ReRun- An Aftercare Ally

I spoke with Lisa Molloy, Program Director at ReRun, to learn more about this Thoroughbred aftercare program. In addition to her role at ReRun, Lisa also was appointed by the New York State Racing Commission to their new Racehorse Aftercare Funding Advisory Committee.

Where is ReRun based?

Rerun is based just outside of Albany, New York, at the junction of i90 and the Thruway, making it an ideal location central to NY tracks.

How did your program begin?

ReRun was founded in KY in 1998 as an extension of the KY Humane Society. Over the years, it has undergone several incarnations and, at one time, had 17 locations across the country. One of the oldest Thoroughbred charities in the country (only New Vocations and TRF have been around longer), we are the most extensive rehab and adoption program in New York and the northeast serving up to 160 horses per year.

What makes ReRun unique?

I have trained horses for various programs over the years, including New Vocations, The Exceller Fund, and Akindale, so I know how different programs work, their strengths, and their weaknesses. Taking those insights and experiences, I took a program on the verge of closing in 2013 and made it one of the most successful adoption programs In the country.

ReRun has an industry-low return rate, too, which means our ability to match horse and rider successfully is unparalleled.

What happens when a horse is accepted into your program?

Rerun does not mandate a donation when a horse is retired to our program. If coming directly from the track or a rehab facility, we do not refuse a horse due to injury. We aim to prevent horses from falling through the gap and into a bad situation and turning a horse away because of an injury or the connection’s inability or desire to donate leaves a horse in a highly vulnerable situation.

Horses are evaluated, undergo diagnostics if warranted, and then we formulate a plan to ensure we achieve the best possible outcome for the horse – we need to get it right the first time.

Do you work with other locations or farms in your program?

We partner with the track program here in New York – Take The Lead, local farms, and breeders such as Gallagher Stud, and we network with other programs, including the TRF, Akindale, Impact Equine, and After The Finish Line.

How many horses have gone through your program?

About 1,000 since we moved to this location 9 years ago. In the 15 years before I joined Rerun, probably another 500. 

How does ReRun receive funding?

We are TAA (Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance) accredited and GFAS (Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries) verified, so we do receive grants. We have also been very well supported by Thoroughbred Charities of America for many years. The racing industry here in NY is very engaged regarding aftercare, and we are blessed to have the support of the NY State Breeding and Development Fund and NYTHA (New York Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association)/Take The Lead. 

Rerun owns the trademark to Moneighs, which is a program we created in 2002 as another revenue stream. Famous horses paint pictures, and they are auctioned. The proceeds always benefited Rerun, but last year, we partnered with After The Finish Line (AFTL). They give grants to smaller programs or programs that are not TAA accredited but are still doing excellent work. We now share the proceeds with AFTL so Moneigh proceeds now help even more Thoroughbreds!

We also have an excellent pool of supporters, especially Robin Malatino of Sugar Plum Farm. She is a force when it comes to funding and innovative ideas. She hosted a casino night last year for us that brought in nearly $180,000. Robin, Mary Lou Doyle and the fundraising committee were just astonishing in what they accomplished.

Funding will always be a struggle. It’s the very nature of the beast, but we are very fortunate to be supported by some very wonderful and dedicated people in the horse community.

Do you have a story about a horse that we can share with our readers? (Please attach a photo of the horse, if possible.)

We have so many great stories. We have a young trainer in Maine called Caleb that is doing great things, horses trail riding on Staten Island, teenagers competing….so many varied stories. One of my personal favorites is that of Runaway Lute.

Runaway Lute was quite a celebrity on the track and gave Javier Castellano his 5000th winner. Winning over $400,000, he ran 29 times and was claimed in his last race to be retired to Rerun. We posted him for adoption. One person said they wanted him then backed out because they had read an article from years prior saying the horse had been sore due to a foot issue. Despite my reassurances that this was no longer an issue or anything we were aware of, the adopter backed out. 

I was then contacted by a guy from Montana called John, who was looking for a working ranch horse. He opted to take Runaway Lute. Having lived in Texas for over a decade and with prior experience riding cow and rope horses, I felt confident that he could get the job done. Lute was shipped out West and has proved himself to be smart, huge work ethic, and hardy – without any foot issues either. I so look forward to their updates!

If people want to help your program, what can they do?

There are so many ways. You can adopt a horse, donate via the website, attend an event, donate a silent auction item, purchase a blanket – 78 – 84” (any weight, any brand are always welcome). Buying an original Moneigh is a great way to support us. We have just started selling a private collection of signed, numbered prints by Richard Stone Reeves. You can find more info on our website www.rerunottb.com

To learn about another amazing aftercare organization, please click here.