Tag: Shared News

The 2022 Thoroughbred Makeover Event: Meet Minnesota’s Madisson Walker

Each year since 2010, as Thoroughbreds across the country face the end of their racing careers, the team at the Maryland-based Retired Racehorse Project step up with one purpose: “furthering founder Steuart Pittman's vision to increase demand for Thoroughbreds after racing and restoring their prominence in the equestrian world.” With this goal in mind, the RRP created the inaugural 'Thoroughbred Trainer Challenge' in 2012–an event which gave four trainers just 100 days and an opportunity to showcase what a recently retired racehorse could do in a potential second career.

That event, which packed the 2012 Pennsylvania Horse World Expo, was the precursor to what became the first RRP Thoroughbred Makeover event in 2013. Held at renowned Pimlico Race Course in October 2013, the initial Makeover featured 26 trainers from 15 states who were given three months to re-train an off-the-track Thoroughbred in the discipline of their choice–from eventing, jumpers, and dressage, to polo, western riding, and police work.

What started as a small opportunity with just 26 trainers quickly blossomed into a national event and, in 2015, the annual Makeover event made the move to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Now with a $100,000 purse, split between the placings in the various divisions, on the line, the competition provided an outlet for trainers and racing organizations around the world to showcase the versatility of their retired racehorses.

Held this upcoming October 12-15, this year's rendition will host 377 entries–one of whom is Minnesota's 17-year-old Madisson Walker.

Together with her mount, Minnesota-bred Claire Sailing (Stay Thirsty), Madisson will tackle the Show Hunter division this Fall.

“It was in 2019 that I acquired my first off-the-track Thoroughbred,” Walker said, when asked how she got her start with the breed. “Sword of David (Line of David) and I have gone on to compete all over the U.S. and that was when I discovered that many people in the hunter/jumper show circuit do not care for Thoroughbreds.”

Madisson Walker & Sword of David | Madisson Walker

“Hearing numerous amounts of negativity around them and being turned down from trainers for riding Thoroughbreds really encouraged me to want to make a difference.”

Together with her mother, Kristina Walker, Madisson created Minnesota-based Koch Thoroughbred Transformations.

“We have done so much in our first few months of being open, and we really value the horses we get in, as well as the owners who trust us with them,” Walker said. “To me, these are not just horses, they are my passion. I love [the ones] that give me a challenge and then being able to show how far I can get them with time, trust, and patience.”

Her 2022 Makeover entry is Claire Sailing, a 4-year-old filly bred by Jack Guggisberg who made her last of three starts at Canterbury Park June 12.

“She just did not enjoy her job as a racehorse,” Walker noted. “But that works perfectly for me as she is very beautiful and is making the transition into being a hunter/jumper easily.”

To be eligible for the Makeover, horses must have had an official workout or start since July 1, 2020, but fewer than 15 retraining rides prior to Dec. 31, 2021.

“I feel for her having had her last race on June 12, and only about 10 rides on her to date, that she is right on target,” Walker said. “She is very young and all of the new experiences at a horse show are so different from life at the track.”

Walker said she feels confident that the future for Claire Sailing is bright.

“She competed in her first over-fences class Aug. 6 and did very well. I am excited to see how she continues to progress as she is such a smart and willing mare,” she said.

Following the Makeover in October, in which many of the entries are then placed on the market for sale, Walker hopes to use her experience to pay it forward, putting any money made from Claire Sailing's future sale back into Thoroughbred rescue.

“I'll ensure she finds a suitable show home who will continue to grow her skills, and the money from her adoption can go back into our non-profit to continue to transition other OTTB's.”

At just 17 years old, Walker is already thinking of the future–both in life and in horses.

“I want people to see and respect me as a trainer, not just as a junior,” she said, referencing her being one of this year's youngest competitors.

When asked if she felt any additional pressure about that particular accolade, she added, “I find that I put more pressure on myself to do well to represent my state, as well as the aftercare program my mom and I run.”

And while adult life is on her doorstep, Walker plans to keep horses in her future.

“I have been looking into a lot of different colleges lately, [including] Hollins University due to their riding program. I know I want to work with off-the-track Thoroughbreds into my adult life, and want to make a living out of helping these horses transition into new careers.”

For more information on this year's Thoroughbred Makeover event, visit: https://www.therrp.org/.

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Sunday’s Racing Insights: Runhappy Half-Sis Looks to Go One Better at the Spa

6th-SAR, $105K, Msw, 2yo, f, 6 1/2f, 3:55 p.m. ET

RARIFY (Justify), a half-sister to champion sprinter Runhappy (Super Saver), looks to go one better at second asking here. The $750,000 KEESEP graduate set the pace and reported home second-best as the even-money favorite on debut for Wesley Ward at Saratoga July 24.

Godolphin homebred Spelterini (Bernardini) also completed the exacta on debut at the Spa July 14 (Second Chances series), rallying smartly to finish a length ahead of next-out blowout winner Chocolate Gelato (Practical Joke).

The field also includes first-time starters: Grand Love (Gun Runner), a half-sister to GISW Malibu Prayer (Malibu Moon) and millionaire Valid (Medaglia d'Oro); $625,000 FTSAUG graduate Rosie's Alibi (Justify); and $435,000 FTSAUG graduate Peak Popularity (Mendelssohn). TJCIS PPs

6th-ELP, $60K, Msw, 2yo, 7f, 4:10 p.m. ET

Dixiana Farms's homebred JUL QUIST (Nyquist), a half-brother to GISW and young WinStar Farm stallion Tom's d'Etat (Smart Strike), debuts for trainer Cherie DeVaux. Magnificent Mile (Quality Road), an $800,000 FTSAUG graduate and half-brother to SW & GISP Brill (Medaglia d'Oro), will also get his career started for WinStar and Siena Farm and trainer Rodolphe Brisset in this spot. TJCIS PPs

7th-DMR, $80K, Msw, 2yo, f, 5 1/2f, 8:00 p.m. ET

MUTEKI (American Pharoah), a $1-million OBS March (:10) purchase by Baoma Corp., makes her first trip to the post for Hall of Famer Bob Baffert. The filly is out of Just Parker (Forest Camp), a half-sister to SW and MGSP Qahira (Cairo Prince) in addition to SWs Stormin' Lyon (Storm Boot) and Quick Flip (Speightstown), herself the dam of GSW and MGISP Following Sea (Runhappy). TJCIS PPs

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Saturday Preview: Rubber Match in the Alabama

There is plenty to play for in Saturday's 142nd running of the $600,000 GI Alabama S. at Saratoga, where Nest (Curlin) and Secret Oath (Arrogate) face one another for the third time head-to-head–each with one victory to their credit–with divisional supremacy awaiting the winner.

An 8 1/4-length tour-de-force tally in Keeneland's GI Central Bank Ashland S. accorded Nest the role of favoritism in the GI Longines Kentucky Oaks, but she was no match for the somewhat forgotten Secret Oath, dropping a two-length decision. A meritorious second to stablemate Mo Donegal (Uncle Mo) in the GI Belmont S., the $350,000 Keeneland September grad reversed the Oaks form with a 12 1/4-length thumping of Secret Oath in the GI CCA Oaks July 23, good for a 104 Beyer Speed Figure that is a half-dozen points stronger than anything her six rivals has earned and nine more than Secret Oath's top. A GI Runhappy Travers S. start was an option next weekend, but she sticks with a path of lesser resistance for the Alabama.

“Whenever you're running four weeks off a huge effort like that, you're always concerned about if you're running back too soon,” said trainer Todd Pletcher, who won his third Alabama with 'TDN Rising Star' Malathaat (Curlin) last year. “But, in her case, she's done so well since the race there's no reason not to.”

Wayne Lukas, who won the Alabama twice in the 1980s with Life's Magic in 1984 and with Oaks winner Open Mind five years later, looks to equal his former pupil. Secret Oath's second clash of the season with the boys in the GI Preakness S. resulted in a non-threatening fourth and she figures to strip fitter off the CCA Oaks, her first start in 63 days.

“She's really had a good month since that debacle in the [CCA Oaks],” Lukas said. “In fact, I feel like she's better now than any time I've had her. She's really flourished here at Saratoga. [Jockey] Luis [Saez] has worked her three times since that race so he's getting more familiar every day with her, too. So, that should help us as much as anything. We're anxious to run her.”

Gerrymander (Into Mischief) defeated next-out GIII Monmouth Oaks heroine and 'TDN Rising Star' Shahama (Munnings) in the GII Mother Goose S. June 25, but will probably need to find a few lengths to trouble the heavy hitters.

 

 

 

Spendarella Vulnerable in Del Mar Oaks?

Gainesway Stable's Spendarella (Karakontie {Jpn}) took her career record to three wins from as many starts with a convincing 1 3/4-length success in the GII Appalachian S. at Keeneland in April and, with trainer Graham Motion unafraid to tackle the deepest of deep waters, took that undefeated mark into the G1 Coronation S. at Royal Ascot June 17. The $220,000 Keeneland September purchase had the misfortune of running into her fellow flawless rival Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who scored by 4 3/4 lengths first off the layoff and has since defeated the boys in the G1 Prix Jacques Le Marois at Deauville.

But Saturday's GI Del Mar Oaks figures something other than a walk in the park for Spendarella, who faces a fresh challenge from Euro import Txope (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}). The bay, previously trained by Philippe Decouz, was stakes-placed in France earlier this season on the synthetic and on the turf and was last seen posting a mild upset when proving 3/4 of a length too strong in the G2 German 1000 Guineas at Duesseldorf June 12. The bay most recently topped the Arqana Summer Mixed Sale on a bid of €1.2 million from the BBA Ireland on behalf of Yulong Investments. She makes her U.S. debut for the John Sadler barn and can be the fly in the favorite's ointment.

 

 

 

With The Moonlight Backs Up For Lake Placid

Godolphin's With The Moonlight (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) makes her third start in the last six weeks as the expected favorite in the GII Lake Placid S. back at the Spa. After failing to see out the 12-furlong distance of the G1 Cazoo Oaks June 3, the homebred completed a Frankel exacta behind McKulick (GB) in the GI Belmont Oaks Invitational July 9 but turned the tables on that foe last time in the GIII Saratoga Oaks Invitational. The latter is missing this time around, but the Chad Brown barn is represented by a quartet–each lined up next to the other–including GIII Lake George S. one-two finishers Dolce Zel (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}, gate 5) and Eminent Victor (Mr. Z, post three); Consumer Spending (More Than Ready, post four), winner of the GII Wonder Again S. and third in the Belmont Oaks; and 'TDN Rising Star' Haughty (Empire Maker, gate six).

In non-graded stakes action Saturday, Grade I winner Rattle N Roll (Connect), who lost all chance at the start of the GIII Indiana Derby July 9, looks to return to winning ways in the $250,000 St. Louis Derby at FanDuel Racing (results in Monday's TDN), while 2-year-old males and females prep for next month's GI Pattison Summer S. and GI Natalma S., respectively, in the Soaring Free S. and Catch a Glimpse S. at Woodbine.

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Lovell Riding High After a Special Saratoga Win

In 1993, Michelle Lovell rode five races at Saratoga. Then known as jockey Michelle Hanley, she came home with three second-place finishes, but never got that win at the Spa. Twenty-nine years later, she finally made it to the winner's circle. This time it was with the brilliant GII Saratoga Special S. winner Damon's Mound (Girvin), her first Saratoga starter as a trainer.

How do the two experiences compare?

“Riding here back in the day, I was just super in awe of the place,” Lovell explained. “Obviously who wouldn't want to come here and have a go at it? But honestly, bringing Damon's Mound as my first Saratoga starter, I mean that's what dreams are made of, right?”

Damon's Mound is a sixth-generation homebred for Cliff and Michele Love and the first horse Lovell has trained for the Texas-based owners. The horsewoman said her connection with the couple started early this year with a cold call from Cliff.

“Thank goodness I answered the phone,” she said with a laugh. “I knew his name because I used to race in Texas. It was just a really nice person on the other end of the line who said they had a 2-year-old training in Ocala that they thought a lot of. He said he had done a lot of research and decided he wanted me as a trainer if I had a stall. We get these calls as trainers every so often and sometimes the horse doesn't pan out or the owners don't call back, but they kept in touch and when Damon's Mound was ready, he showed up at my barn–this big, beautiful 2-year-old.”

Lovell took an immediate liking to the striking bay colt, who is named after a 146 foot-tall limestone formation outside of the town of Damon, Texas.

Lovell, Damon's Mound and Gabriel Saez celebrate the GII Saratoga Special victory | Susie Raisher

“He was obviously raised right,” she said. “He was broke by Ocala Stud's David O'Farrell and I had lots of contact with him after I got him in. He told me that he was always professional and that he really liked him. We got him in the spring and he never missed a day. He was obviously well-broke. He was actually fit for a half-mile as they said, which sometimes doesn't happen.”

When Damon's Mound was named a 'TDN Rising Star' after his stunning 12 1/2-length obliteration of maidens at Churchill Downs on July 2, Lovell and the Loves were inundated with inquiries about purchasing the promising juvenile. All were turned down.

“We had dozens of calls and text messages,” Lovell shared. “We had some really nice offers from good people that have been in the business for a long time who said they would be happy to be a silent partner along for the ride, but Cliff just said he was going to share this with his wife.”

Despite Love's initial words, Lovell said she couldn't help harboring a few thoughts that the owner's mind might change if Damon's Mound was just as brilliant in his second start as he was in his debut.

“It was always in the back of my mind,” she admitted. “I just thought that I would have to wish them well and understand that it's a business and it happens. I was just grateful to have him to begin with.”

Before leaving for Saratoga, Lovell had the conversation with the Loves of what would happen if they came back with a win in the Saratoga Special.

“We really didn't think we would be worse than second,” Lovell said. “With Gulfport (Uncle Mo) in there we knew we had our work cut out for us, but we thought we could be in the winner's circle. Cliff just told me, 'If he wins they're going to be calling again, but he's still not for sale. You're my spokesperson and he's not for sale.'”

A caravan that included Lovell, Damon's Mound, Elwood (Lovell's speckled pony with a following of his own) and Roy Seales (Lovell's groom with a background working in New York racing) made the journey from their summer base at Colonial Downs Racetrack in Virginia to Saratoga. They shipped in to Mike Maker's barn, which overlooks the main track's far turn.

Change of Control settling into the same stall Damon's Mound occupied in Saratoga last week | Michelle Lovell

“The first day we were here, he could see the racing and it kind of got him excited,” Lovell said. “He watched really intensely, but then the next day, he slept all day.”

Two days before the big day, Damon's Mound had a similar laid-back attitude as he schooled in the paddock alongside his highly regarded competitor Gulfport.

“He walked in through the crowd with such confidence and poise,” Lovell said. “Especially for a young horse in his second time out, he just owns it. I couldn't have been more proud of him.”

Damon's Mound got another look at 2-5 favorite Gulfport as he trailed the rest of a four-horse field through the opening stages of the Saratoga Special, but after being asked by jockey Gabriel Saez, Damon's Mound made his move at the far turn and accelerated to a 3 1/4-length victory.

“We were confident going in, but you get a little nervous,” Lovell admitted as she reflected on the race.  “He gives you all the confidence because his demeanor is great. He's humble, too. He's proud of himself, but he's a humble horse. It was an awesome day. It couldn't have been more perfect.”

Of course, more offers came in for the new Grade II victor, but Lovell said word has spread that for now, the colt is in her barn to stay.

“It's a great thing that people are interested because obviously he's a very talented 2-year-old with a great future in front of him, but it's refreshing not to have to field those calls and text messages,” Lovell admitted. “I'm truly grateful to Cliff and Michele that they want to be on this journey. They've been waiting for it for a long time, so kudos to them for sticking to their guns. It's a great story for them.”

The Loves were not present for the victory in Saratoga, opting to enjoy the race together at home and plan to attend their stable star's next start.

Damon's Mound returned to Colonial Downs late on Sunday and Lovell reported that he has come out of the race in perfect form. She is still weighing her options for where the Florida-bred could make his next start, considering either the GIII Iroquois S. at Churchill on Sept. 17 or the GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity at Keeneland on Oct. 8.

While Damon's Mound has already resumed light jogging at Colonial Downs, Lovell is back in New York this weekend with her second Saratoga starter. On Saturday, Change of Control (Fed Biz) will race from post one in the Smart N Fancy S. The 6-year-old mare finished fourth by three lengths to eventual GI Fourstardave H. winner Casa Creed (Jimmy Creed) in the GI Jaipur S. and followed that effort with a stakes win at Colonial Downs on July 18.

“She's coming into this race really well off her win at Colonial,” Lovell reported. “It was nice to get a little class relief there and that will set her up well for this race. There are some good mares in there, so there's no doubt it will be a nice race. Hopefully we get a nice trip.”

It certainly can't hurt that while in Saratoga, Change of Control is staying in the same stall that Damon's Mound occupied last weekend.

“It would be awesome to be two-for-two up here,” Lovell said. “That would be the cherry on top.”

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