Breeders’ Cup Week:
Beyond the Finish Line
Breeders’ Cup Week: Celebrating Life Beyond the Track
Each year, the Breeders’ Cup celebrates excellence in Thoroughbred racing; speed, athleticism, and the unforgettable thrill these horses bring to the sport. This year, during Breeders’ Cup week, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation took a moment to shift the spotlight to what comes after the finish line.
The TRF shared stories from some of the industry’s most respected trainers and owners, each reflecting on a horse they once trained or cared for, a horse who now enjoys sanctuary, safety, and peace within the TRF herd. Their words were heartfelt reminders that aftercare is not separate from racing; it is an essential continuation of a horse’s story.
Honoring Horses and the People Who Remember Them
Some of the horses highlighted in this series have been retired with the TRF for more than two decades. Others have found new purpose through the TRF Second Chances Program, where they work with incarcerated individuals learning empathy, patience, emotional regulation, and responsibility.
Whether a horse won major stakes or never made the headlines, each one contributed to the industry. And each one deserves to be remembered, valued, and cared for, for life.
Featured Connections in This Series
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Chad Brown, reflecting on Jaystone, now part of the Second Chances Program at Wallkill Correctional Facility (NY)
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Amy Dunne, speaking about One Eighty, who resides at Lowell Correctional Institution (FL) as part of Second Chances
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Mark Hennig, sharing appreciation for Air Kiss, retired for more than 20 years at TRF’s Powhatan Plantation Sanctuary Farm (VA)
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Graham Motion, acknowledging multiple former trainees who now enjoy retirement with the TRF
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Bill Mott, reminiscing about Classic Campaign, now a teacher in the Second Chances Program at Lowell Correctional Institution (FL)
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Dale Romans, discussing Point Storm, who has been retired with the TRF for two decades
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Todd Pletcher, reflecting on Mr. Viber, now retired within the TRF herd
Why These Stories Matter
These voices help remind us that:
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Retirement is not an afterthought.
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Every horse, regardless of racing success or earnings, deserves dignified lifetime care.
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Aftercare works best when shared across the industry; owners, trainers, fans, and foundations all playing a role.
Their participation in this campaign sends a powerful message:
The future of aftercare relies on acknowledgment, responsibility, and compassion.
Be Part of the Legacy
If these stories inspired you, we invite you to take the next step.
Sponsor a retired Thoroughbred:
HERE
Watch the full Breeders’ Cup Connections Series:
HERE
Together, we honor the horses who gave us their all, not only during their racing careers, but throughout their long, meaningful lives.