Extravagant Kid's Remarkable Journey: From Racetrack to Retirement Haven

Extravagant Kid, a once-celebrated sprinter, has found a new purpose in life after a successful racing career. The gelding, who won the prestigious Lucky Coin Stakes at Saratoga, is now serving as a mentor to other retired racehorses at After the Races NY, a non-profit organization dedicated to retraining and rehoming Thoroughbreds. This article explores Extravagant Kid's remarkable journey and the vital role he plays in helping former racehorses transition to their second careers.

Guiding Retired Racehorses to a Brighter Future

A Storied Racing Career

Extravagant Kid's racing career was nothing short of extraordinary. The talented sprinter competed in 56 races over a seven-year period, winning 15 of them, including a lucrative victory in the Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan in Dubai in 2021 under the guidance of world-renowned jockey Ryan Moore. Trained by Brendan Walsh and owned by DARRS, Inc., Extravagant Kid amassed over $1.7 million in prize money, cementing his status as a true equine superstar.

Retirement and a New Purpose

After a long and successful career, Extravagant Kid was retired in 2022 at the age of nine. However, his journey did not end there. Through the efforts of exercise rider Roger Horgan, a longtime friend of After the Races NY founder Anna Hollander, Extravagant Kid found a new home at the organization's Swedish Hill Farm in Ballston Spa, New York.

Mentoring Newcomers

At After the Races NY, Extravagant Kid has taken on a new role as a mentor to other retired racehorses. His calm demeanor and willing nature make him an ideal guide for the organization's newest recruits, who are transitioning from the high-intensity world of racing to a quieter life on the farm. Extravagant Kid, along with his best friend, a seven-year-old son of Carpe Diem named Market Impact, provide the guidance and security needed to help these former racehorses adapt to their new surroundings and prepare for their second careers.

Retraining and Rehoming

The process of retraining and rehoming the retired racehorses at After the Races NY is a carefully structured one, overseen by Hollander and her team of dedicated volunteers. The horses start in small paddocks, gradually acclimating to their new environment before being introduced to the larger herd and eventually being ridden by volunteers. This patient and methodical approach has allowed the organization to successfully rehome around 15 horses to date, with Extravagant Kid serving as a shining example of what these Thoroughbreds are capable of achieving in their second careers.

A Unique Bond

Extravagant Kid's relationship with his best friend, Marcus, has become a source of amusement and joy for the staff at After the Races NY. The two geldings have formed a strong bond, with Extravagant Kid's playful and mischievous nature complementing Marcus's more refined demeanor. Hollander describes Extravagant Kid as an "intelligent" and "affectionate" horse, who has become an integral part of the farm's community.

Proving the Potential of Thoroughbreds

For Hollander, Extravagant Kid's story is a testament to the incredible potential of Thoroughbreds beyond the racetrack. Her passion for retraining and rehoming these athletic and willing horses has been fueled by her own experiences as an exercise rider and her belief in the breed's versatility. Through the work of After the Races NY, Hollander aims to dispel the misconceptions surrounding Thoroughbreds and showcase their ability to excel in a wide range of disciplines, from dressage to show jumping.