Billed as the largest Thoroughbred retraining competition in the world for recently retired ex-racehorses, the 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America concluded this past Saturday, October 14th, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Achieve Equine, proud sponsor of the People’s Choice Award, is pleased to share that Arklow, trained by Gina Gans, was chosen by popular vote as the most inspiring entry from among the 10 discipline winners. Arklow, (Arch – Unbridled Empire, by Empire Maker) was the winner of the Field Hunter division in both preliminary and Finale Rounds. According to the Retired Racehorse Project, (https://www.therrp.org/rrp-news/knockemdown-crowned-2023-thoroughbred-makeover-champion/), Arch sold as a yearling for $160,000 at Keeneland September consigned by Penn Sales. He raced for Donegal Racing and Joseph Bulger in a remarkable career that spanned seven seasons, racking up multiple graded stakes wins, three attempts at the Breeders’ Cup Turf, and over $3 million in earnings. The People’s Choice Award was determined by text-in popular vote open to both in-person and live stream attendees. Gina Gans won the right to direct a donation to the equine-related 501(c)3 of her choosing.
In addition to celebrating the success of Arch and Gina receiving the honor of being the People’s Choice Award winner, Achieve Equine wishes to congratulate all two and four-legged athletes who competed at the 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover. The demonstration of the talent and trainability inherent to off-track Thoroughbreds at this year’s event was outstanding and Achieve Equine looks forward partnering with the Retired Racehorse Project for The Thoroughbred Makeover 2024!
About Achieve Equine, LLC: Achieve Equine is a worldwide distributor of innovative, evidence-based products. We partner with carefully selected equine brands to deliver safe, functional, and validated products that improve the health and safety of horse and rider. Achieve Equine is the maker of FLAIR® Equine Nasal Strips and the exclusive North American distributor of VIP Equestrian Half Pads and Iconic Equestrian Saddle Pads. For more information, please visit https://www.achieveequine.com.
About FLAIR® Equine Nasal Strips: Developed by veterinarians, FLAIR Strips are drug-free, self-adhesive nasal strips that support horses’ nasal passages and promote optimum respiratory health of equine athletes at every level of competition. Eight clinical studies have been conducted on FLAIR Strips at leading equine research centers. The Strips are clinically proven to make breathing easier, reduce fatigue, conserve energy, quicken recovery, and reduce lung bleeding. Visit http://www.flairstrips.com to learn more and shop today.
Contact: Hanna Hartman
hanna@achieveequine.com
Images available upon request.