Photo by Margaret Burlingham

Recognizing the growing need to champion an underserved population of the Thoroughbred industry, the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) announced today that the 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, will include a pilot program for a broodmare division of competition. Recently-retired broodmares will compete alongside traditional Makeover entrants in all ten offered disciplines, but will be pinned and recognized separately, competing for a separate pot of $10,000 in prize money.

The implementation of the new broodmare division is made possible with a grant from the ASPCA. Additional support from farms and regional breeders groups is anticipated.

“As the Thoroughbred Makeover has made a proven impact on the population of horses retiring from racing, we’ve gotten an increasing call in recent years for a channel for Thoroughbred broodmares who are ready for their third career,” said RRP executive director Kirsten Green. “Although the needs of this group are somewhat different from the original Makeover eligibility, the principal is still the same: horses who have received the investment of quality care and training are more likely to find lasting homes. We’re excited to offer a modified division to make a contribution to that outcome.”

To be eligible for the pilot broodmare division, horses must meet the following criteria:

• Jockey Club-registered
• Have foaled or been bred in the 2021 breeding season or after, as reported by The Jockey Club
• Have one lifetime start or published work
• Since the history of each broodmare can vary significantly, broodmares will not be subject to the 15-ride limit
• Broodmares may not have had prior shows or competitions

The training period for all 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover horses opens on December 1. Trainer applications will open for drafting on December 15, and will be open for submission on January 2 through January 20, 2023. Accepted trainers will be announced on or before February 15, and trainers can register horses at the point of application through July 31.

Complete rules for the broodmare division will be available along with general rule updates when the 2023 rulebook is published in early December at TheRRP.org.