Gourmet Dinner earned more than $1 million before retiring to New Vocations Racehorse Adoption this week. The gelding will be given a big rest before training for a second career.
Some big name Thoroughbred got their just deserts after years of racing, and many trips into the winner’s circle.
In Marysville, Ohio, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption welcomed million-dollar-earner and graded stakes winner Gourmet Dinner to the fold.
The beautiful bay gelding was retired through a collaboration with the NYTHA’s Take the Lead Program, which strives to help Thoroughbreds who retire in New York find a soft landing.
And in Georgetown, Ky., Old Friends welcomed four Thoroughbreds previously owned by Drawing Away Stables, including Photon, who earned more than $300,000, Z Dager, a multiple graded stakes placed horse who earned more than $150,000, Litigate, who earned close to $200,000, and Sokitumi Samurai, who earned more than $250,000.
All four are in “excellent health” since arriving to Old Friends 11 days ago from a layup facility, says Blowen, who notes they had previously resided at an auxiliary facility for Old Friends.
Photon, a Drawing Away Stables T’bred earned more than $300,000 before retiring to Old Friends. He and Old Friends Founder Michael Blowen discuss plans to retire more horses! Photo by Lorita Lindemann
There are plans to evaluate the horses to determine suitability for re-training, he adds. “They’re all just doing wonderfully,” says Blowen. “We’re going to wait and let them tell us if they want to go on to another career.”
By the same token, Gourmet Dinner will also be given a big rest at New Vocations before entering into training for a future career, according to a press release from New Vocations.
Richard Schosberg, a member of the NYTHA Boar, says it was an honor to help transition Gourmet Dinner into a post-racing career.
“We have sent over 130 horses to TAA accredited aftercare facilities for second careers since our inception, “Schosberg says . “It was an honor when Billy Terrill asked us to include Gourmet Dinner in the program and to have him sent to New Vocations. He’s a very cool horse and has accomplished so much on the track.
“We are extremely happy that he is with New Vocations as the care and love they give these retirees is truly a blessing. He will make someone a fantastic riding horse.” ♥
Another win for the Horses! Gourmet Dinner, indeed! He needs a new name asap!
Thanks for another great story Susan…
I am so happy to read about Gourmet Dinner being retired. A friend has written many letters of concern dealing with his retirement.Gourmet has been a favorite of hers. I use to see Gourmet Dinner at the barn and marvel how good looking he was…and still is!
There are so many TBs out there that have paid their dues and need to be rescued. I have one on my radar and I am afraid if he is claimed at Finger Lakes, on the 21st,he will end up,just as another I wanted to rescue,in PR. One wonders how much these amazing animals have to endure before they are safely retired.
Photon was vanned off after his last start, do we have any information related to that?
Aside from Gourmet Dinner I am glad to see these other horses are now accounted for as there was some concern for them and their condition several weeks ago. Thanks for the update.
DAS probably claimed them and they were too lame to run, and for DAS not to run a horse is amazing – their rate of catastrophic deaths in their stable is through the roof. This is a PR move by them solely – as far as I or many. many other people can see DAS has no heart just too much bad (correct) press.
Actually Robin, it was nothing of the sort. DAS has never reached out to me, and I don’t know them. It was an announcement that the 4 horses had arrived at OF. Nobody ever said they acquired these horses for the purpose of retirement. It is how it worked out. And as the writer of the story, I don’t see how this is a big positive story for them – at all. I interviewed Michael Blowen on a different matter, and he mentioned these horses had moved from their previous location to Kentucky. DAS was mentioned b/c these are where the horses ultimately came from in a partnership I’m guessing that Michael worked hard on.
My only interest in the story is reporting where the horses are, and their condition, which is reportedly good.
Robin, This is nothing more then a PR move, trust me. With the recent death of Ludo Bagman and others, DAS wanted/needed the “good” publicity, just hope everyone will see through this charade. Glad the horses are retired.
Aww, Photon looks just like my OTTB. Great story!
Very glad to see Gourmet Dinner sound and able to be retrained for a second career. Thanks to his connections for allowing him to retire with the dignity he deserves after a million dollar career on the track. That’s not always the case unfortunately. Kudos to them and good luck to Gourmet Dinner!
I’m glad that at least these Thoroughbreds are being saved, but I would never name a horse “Gourmet Dinner”!
Kitty
I agree. Bad name.
So happy to hear people are working so hard to save these horses!!
Gourmet Dinner!! Good that he was retired and moved on to New Vocations instead of being put on a plate!!
Bravo to those that got their well deserved retirement! Also, regarding Photon, Z Dager, Litigate, and Sokitumi Samurai, none of them were owned by Drawing Away Stable as of their last start (per Equibase).
Greg
Thanks for writing in. I spoke with Lorita Lindemann, who is very familiar with this. The horses were owned by DAS, but were retired and not raced. DAS contributed toward retirement of Phton along with past owners, and yes, never raced in their silks.
Wow, So happy about Gourmet Dinner–I love him–