Tag: The Horse Comes 1ST

An avid horse racing enthusiast and a passionate champion for the Thoroughbred, Jessica Hammond is a natural fit for the role of executive director of the Maryland aftercare organization Beyond the Wire. Hammond also serves as counseling administrator for the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association.

Drawing upon her breadth of experience, which encompasses more than 10 years in the Maryland Thoroughbred industry, Hammond, 45, is charged with knowing where to place horses transitioning to second careers. Hammond's success has earned her Godolphin's 2022 Dr. J. David Richardson Community Award, honoring those who have made major contributions to the Thoroughbred industry for the greater good of the sport.

Hammond credits her success to being able to recognize and manage the many moving parts that comprise Thoroughbred aftercare in Maryland.  “Aftercare has several different facets and involves many different personalities in the industry,” said Hammond.  “Getting those to mesh for the good of the horse can be a challenge.  Everyone has an opinion on how best to do things or what the priorities are. I decided a few years ago that as long as I always put the horse first, I'm going to be making the right decisions.”

Something she didn't expect was how Thoroughbred aftercare would take her on many journeys, including participation in the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover, a two-day equestrian competition held in Lexington, Ky. 

Beyond the Wire has been a sponsor at the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover for several years. Hammond has long been an attendee and leaves each year's edition feeling inspired. Diagnosed with a muscular disease, Hammond never thought she would be able to compete, but after watching a Competitive Trail event, she decided there was no reason she couldn't become a competitor and then set off to find the perfect equine partner for the 2023 event. 

“I never thought I could compete in that setting at that level due to my limitations, but I figured why not try,” reflects Hammond. Deciding to compete in the 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover is no small feat. Potential participants often search long and hard for a potential equine partner and Hammond's search was no different. 

“For me, the first requirement is sensibility. I need something that is reasonable and basically safe. I also have to feel a connection to the horse. When I've been looking, most of the horses I'm interested in are on the mend, so I was unable to ride them. I spent time with them hand grazing and hand walking and watched their behavior as things were happening around them,” said Hammond. “I also want them to seem interested in me because I am going to need to trust them and vice versa at some point. I also bring my husband (and trainer) Scott once I've narrowed it down so that he can look at conformation, soundness and behavior as well. He is the real expert and has to give the green light.”

Working with the connections of horses has given Hammond the ability to gather as much information about each potential horse as she can. “Luckily, I know the connections that retired these horses so I also interview the trainer, rider and grooms.” 

Finding a mount might sound like a needle in a haystack, but Hammond thinks she may have found her 2023 equine partner in Contented Now, a 4-year-old gray or roan gelding by Medaglia d'Oro. “I went to one of our partner rehabilitation farms to check on horses and asked about him. Unlike a lot of people, I am not easily swayed by grays, but there was definitely a connection. I also spoke with his trainer who confirmed his good mind,” said Hammond.

Contented Now is still in rehabilitation and Hammond and husband Scott will take him when he is nearing the end of his rehab stint and, from there, go on the road to the Thoroughbred Makeover. 

Hammond's goal is to be accepted to the makeover and successfully finish a class. “If that happens, I'll be on top of the world. Anything above and beyond that would just be a dream,” Hammond said with a refreshing note of girlish enthusiasm. “I also want to have fun with my friends and colleagues and bond with my horse. I think those are both big parts of participating in the Thoroughbred Makeover in any capacity.” 

In addition to competition, dedicated horsemen and women often turn business relationships into lifelong friendships. “I was lucky to gain both a trusted resource and friend in Georganne Hale (vice president of racing development for the Maryland Jockey Club), who is a board member at Beyond the Wire,” she said. “Georganne and I have become good friends and my relationship with her and her opinion on things are important to me.” 

Hale readily acknowledges Hammond's value to the business of aftercare. 

“Nobody is as loyal to the horses as Jessica is,” said Hale. “I was ecstatic when I was asked to be on the Beyond the Wire board because I would be working with Jessica directly. What happens to horses after they finish racing is a number one priority for the Maryland Jockey Club and 1/ST Racing. I am fortunate to work for a great company that really cares about horses and aftercare. Through them, I have been able to attend events that focus on aftercare and meet great people like Jessica.”  

Hammond is quick to acknowledge the symbiotic contributions of the Maryland Jockey Club, 1/ST Racing, and Beyond the Wire.  “Everyone is working together,” she said.  “The MJC, 1/ST Racing and Beyond the Wire help in so many ways, including providing veterinarians who assist in addressing welfare concerns.  This team approach has led to more horses retiring sounder sooner and that is obviously one of our primary goals.” 

For Hammond, juggling the day-to-day duties associated with aftercare may be a challenge but it is one that has led to great friendships, grand adventures, and, most importantly, successful placement of many Thoroughbreds following their racing careers in Maryland. 

Aftercare Spotlight: Beyond the Wire

Beyond the Wire is a 501C3, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited aftercare program that started as an industry-wide initiative between the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, the Maryland Jockey Club, Northview Stallion Station, 1/ST RACING, the Maryland Horse Breeders Association, and the Maryland jockey colony. It was created to provide a safe transition from racing for all Maryland-based Thoroughbred racehorses. To find out more about Beyond the Wire or to donate to the organization, please visit: https://www.beyondthewire.org/

The post The Horse Comes 1/ST, Presented By 1/ST Racing: Team Approach Drives Beyond The Wire’s Success appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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He would stand stock still, like a soldier at attention, as owners came by to inspect and admire his form.

Trainer Phil D'Amato would say, “Acclimate is what you want to see when you go to the sales.”

The muscular bay, well conformed with solid legs and hooves to match is every owner's dream. With over $750,000 in earnings, the 8-year-old stalwart is every trainer's dream too.

“Acclimate is such a cool horse to be around. He just knew his job,” reflected his D'Amato.

There was no ticker tape parade or hero's welcome as he journeyed to the winner's circle on March 20, but Acclimate was barely blowing and stood with eyes glowing and ears pricked to have his photo taken one last time. He had just gone gate-to-wire with nary a challenge to win the Grade 3 1 ½ mile San Luis Rey Stakes by a half-length over Dicey Mo Chara.  While he may not have a retirement ceremony befitting a horse of his statue, Acclimate's story is far from over.

Dr. Courtney Stammerjohan, the resident veterinarian at Harris Farms where Acclimate was foaled in 2014 remembered him.

“We had a competition at the farm for each foal crop where we would each pick one to see who would turn out to be 'champion,'” she said. “I just thought he was pretty. I was not big into picking pedigrees, and I liked his mom too. Acclimate was also outgoing and friendly so it was easy to like him.”

Acclimate would leave the farm and he would make his first five starts for trainer and former jockey Kenny Black before going to D'Amato's barn, where he became the stakes star he is known as today.

“I always had a soft spot for [Acclimate], but as colt I knew I didn't have a shot to get him back” said Dr. Stammerjohan. “When he was gelded just before turning four, I thought, 'There could be a chance,' so I let Jonny [Gilbert] know, 'I want him when he's done [racing], let me have him.”

Owned in partnership by The Ellwood Johnson Trust, Timmy Time Racing LLC, Brook Bartlett, Ryan Bartlett, Michael Goritz and Kenneth A. Tevelde, the group felt that after 31 starts and almost $800,000 in earnings, Acclimate deserved a just retirement.

An experienced off-the-track-thoroughbred owner, Dr. Stammerjohan says she was overjoyed when she heard that Acclimate was coming to Harris Farms for rehabilitation and to retire.

“Jonny called me and said, guess who's coming in for some R&R? He's going to be retired and the partnership group said, if you still want him, he's yours,” she remembers. “He came in totally fit but had a small tendon issue which needs some time to heal. The owners were great and agreed to do platelet-rich plasma (PRP, a treatment which uses the horse's own platelets to stimulate tendon injury repair). Since I knew Acclimate would want to be more than just a pasture pet, this treatment made sense. Judging from his conformation and ability to run long distances, I thought he would make a good eventing prospect in time.”

While it will be several months before Acclimate begins his journey to the world of eventing, it was easy to see why the horse could excel in such a demanding discipline. With a big stride and a zest for running, Acclimate proved throughout his career that he would run as far as the races were written. The gelding relished marathon runs, as evidenced by stakes wins in the G3 San Luis Rey at 1 ½ miles and as a two-time winner of the Santa Anita's iconic G3 San Juan Capistrano at 1 ¾ miles. In each of those races, Acclimate's tactical speed served him well as he galloped on the front-end with ears pricked as if to say, “is this is all you've got? Come on, come catch me.”

The challenge and demand of eventing will suit Acclimate well, says Dr. Stammerjohan.

“Thoroughbreds used to be huge in the cross-country discipline because they have the ability to go the distance,” she said.
“Endurance is key. [The format] has been shortened. Acclimate is high strung, but also very competitive and loves to run. He might not like dressage, but I have been teaching him to relax and be supple. While he is rehabilitating, I take him for walks over poles and cavaletis which he seems to enjoy. I don't think jumping will be a huge challenge for him.”

Regardless of the outcome, it is clear to see that Acclimate is living the life of luxury with Dr. Stammerjohan who dotes on him with daily grooming and treats.

“He nickers for me when he sees me coming but I think that is just because he knows I'm bringing him treats,” she said.

Dr. Stammerjohan also notes that Acclimate enjoys watching mares and foals from his paddock and stands like a statue to observe the daily goings on at the farm. Much to her chagrin, Acclimate has a penchant for dirt.

“He loves to be dirty. He is the dirtiest horse I know, just filthy!” she said. “I will give him a bath and he will immediately want to roll afterwards which drives me crazy because I am a bit of a clean freak.”

Clean or dirty, here is wishing Acclimate the same measure of success he has made on the racetrack.

Aftercare Facility Spotlight: Echo Canyon Equine Foundation

Echo Canyon Equine Foundation is a privately owned and operated facility located in Cave Creek, Arizona. Their mission is to help rehabilitate horses with complex veterinary ailments that require long-term rehabilitative care. To learn more about Echo Canyon Equine Foundation, their horses or to donate, please visit: https://ecefarizona.com/.

The post The Horse Comes 1/ST, Presented By 1/ST Racing: Acclimate Finding His Stride In Retirement appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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A former junior rider in the show jumping arena, Emma Gurnick began galloping horses at Golden Gate several years ago. During her time in the show ring, she gravitated towards Thoroughbreds for their athleticism and bravery on the course. Determined to help the equestrian community see the value and performance potential of the Off-the-Track Thoroughbred (OTTB), Emma became the Aftercare Liaison for Golden Gate Fields. In her role, Emma works tirelessly to ensure the horses at Golden Gate Fields find their perfect person. Her unique ability to know the horse inside and out comes from working horses in the morning and some of the horses she has galloped are those that she helps to find second careers for.

Fireitup, affectionately known as “Fu” or “Kung Fu Panda” is one such horse.

Emma met Fireitup when the filly first came to the barn of trainer Quinn Howey, where she is employed as an exercise rider. Exercise riders often get on over a dozen horses each day. They do not get a chance to develop a rapport with a horse unless the horse (and the trainer) like them.

Although a “plain bay,” the 2-year-old horse radiated personality and with Emma and Fu, the rapport was instantaneous, and she quickly became a barn favorite.

Fu was always eager to train and competitive, but it was clear that her heart exceeded her ability. After one win and one second from six starts, Howey decided it was time for Fu, by then a 4-year-old, to find a new career and new person to love her. Emma set out to find her perfect home.

In late July Stacey Schoeningh contacted Emma after seeing her 1/ST Racing business card on the bulletin board at a stable near Golden Gate Fields. Stacey was looking for a forever horse, a partner to go on trail rides with and a companion for many years to come. Fu fit the bill — a brave and steady filly who was never phased by new sights or sounds. Her smooth gaits would make her a comfortable ride up and down hills and her willing and energetic nature was ideal for a trail mount.

Emma sent Stacey a photo of Fu and after the 4-year old filly made an appearance in her dream that night, it was settled — Fu was going home with her. That weekend Fu hopped right up into the trailer without blinking and was on her way to her forever home in the Sonoma valley.

Since Fu was a newly-minted OTTB, Emma volunteered to take her on her first trail ride in her new surroundings. Stacey had spent a few weeks getting acquainted with Fu and introducing to her new stablemates, who were unlike any she had ever met before — two camels who terrified her. Soon she had accepted the two dromedaries as friends.

On a sunny August morning, they set out for a ride with Stacey on a Friesian mare and another friend on a Belgian. The two of them dwarfed little Fu, who had never seen a vineyard before.

The trio trotted through rows of grapes and waved to the workers tending to them. Less than a month prior, Fu had breezed on the track. Now she marched along the trail like she had been born to do it.

Since that day, Fu has gone on several more adventures in Northern California's wine country, proving that the stoicism and athleticism of the Thoroughbred Racehorse transfers from the track to the trail.

Fu is just one of many horses placed through 1/ST Racing's aftercare team, which is comprised of a team of hard-working individuals dedicated to making sure the Thoroughbreds at 1/ST tracks are paired with the best individuals for continued success. Nothing is more rewarding to Emma and the team than seeing an off- track Thoroughbred thriving in their new environment.

Aftercare Facility Spotlight 

In the Sonoma Valley not far from where Fireitup is stabled is Pamela Berg's aftercare facility. Glen Ellen Vocational Academy is home to several dozen retired racehorses and singlehandedly run by Pamela, a former racing steward.

The farm serves as a permanent sanctuary for former racehorses who are unable to thrive in a second career after racing as well as aiding in placement of horses who can go on to new homes.

The farm and its then 34 horses survived the Nuns fire that devastated the valley in 2017. Pamela has remained committed to her animals in the face of in the face of disaster and has come out on top.

If you would like to contribute to Glen Ellen Vocational Academy and provide resources to the horses who call it home, you can donate through their website.

The post The Horse Comes 1/ST, Presented By 1/ST Racing: From The Track To The Trail appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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