In honor of Thoroughbred Retirement Day, NYRA Chief Operating Officer, Harold G. Handel, presented checks for $5000 to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, Old Friends and the Exceller Fund for their efforts in raising awareness about horse rescue and retirement.
NYRA was also pleased to welcome ReRun, Peaceful Acres and Pure Thoughts who joined us outside the Jockey Silks room where they provided informational materials about their programs and collected donations.
Earlier in the day, ESPN commentator, Jeannine Edwards, and her horse, Ashkal Way, provided a dressage presentation for our fans. Ashkal Way, formerly owned by Godolfin, began his career in Ireland. He won 7 of his 8 starts in the United States, 5 of which were at New York tracks. His earnings reach almost $800,000 before he was retired following an injury in 2007.
Jeannine Edwards took him into her care and began dressage training. Dressage is commonly referred to as horse ballet. Its goals are the "harmonius development of the physical ability of the horse, resulting in a calm, supple, and confidant animal who is in perfect understanding of his rider."
Ashkal Way is currently showing at First Level competitions and he has received a Blue Ribbon in 3 of his 4 events. According to Edwards, "Ashkal Way is proof positive that retired Thoroughbreds can and do excel at second careers."
