Run for the Ribbons TB show set for Fla.

While competing her OTTB Fast Break, Laurine got the idea to create a horse show in Florida exclusively for Thoroughbreds.

Third-generation horseman Laurine Barreira announced the creation of an all-Thoroughbred hunter/jumper show series open to all tattooed, registered and identified Thoroughbreds.

The Run for the Ribbons Horse Show, which offers $5,000 in cash and prizes, and is sponsored in part by the Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP), begins at 8 a.m., April 12, at Cedar Lock Farm South in Morriston, Fla.

Barreira, who co-owns Cedar Lock Farm, and is a Thoroughbred racehorse owner, breeder and trainer, says she decided to organize an exclusively Thoroughbred show after competing an OTTB in November in a mixed-breed show.

While competing her OTTB Fast Freight against Warmbloods, Barreira says she felt a bit “frustrated,” and that a show exclusively for Thoroughbreds was not available in Florida.

“When I was competing against the Warmbloods, I noticed that the Warmblood could pick up the wrong lead into the first jump, and although my horse nailed all his leads, the judges didn’t seem very happy with the Thoroughbreds,” she says. “Although we do have other shows in Florida that include Thoroughbreds, other breeds can compete as well. And, I think a show just for Thoroughbreds is needed.”

Working with seasoned Thoroughbred show organizers Georganne Hale, who successfully pulled off the popular Totally Thoroughbred Show at Pimlico, and Stacy Clark of Adena Springs Farm, Barreira is patterning the Run for the Ribbons Show after the successful Thoroughbred Alliance Horse Show Series.

Fast Break steps out on the show grounds of Florida.

The show will offer a little something for Thoroughbreds at all stages of their careers. An in-hand class will be offered for horses unable to compete under saddle, and other unique classes, including a War Horse Classic, for horses who have competed in 50 or more starts and earned over $100,000. A class for Florida-bred Thoroughbreds and for Stakes horses will also be offered, as well as a range of other classes, including a 3-foot hunter/jumper class.

Partners in the inaugural Run for the Ribbons Show series include Abigail Fuller, a former female jockey who captured the 1985 NY Filly Triple Crown aboard her father’s horse Mom’s Command, and Jorge Fuller-Vargas, Fuller’s son, and a jockey as well. Alan Lockhart, co-owner of Cedar Lock Farm South and Barreira’s brother, is also a partner.

Barreira estimates as many as 100 competitors will compete.

“We have undertaken this project as our effort in helping the aftercare programs for Thoroughbreds. The aftercare facilities and retraining programs are absolutely necessary to uphold the integrity of our industry,” Barreira told the Paulick Report in an interview. “We see this show series as being the next step beyond those facilities. We will give prospective buyers an incentive to adopt/buy a Thoroughbred and current OTTB owners a fun place to show off their stars! This is going to be a really fun event for Thoroughbred enthusiasts.”

Run for the Ribbons is still looking for sponsors. Those interested in becoming a show sponsor may visit www.cedarlockfarm.com, for further information, or send an email to runfortheribbons@gmail.com, or call 774-328-1760.