2024 Thoroughbred Makeover Recap

This year Wasabi Aftercare Fund (WAF) actively participated in the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover. We held several roles for the event, including Champion, sponsor, and volunteer.

Champion

Both Wasabi Ventures Stables and WAF were Champions for Exxtop. Privately purchased by WAF in September, Exxtop (now known as Tank) competed in show jumpers and show hunters during the Makeover.

The Champions program is new to the 2024 Makeover and encourages members of the Thoroughbred racing community to publicly support competitors. Both WVS and WAF cheered loudly for Exxtop both in the ring and on social media.

As for Exxtop, he competed well in both disciplines with Christina from Quiet Rein Farm. Additionally, during a visit to his stall, we saw his ever gentle and kind personality. He was happy to receive some scratches (and a few treats). He also was quite nonchalant about all the activity outside of his stall, which included the company of a few dogs and quite a few humans. Exxtop is available for adoption. You can learn more by clicking here.

Sponsor

This year, we made the decision to be a sponsor of the Thoroughbred Makeover. With our second retiree attending, we chose to support the program financially. Along with University of Louisville, WAF sponsored the Thoroughbred Makeover Awards Party on Friday evening. Attending and seeing many competitors with family and friends definitely was a highlight.

Volunteer

I also worked at this year’s Thoroughbred Makeover. With it being my first time as a volunteer, I opted to fill the roll of runner for a few days. This was the perfect job for me, as it kept me on the move! I collected score sheets from judges, delivered other volunteers around the Kentucky Horse Park, acted as hostess in the VIP section, and staffed the volunteer desk.

In summation, this year’s Makeover impressed me. I look forward to being more involved next year. Hopefully, WAF has at least one, if not more, horse competing. I also plan to register for more volunteer slots. It was a great week with so much to celebrate about retired racehorses.

~Michele