Retiring Its Over- It Takes a Village

Its Over, a four year old gelding, ran for Wasabi Ventures Stables (WVS) from April to September of 2022. At that point, he was claimed away but continued to be tracked by us.

Fast forward to May 16, 2023, when Its Over’s owner and trainer decided to part ways, and, as a result, he was retired with no viable aftercare plan. The owner at that point reached out to WVS assistant trainer, Grace, to ask for assistance. Grace then contacted me. I offered to buy Its Over and work on a retirement plan.

Plans, plans, and more plans

Working in conjunction with Grace, she found a local trainer, Brian, who could house Its Over on his farm, while a more permanent plan could be made. I then reached out to Aftercare Charles Town (ACT) to see about retiring Its Over through their program. Their veterinarian evaluated him to determine what the most appropriate next steps were for him as he transitioned away from racing.

The farm that ACT uses had no openings, so Brian offered to keep Its Over for a couple weeks. Once an opening was available, Brian shipped Its Over to a new farm. ACT also began looking for a partner farm that could take Its Over to transition from racetrack to forever home.

On June 6, ACT learned that Thoroughbred Retirement, Rehabilitation, and Careers (TRRAC) would have an opening in the near future, and it would be for Its Over. On Friday, June 23, Its Over moved to his next stop in his retirement journey.

It takes a village

I feel fortunate to have as many connections as I do in the world of aftercare. From a single phone call on a Tuesday evening through last Friday, there were many people who assisted in the retirement of Its Over. I am grateful to Grace, Brian, Aftercare Charles Town, their associated farm, and TRRAC for assisting in Its Over’s retirement. Additionally, I am grateful to all who donate to The Horse Fund. None of this would be possible without donations. Due to the generous nature of many, The Horse Fund was able to pay for Its Over’s stay with Brian, his shipping to the ACT farm, his boarding at that farm, his vaccinations, and a stipend for TRRAC. We now can guarantee Its Over the safe and secure retirement from racing that he deserves.