Henley's Joy Finds New Home With Run for the Ribbons

It was quite the career for Henley's Joy.

After winning the Belmont Derby (G1T) in 2019, the son of Kitten's Joy went 34 starts before finding the winner's circle again. And then after winning, the chestnut gelding was claimed in successive starts.

But after 48 starts and several months off following a second-place finish in April at Gulfstream Park, it was time for the 9-year-old to do something new. Enter Gulfstream Park's Thoroughbred Transition Program and Run for the Ribbons.

After being claimed by trainer Jose D'Angelo in February of 2024 for $35,000, it was determined Henley's Joy had done enough on the track.

"I claimed him, he's a great horse and a Grade 1 winner," D'Angelo said. "We love and respect every horse, but we always make sure our horses, when they retire, have a good life and have a good place."

D'Angelo called Raina Gunderson with the Gulfstream Transition Program, who called Run for the Ribbons, a charitable organization in Ocala accredited by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Henley's Joy had found his new home.

Founded by third-generation horsewoman Laurine Fuller-Vargas, Run for the Ribbons retrains and rehomes retired Thoroughbreds and is a presenter of the Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Expo in December.

"We're so excited about Henley being here. He's our first millionaire," said Fuller-Vargas, whose team includes Abby Fuller, jockey of 1985 Filly Triple Crown winner Mom's Command. "We have so much room here he will be a lifetime resident. He received that status as soon as he came in. He needs a little rehab, he has some arthritis, but he could be at the Expo. They have so many disciplines. They have a trail where you walk and one spot you canter. We just want the horses to be happy with whatever they do and live out their days as best as possible."

Run for the Ribbons has grown from accepting eight horses the first three years to 46 the last 18 months. Eighteen horses have come from Tampa Bay Downs and the "Ring the Bell" program, while joining Henley's Joy from Gulfstream was Jackson's Webb, Kitty Quick and unraced Sole Risk.

Fuller-Vargas, who grew up in New England going to defunct Suffolk Downs and Rockingham with her grandparents and parents who were owners, breeders and trainers, and Fuller are hoping to start an Equine Assistant Learning program at Run for the Ribbons.

 "You can have businesses come out for team building skills, you can have days for people to volunteer and groom horses or spend an hour with Henley," Fuller said.

To find out more about Run for the Ribbons, go to: https://runfortheribbons.org/