Thoroughbred Makeover Applications Close Today!

Want to participate in the Retired Racehorse Project’s 2018 Thoroughbred Makeover? Don’t wait: the deadline for trainer applications is TODAY!

Have you been on the fence about participating in this year’s Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium as a trainer? Applications close tonight, January 15 at 11:59 PM — so don’t wait any longer to work on your application!

What is the Thoroughbred Makeover? The competition and symposium is the banner event for the Retired Racehorse Project, which champions the off-track Thoroughbred or OTTB in second careers after racing. The Makeover features $100,000 in prizes in ten disciplines, including hunters, eventing, polo, barrel racing, working ranch and more competing for the title of “America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred.” The 2018 Makeover takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park on October 4-7, and includes not only the competition but a national symposium with plenty of educational discussions as well as a marketplace for Makeover trainers to sell their mounts if interested.

The Thoroughbred Makeover is often mistakenly referred to as “the RRP,” but the Retired Racehorse Project’s mission is much larger than just the single competition.

Who can participate? The RRP seeks diversity in its trainers, and welcomes participants from all over the country in ten disciplines, with professional, amateur or youth status. Trainers need to declare a primary discipline when submitting their application but are not “locked in” to that discipline until much closer to the date of the Makeover.

What does it cost to apply? Applicants must be Retired Racehorse Project members, which costs $45 for a year and includes plenty of perks. The application itself costs $200, and if not accepted, the application fee is refunded less a $25 processing charge.

Do I need to have an eligible horse to apply? Not yet! You can submit your application now, with accepted trainers notified on February 1, and then shop for the appropriate horse later. Horses need to be officially declared by August 1. Horse eligibility criteria can be found at the Retired Racehorse Project website.

For more information about the Thoroughbred Makeover and to fill out an application, visit the Retired Racehorse Project website!