World class eventer Dorothy Crowell at last year’s Thoroughbreds For All celebration
During the annual Thoroughbreds for All celebration near the Kentucky Horse Park April 26, the team of 17 will be feted by luminaries in the horse world, including Olympic rider Phillip Dutton and Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron, both of whom will participate in educational sessions about Thoroughbred sport horses, according to a press release from New Vocations.
Beginning at 5:30 p.m., the New Vocations Facility, 4787 Haley Rd., Lexington, will be abuzz with excitement for the Thoroughbred competitors who will rock the Rolex course.
Steuart Pittman, president of the Retired Racehorse Training Project, has spearheaded successful competitions among ex-racehorses and trainers to prove the worth of the beautiful equines at the end of their racing days, and is delighted with the roster of competitors registered for Rolex.
“It is always a thrill to watch so many beautifully trained ex-racehorses competing at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event,” he says.
“The opportunity (at the gala) to learn from riders how they select and train these animals is exactly what the equestrian public needs to remind us all of the quality these horses offer.”
Pittman adds, “It is also very gratifying to have The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program, and leaders of the racing industry, on hand to honor the riders for what they have done with their Thoroughbreds.”
The discussions promise to be far ranging and informative at The Thoroughbreds for All event, which seeks to capitalize on its success by building its attendance numbers. Last year some 300 people from 15 states attended. This year’s event is on track to attract even more!
Steuart Pittman rides and lectures during last year’s event
This is good news for all the hardworking people helping Thoroughbreds transition into new careers, says Anna Ford, New Vocations program director.
“New Vocations is thrilled to once again host this wonderful event that not only showcases the Thoroughbreds in our program but also promotes the retraining of these athletes into a variety of new careers,” Ford says.
“Putting highly respected equestrians like Chris McCarron and Phillip Dutton under the same roof to talk about retraining efforts and techniques creates a dynamic educational opportunity.”
AmWest Entertainment, Gulfstream After Care, and Three Chimney’s Farm sponsor the event. Three Chimneys will offer a complementary tour of its stallion barn on Sunday, with each purchased ticket.
Tickets are available for purchase online at eventbrite.com for $35, with space initially limited to 400 people. Additional tickets may be available in the days preceding the event.
In addition to the Saturday evening event, Thoroughbred ex-racehorses available for purchase or adoption in central Kentucky will be made available through Thoroughbreds For All, in a printed and online catalog. The catalog will also appear on the Retired Racehorse Training Project’s website.
Proceeds from the event will benefit New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program and Retired Racehorse Training Project; both are 501(c) 3 charitable organizations.
