Retired Racehorse Research

 

In 2015, the Commission endeavored to locate all New York-bred Thoroughbreds that raced between 2010 and 2012 and haven’t raced anywhere since, with the ultimate goal of identifying the size and scope of the issue of retired racehorses in New York State.

 

The Jockey Club graciously provided the Commission with a list of such horses, including the date and track of their last race of record.

 

Of the 3,894 Thoroughbreds that fit the criteria, the Commission has been able to locate 1,871 horses (approximately 48 percent).

Of the 1,871 horses:

• 3 were sold at auction.
• 356 are deceased
• 1,512 are retired in some shape or form:
  • 604 retired as broodmares
  • 422 retired and have second careers
  • 327 simply retired
  • 155 retired and adopted
  • 4 retired to stud

 

Of the 2,023 unknown horses:

• 313 ran their last race at Finger Lakes
• 221 ran their last race at Aqueduct
• 201 ran their last race at Belmont
• 187 ran their last race at Mountaineer
• 152 ran their last race at Charlestown
• 125 ran their last race at Penn National
• 106 ran their last race at Suffolk Downs
• 58 ran their last race at Saratoga

 

As this research is ongoing, the Commission welcomes any information on the location and status of these horses. Please email info@gaming.ny.gov with the name of the horse(s) and which of these categories best fit each horse's circumstance:

• Retired
• Retired – Adopted
• Retired – Broodmare
• Retired – Stud
• Retired - 2nd Career
• Deceased
• Auction