Jan Kees: Lived 15 years in a stall, then free
Jan Kees spent nearly two decades locked in a stall, leaving only to train, race, or accompany other racehorses to the starting gate. He ground out 101 starts in the 1990s, ending one career and promptly beginning his next as a track pony, without so much as a breather in between. And yet, despite the toll on his body, which left his knees and ankles the size of grapefruits, Jan Kees was a prize of a horse, a “real gentleman” who entered retirement with Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) board member Leslie Priggen roughly six years ago. “He was the absolute […]
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Goosebumps at the Kentucky Horse Park
The Kentucky Horse Park was transformed last weekend into an “OTTB melting pot.” Thoroughbreds of all colors and temperaments gathered in the same arena to be put through their paces in a wide array of post-racing disciplines during the TCA Thoroughbred Makeover. It was enough to give goosebumps to Jen Roytz. The longtime horsewoman, writer and former marketing director for Three Chimneys Farm was gobsmacked. “At one point I was sitting in the stands writing some notes for an interview and took a moment to look up and take it all in. In front of me in one arena there […]
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Auction horse shows at Washington Int’l
Terrified and desperate, the red mare flailed in the confined auction-house stall like someone being buried alive. Unable to lay eyes on another horse for reassurance, the 4-year-old OTTB Brightly Shining became so frenzied at the Thurmont Auction in Maryland that she scared off every buyer who could have saved her from the slaughter pipeline. Except for one. Mike Keech had seen plenty of “crazy horses” in his 75 years, and wasn’t about to be deterred from at least taking a peek at the animal raising such a ruckus. Brightly Shining Sire: Posse Dam: Bright Shining Foal date: Feb. 14, […]
