Applications for 2026 Thoroughbred Makeover Now Open

[Wandering Eyes]

Applications to compete in the 2026 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium are now being accepted through Jan. 23, announced the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP).

The Thoroughbred Makeover is the largest and most lucrative retraining competition in North America for recently-retired Thoroughbreds and former broodmares. It takes place Oct. 7-10 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. The makeover is the banner event of the RRP and is meant to showcase the athleticism, trainability, and versatility of the recently-retired racehorse. The event awards $139,000 in prize money and is expected to welcome several hundred Thoroughbreds competing in one or two of ten riding sports. The Thoroughbred Makeover also includes the National Symposium, with a vendor fair, horse sale, seminars and demos, networking and social events, clinics, and additional opportunities to be announced throughout 2026.

Accepted trainers will be announced Feb. 17 and can acquire their Thoroughbreds for competition at any time. Professionals, amateurs, juniors, and teams are all welcome and encouraged to apply. Horses eligible for competition have raced or posted a timed work on or after July 1, 2024; have not competed in sports other than racing prior to Dec. 1, 2025; and have not had more than 15 retraining rides prior to Dec. 1, 2025. Full eligibility rules for horses as well as the competition format and regulations may be found here.

“Over the past decade, the Thoroughbred Makeover has established itself as a vital component of the aftercare ecosystem in North America,” said RRP executive director Kirsten Green. “Without demand for Thoroughbreds from capable riders, the system would not be able to efficiently meet the needs of horses retiring from racing annually. This is where the Thoroughbred Makeover and the programming of the RRP have become influential: both creating the structure and support for riders to find success with the breed and establishing a platform that showcases all that the Thoroughbred has to offer. We're looking forward to welcoming another class of trainers who will take a Thoroughbred beyond racing.

To apply for the 2026 Thoroughbred Makeover to compete, please start the application process here.

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