Hawthorne Racecourse (10/29/10)
Contact: Ron Uchman
(708) 780-3700
Where Do the Horses Go?
The Galloping Out Thoroughbred Retirement Program officially started operating with the beginning of the Arlington meet of 2010. It is a partnership of the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (the ITHA), Arlington Park, and Hawthorne Race Course.
The purpose of the program is to facilitate the retraining and rehoming of retired Thoroughbred race horses. Galloping Out is the funding mechanism to provide for these animals. They are placed among various qualified equine rescue farms where they can recuperate from any racing injuries, have let-down time, and be retrained to be show horses, trail horses, or family horses. These rescue organizations screen potential adopters, inspect their stables, and do follow-up visits to assure the quality of life for these horses.
Currently, Galloping Out is working with three 501(c)3 equine rescues, the ILEHC (IL Equine Humane Center) in Elgin, Field of Dreams Equine Rescue in St Charles, and Mid America Horse Rescue in downstate Illinois, along with various approved foster farms.
Even though this program is in its infancy, Galloping Out has sponsored 17 horses so far, with two having been adopted already, the most recognizable of them being Scooter Roach, Hawthorne Derby winner and earner of over $843,000.00. Scooter Roach, in spite of all his accomplishments, was found running at the age of 11, in low level claiming races at Beulah Park this past spring. When advised of Scooter's situation by one of his devoted fans, the Illinois Equine Humane Center launched a campaign to bring Scooter home, and in concert with Hawthorne racing fans and readers of Chicago Barn To Wire (www.barntowire.com) a drive was held to raise the money needed to secure his retirement.
Scooter was officially retired to the ILEHC under full sponsorship of the ITHA's Galloping Out program and following a few months of re-training, he was adopted by a wonderful family in September 2010. Scooter is now living in luxury in Wisconsin and is being pointed to a new career as a sport horse. Racing fans love horses, and this group went above and beyond to bring home one of our former champions.
Anybody wishing additional information about the program, wanting to make a donation, or to inquire about adopting one of our fabulous horses should contact Mary at the ITHA office at (708) 652-2201 or mary@itharacing.com.
