The nomination period for the 2025 Bill Kraatz Thoroughbred Makeover Ambassador Award is now open, the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) announced Monday afternoon.
Named in the memory of chief steward Bill Kraatz, the award recognizes a Makeover graduate horse who has gone on to serve as ambassador for the athleticism and trainability of retired racehorses beyond their racing careers. Eligible horses include any Thoroughbred Makeover graduate who was registered for the retraining competition–even if he or she ultimately did not compete–regardless of who now owns said horse. Nominations, which will remain open through July 1, may be submitted online via a form found here. The winner will be announced in September and honored at the awards party Saturday, Oct. 13 at the Kentucky Horse Park.
“Throughout their preparation for the Thoroughbred Makeover, we often remind trainers that getting their horses to the event is just the beginning,” said RRP executive director, Kirsten Green. “What our graduates do beyond the Makeover is arguably more important that their accomplishments at the Kentucky Horse Park in October. Participating in open competition or other riding activities and being seen as solid citizens in the equestrian community is what really changes hearts and minds in the long run.”
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