United’s Next Chapter: From Turf Star to Aftercare Ambassador

[Wandering Eyes]

When it came time for United (Giant's Causeway) to retire from the racetrack, there was never any doubt that he would remain with LNJ Foxwoods, the parents-and-daughter team of Larry, Nanci and Jaime Roth who had campaigned him throughout his four-year career. A seven-time graded stakes winner, the towering chestnut had become the family's all-time leading earner and they were committed to giving him a forever home.

What they didn't expect, however, was just how much the competitive gelding would take to a second career. Now flourishing in the show ring under the guidance of his rider Madison Scott, United is not just thriving, but he's emerging as a shining ambassador for Thoroughbred aftercare.

Purchased as a yearling by Solis/Litt Bloodstock for $300,000 at the 2016 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale, United began his career racing at Woodbine, breaking his maiden there as a 3-year-old, and then moved to Santa Anita the following year. His first start for Richard Mandella was a disappointing eighth-place finish, but the turf specialist blossomed over the course of his 4-year-old campaign.

Around that same time, Scott had graduated from the Godolphin Flying Start program and started a job with Solis/Litt. She was part of the team cheering United home when he put in a determined run at 50-1 odds to finish second by a head to eventual Horse of the Year Bricks and Mortar (Giant's Causeway) in the 2019 Breeders' Cup Turf.

“We were going absolutely bonkers,” Scott recalled. “No one would have known that this horse didn't win the race if you had watched our group. It came on the heels of Covfefe (Into Mischief) winning the GI Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint, so it was a very special day for the Roths and the whole team.”

Jaime Roth and United after the gelding's final career win in the 2021 GII John Henry Turf Championship Stakes | Benoit

Over the next two seasons, United claimed seven graded stakes victories, including back-to-back wins in the GII Eddie Read Stakes and GII John Henry Turf Championship Stakes. During those two years, he ran either first or second in eight of 11 graded starts.

“He had a long career and he was such a cool dude,” said Jaime Roth. “He always tried, always gave his all. He definitely kept us on our toes trying to get to that finish line. He was just a dream horse. Anyone who ever has a horse like him, you've gotta thank your lucky stars but also know that a second one may not come along like that. He was just different.”

“He was as game and as genuine as they come,” Scott added. “He wore his heart on his sleeve. He gave you everything every time he went out there. He really built a great following and became a very special horse not just for the Roth family and LNJ Foxwoods, but for fans beyond that.”

After closing out his 6-year-old season, United retired with over $1.8 million in earnings and a 10-4-1 record from 22 career starts. For LNJ Foxwoods, retirement did not mean the end of United's story. As they explored second-career options, they found the perfect partner in Scott.

Scott and United training for the Real Rider Cup | Katie Petrunyak

“The Roths very generously agreed to let me ride him and use him as an ambassador for off-the-track Thoroughbreds,” said Scott. “He was such a notable and genuine horse with a beautiful personality that he's been a great example to showcase both what Thoroughbreds can do in their next career and how owners can take great care and pride in their horse–not just on the racetrack, but afterwards. LNJ Foxwoods still owns United. I'm just lucky to be a passenger and a part of the story.”

Over the past few years, United has competed at eventing competitions throughout Kentucky. Last year, he scored his first blue ribbon in the Beginner Novice division of the Kentucky Oktoberfest Horse Trials.

Scott said the grit and determination United showed on the racetrack are still very much evident in his new career.

“I always say that United is the same horse off the track as he was on it,” she explained. “He's as level-headed as they come, but he knows when it's time to get out there and do his thing. When we go into the ring and he hears the crowd and the announcer, you can feel that energy, which is pretty cool.”

While he carries a spirited intensity in the ring, United is known for his easygoing nature around the barn. Although Roth has no riding background, she has taken the reins herself a time or two when visiting United. Flavien Prat, who was United's regular jockey, has brought his children to visit the gelding.

“Watching a 6-year-old and a 3-year-old hop up on him, jog him around, and seeing him being happy as could be to take care of those kids was a pretty special thing to watch,” said Scott.

United enjoys a pick of grass after training | Katie Petrunyak

At the Roth family home, a trophy case displaying all of United's accomplishments is growing more crowded with each passing year. The trophies from his stakes victories share space with brightly colored ribbons from his jumping competitions.

“Madison sends us regular pictures of him and it's just as nice as getting pictures when he was on the track,” said Roth. “I'm just so proud of what my family did with him and giving him the life that he has. He's been such a great ambassador. He's kind, but he wants to have a job and you know that you can put anyone on him.”

“Working with the Roth family has been such a privilege and a joy for many reasons, but one of them is that they prioritize the aftercare and the well-being of their horses,” said Scott. “For any of us in the industry, you do this because you love horses. To be able to work with people every day that feel the same way as we do, that's a very special thing.”

In 2023, Scott and United competed in their first Real Rider Cup, a charity show jumping event founded by Anita Motion in 2017 to raise funds and awareness for Thoroughbred aftercare. With legs in Maryland and Kentucky, the competition pairs racing industry participants with retired Thoroughbreds to complete a timed jump course. Each participant is required to raise a minimum of $1,000 for aftercare. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $600,000.

Scott and United are set to return to the competition this year. The 2025 Real Rider Cup will be held in Lexington this Saturday, June 28, at New Vocations at Mereworth Farm. The second leg of the event will be held on Oct. 18 in Fair Hill, Maryland.

Other racing celebrities, both human and equine, set to show off their skills this weekend include trainer Rodolphe Brisset, who rides stakes winner and 2018 Breeders' Cup runner The Black Album (FR) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), jockey Sophie Doyle, and the TDN's own Social Media Manager Sara Gordon. 2022 GII Suburban Stakes winner Dynamic One (Union Rags), who went through the New Vocations program after retiring from the racetrack, will be competing with his 16-year-old owner Madison Thompson.

The Real Rider Cup is free to attend. Gates open to the public at 6pm and the first rider takes the course at 7. RSVP to attend here and meet the full roster of horse-and-ride teams here.

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