This past year has been a busy time for LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society, during which we welcomed several stellar equine athletes to our fold and happily experienced a brisk adoption trade. LongRun was gratified to receive accreditation and a generous grant from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, which enabled us to continue supporting close to 60 retired racehorses who experience rest, rehabilitation, rehoming or permanent sanctuary on our Hillsburgh, Ontario farm. We are currently one of two organizations accredited by TAA in Canada.

One of LongRun’s most notable accomplishments this past year was securing the return of Canadian Classic Winner Cool Catomine back to Canada. Cool Catomine won the 2017 Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie Racetrack, but more recently found himself running in low-level claiming races at Prairie Meadows Racetrack in Iowa. With some incredible fundraising support, including from his former breeder, owner, trainer and jockey, LongRun was able to raise the purchase price for Cool Catomine, as well as enough money to ship him to Kentucky, where he was picked up by his breeder and then returned to Canada where he will live out the rest of his days.

In October, we also hosted our inaugural Graduate Showcase in conjunction with an Open House and it was an unqualified success. All six classes were sponsored by a different industry organization and many of the graduates who competed were cheered on by their former owners, trainers, jockeys, and breeders! LongRun also hosted The Haven, a charity that assists first responders, for a series of equine-assisted therapy sessions. It’s gratifying to see how helpful our therapy horses are to these people who work in high-stress jobs.

LongRun is thankful that many racetrack connections continue to support the horses who gave them so much pleasure racing, but many other horses are not as fortunate. The assistance we receive from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has proven to be indispensable in helping to care for our lesser lights.