Retired Racehorse Project Announces 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover Dates, Fee Changes

November 16, 2022

Photo by CanterClix

The Retired Racehorse Project announced today that the Thoroughbred Makeover will return to the Kentucky Horse Park for its eighth year October 11th-14th, 2023.

With the start of training and the application period for the 2023 competition year swiftly approaching, the RRP is also announcing adjustments to the fees associated with the Makeover. The updated fee schedule is intended to better reflect the paperwork and processes that go into the Makeover throughout the year separate from the live event, and to address the rising costs of running the event. This is the first time the RRP has raised Thoroughbred Makeover fees since 2019.

Registration fees, which support the year-round administration associated with the event as it relates to the charitable mission of the RRP, will be billed at the time of trainer application submission. These fees will include two charges: a $200 trainer application fee which is charged once annually to each participating trainer, regardless of status (individual, team captain, or team member) or the number of horses with which they are associated. New for 2023, all accepted trainers will receive a free print subscription to Off-Track Thoroughbred Magazine.

The second charge is a $150 per horse registration fee, which will be billed to individual trainers or team captains as applicable based on the number of horses declared on their trainer application.

Trainer applications received after January 20th, 2023 will be placed on a wait list and will pay a $300 flat rate for trainers as described above, plus the $150 per horse the trainer intends to enter.

Entry fees are those associated with the live competition in October and billed at the time of final entry August 1st through 15th, will include the following changes:

  • First discipline, including schooling and drug testing fees: $150 per horse
  • Second discipline: $100 per horse
  • Stalls (horses or tack, flat rate for the week): $225 per stall
  • Ship-ins (no stall): $60 per horse
  • Non-compete horse fee: $50 per horse
  • ASPCA Makeover Marketplace listing per horse
    • Standard: $60
    • Featured: $95
    • Premium: $110

Those considering applying for the 2023 Makeover should take note of upcoming key dates:

  • Trainer Application Review Drafting Open: December 15th, 2022
  • Trainer Application Submission and Horse Registration Open: January 2nd, 2023
  • Trainer Application Close: January 20th, 2023 (horse registration remains open through July 28th, 2023)
  • Trainer Acceptance Announcements: February 15th, 2023

These fees and paperwork deadlines, along with all other event policies and discipline formats, apply to the new former broodmare division the same as they do the original retiring racehorse division. Details on fees, deadlines, discipline formats, and event policies will be fully outlined in the Thoroughbred Makeover rulebook, which will be released in early December.

In Other News

July 15, 2024

Retired Racehorse Project Elects New Board Members

Pat Cummings and Sarah Williams have joined the RRP board.…
Read More
Featured image for “Retired Racehorse Project Elects New Board Members”
July 15, 2024

Veterinary Checks on the Track

Understand the different roles veterinarians play at the racetrack to help keep Thoroughbred racing as safe as it can be for the horses.…
Read More
Featured image for “Veterinary Checks on the Track”
July 11, 2024

2024 Thoroughbred Makeover Silent Auction Now Accepting Donations

Support the Retired Racehorse Project’s biggest Thoroughbred Makeover fundraiser!…
Read More
Featured image for “2024 Thoroughbred Makeover Silent Auction Now Accepting Donations”
July 9, 2024

Connect With the RRP at Saratoga on Whitney Weekend

The RRP will have a presence at Saratoga via NYRA’s Community Booth on Friday, August 2!…
Read More
Featured image for “Connect With the RRP at Saratoga on Whitney Weekend”
June 24, 2024

Ask a Trainer: Developing Quality Gaits

USEF “R” Hunter judge and trainer Sissy Wickes shares her slow and steady method for improving gait quality in the recently-retired racehorse.…
Read More
Featured image for “Ask a Trainer: Developing Quality Gaits”
June 19, 2024

Common Racing Injuries & Their Implications for Performance Careers: Fractures

Thoroughbred racehorses can often have successful second careers after fractures, given proper rest, treatment and recovery.…
Read More
Featured image for “Common Racing Injuries & Their Implications for Performance Careers: Fractures”
June 18, 2024

June Trainer Newsletter: Two Weeks Remaining

No, the subject line is not a typo. There are only two weeks left to make a number of changes to your 2024 entries or submit late applications! No time quite like the present to increase your horse count, change…
Read More
Featured image for “June Trainer Newsletter: Two Weeks Remaining”
June 18, 2024

Claiborne Farm and Lane’s End Farm Co-Sponsor Thoroughbred Makeover Former Broodmare Division

First run as a pilot program in 2023, the Former Broodmare division is now an official competition avenue at the Thoroughbred Makeover.…
Read More
Featured image for “Claiborne Farm and Lane’s End Farm Co-Sponsor Thoroughbred Makeover Former Broodmare Division”
June 13, 2024

Mareworthy Charities & the RRP to Host Thoroughbred Broodmare Transition Symposium

The symposium will take place on July 10, 2024 at Spy Coast Farm in Lexington, KY.…
Read More
Featured image for “Mareworthy Charities & the RRP to Host Thoroughbred Broodmare Transition Symposium”
June 12, 2024

RRP Wins United Horse Coalition’s Unity Award

RRP staff and board members were honored at the American Horse Council luncheon on June 11.…
Read More
Featured image for “RRP Wins United Horse Coalition’s Unity Award”
June 10, 2024

Anonymous Donor to Match $4,500 in RRP’s Fund-a-Need Campaign

This pledged contribution will be matched in a series of monthly fundraisers to double the impact of donations.…
Read More
Featured image for “Anonymous Donor to Match $4,500 in RRP’s Fund-a-Need Campaign”
June 3, 2024

2024 Thoroughbred Makeover Ambassador Award Now Open for Nomination

The award is now designed to recognize a Thoroughbred Makeover graduate horse which has gone on to serve as an ambassador for the athleticism and trainability of the retired racehorse in its career beyond racing…
Read More
Featured image for “2024 Thoroughbred Makeover Ambassador Award Now Open for Nomination”
May 29, 2024

Thoroughbred Makeover Adds Clinic Opportunities

Clinics and guided schooling will be offered at the conclusion of preliminary competition for horses and their trainers that did not qualify for the Finale Championships.…
Read More
Featured image for “Thoroughbred Makeover Adds Clinic Opportunities”
May 27, 2024

Selecting the Best Hay for Your OTTB

Understand the differences in hay available to your off-track Thoroughbred…
Read More
Featured image for “Selecting the Best Hay for Your OTTB”
May 24, 2024

May Trainer Newsletter: Upcoming Deadlines, Makeover Updates, and other Events

The 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover is fast approaching! Now is the time to make sure you are prepared for the upcoming deadlines such as horse registrations, entry type changes, jumping video submissions, and more. The Real Rider Cup and the Thoroughbred…
Read More
Featured image for “May Trainer Newsletter: Upcoming Deadlines, Makeover Updates, and other Events”
May 23, 2024

After the Races & Retired Racehorse Project Split Win in Resolute Racing’s Poker For Ponies Tournament

ATR and the RRP jointly announced their gratitude and appreciation for splitting the win in Resolute Racing’s Poker For Ponies Tournament earlier this month on May 1.…
Read More
Featured image for “After the Races & Retired Racehorse Project Split Win in Resolute Racing’s Poker For Ponies Tournament”
May 13, 2024

Picking Prospects May 2024

Makeover trainers evaluate sport horse potential based on conformation shots.…
Read More
Featured image for “Picking Prospects May 2024”
May 3, 2024

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: HERO PICO Donated as Top Prize for Make the Makeover Fundraiser!

Great news, Thoroughbred Makeover class of 2024! Thanks to the incredible generosity of Magnus Magnetica, we’re thrilled to share with you today that we’re offering a TOP PRIZE for the Makeover trainer who raises the most funds for the RRP…
Read More
Featured image for “SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: HERO PICO Donated as Top Prize for Make the Makeover Fundraiser!”
April 30, 2024

The Real Rider Cup Announces 2024 Competition Dates

Mark your calendars: the friendly show jumping competition returns for 2024 to raise funds for Thoroughbred aftercare!…
Read More
Featured image for “The Real Rider Cup Announces 2024 Competition Dates”
April 29, 2024

Understanding Track Surfaces for Racehorse Safety

Consistency of racing surfaces at a track, between surfaces and from track to track is key for racehorse safety…
Read More
Featured image for “Understanding Track Surfaces for Racehorse Safety”
April 19, 2024

April Trainer Newsletter: EHV-1, KY3DE, and Fundraising Tips!

There are 189 days until the 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover, but who’s counting? Now that we have your attention, please take a moment to catch up with our April trainer newsletter. What follows is important information regarding your horse’s vaccination requirements,…
Read More
Featured image for “April Trainer Newsletter: EHV-1, KY3DE, and Fundraising Tips!”
April 15, 2024

The Thoroughbred Lovers’ Guide to the 2024 KY3DE

Join the RRP for Thoroughbred-centric activities at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day-Event, April 25-28!…
Read More
Featured image for “The Thoroughbred Lovers’ Guide to the 2024 KY3DE”
April 11, 2024

Erin Gilmore Photography Announced as Official Show Photographer of 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover

Erin Gilmore Photography covers internationally rated equestrian events as official photographer in the Northeast USA and beyond.…
Read More
Featured image for “Erin Gilmore Photography Announced as Official Show Photographer of 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover”
April 5, 2024

Save in the RRP Store in the Spring Fling Sale!

Score seasonal savings in the RRP Store and wear your OTTB pride.…
Read More
Featured image for “Save in the RRP Store in the Spring Fling Sale!”