Blue Ribbon Farm
El Dorado Farms
El Dorado Farms
Blue Ribbon Farm
Blue Ribbon Farm
El Dorado Farms

Second Chance Stories

Home Magazine Second Chance Stories
Racing is a noble sport that has existed throughout time in every country. And while Thoroughbreds dominate the racing industry in the United States, they have achieved a high ranking status in every other sport as well. Here we honor just a few of the equine athletes who have overcome challenges and/or moved on to greatness in a second career, off the track. In every story, the common denominator is that Thoroughbreds are exceptionally intelligent, versatile, athletic and develop a keen sense of partnership with the person who trains and rides them. Thank you to all who have bred, trained and given a Thoroughbred their start in competitive sports – on the track and off. A sampling of the many success stories we have heard and received follows below. We also invite you to read about The Prodigious Fund, which was initiated at Emerald Downs in 2008. It gives owners the opportunity to make contributions to accredited Thoroughbred rescue, retirement and rehabilitation facilities through a voluntary $1 per start minimum contribution from their horsemen’s bookkeeper accounts.

Early Seattle Doctor Jacob Benshoof Made His House Calls on Horseback

Editor's Note: It is a rare occasion when we are able to publish a story that includes a little bit about an off-the-track Thoroughbred...

Ride for the Roses 2022

Ninth Annual Show for Thoroughbreds by Jill Hallin Photos by Heather Sacha On September 30 and October 1, Donida Farm in Auburn hosted the annual Ride for...

Stormy (Tia’s Desert Storm)

by Merri Melde These are my favorite photos of my (most beautiful) horse (on the planet), Stormy (Washington-bred Tia’s Desert Storm), who raced at Emerald...

Former Local Runners Disruption and Kactus Relevation Recognized

It was announced on August 20, 2019, that two former Emerald Downs-based runners, Disruption and Kactus Relevation, were among the four top honorees of...

A Haven for All

I recently had the good fortune to visit Jones and Jones Farm. It is a bucolic haven in Maple Valley and has been owned...

Ol Mom’s Holme

A "holme" for life The most memorable aspect about the Thoroughbred mare Ol Mom’s Holme, who raced at Longacres and Yakima Meadows between 1989 and...

Samatar

See that little horse? I'm going to own him one day. —Lali O'Brien Those were the words declared by Lali O’Brien, as the chestnut two-year-old gelding...

Ugottabcatty

The Long Journey Home When the 11-year-old Thoroughbred gelding Ugottabcatty stepped off the van at his old home in Auburn, Washington, on December 3, 2017,...

Clever Allemont

Former Washington sire Clever Allemont, who began his career at stud at Rainier Stables in Enumclaw in 1989, was rescued in mid-December after being...

Aspen

The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP), which sponsors Thoroughbred-only classes and divisions and high point Thoroughbred awards at open horse shows and competitions,...

Chemawavie

This is the young lady that now owns Chemawavie. She has a great home. Another happy ending for a TB. Mary Lou Griffin Chemawavie (WA), 2005,...

Cantilator

Monday, January 28, 2008, 8:24 a.m. California here we come! Part 1 Good morning, all! It’s a much warmer day here in Monterey, California, than it was...