeover is going to be the highlight of 2015."

RRP is still seeking sponsors and supporters for the TCA Thoroughbred Makeover. For more information on becoming involved or attending the events, visit retiredracehorseproject.org.