This is Lions Bay.
He is the son of Lions Raw who lives on our farm. She is now 26 years old. Lions Raw was a successful racehorse and a great broodmare. We bought her dam about 32 years ago. She was Gato del Norte, by Gato del Sol (a Kentucky Derby winner). While Gato wasn't a great racehorse, she was the matriarch of our herd and we are thankful for the luck that we've had with our homebreds.
This picture of Lions Bay shows him doing a workout before his entry into the Queen's Plate. We were very proud of him. He came 6th despite him over-reaching in the starting gate and clipping a front shoe that became badly bent and half off. How he managed to run like that, remains a mystery.
Later, he was claimed (by a new owner), much to our surprise (and disappointment) and subsequently was injured.
We were worried, but he was donated to LongRun, so we heaved a huge sigh of relief.
Later, LongRun found a new home for him. He was adopted by a wonderful owner who planned to do some low level eventing with him, which I'm sure he enjoys.
There are so many happy endings, or beginnings, like this that LongRun provides for retired racehorses.
Did you know that LongRun has over 100 acres in Hillsburgh, Ontario, with facilities for over 50 retired thoroughbred racehorses? It's a beautiful place. It's worth a visit!
The horses are expertly cared for by a team of professionals, including veterinarians, trainers, farriers, chiropractors, and more.
When a horse comes to the farm, they conduct a caring and thoughtful examination in order to best determine what discipline the horse is most suitable for, and plan a course of retraining, if appropriate.
LongRun is a non-profit organization and has undergone the intense scrutiny of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance which ensures that the facility, policies and procedures meet their high standards. LongRun has also been a successful recipient of annual grants from the Thoroughbred Charities of America in recognition of the excellent work LongRun does in caring for retired thoroughbred racehorses.
In addition to the farm, LongRun has a main office located at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, Canada. The volunteer directors who comprise LongRun's board are horse lovers from the racing industry and equestrian world.
Join me in supporting LongRun with a donation. You can also sponsor specific horses! And/or, if you are looking for a riding horse, or a companion horse, check out the horses available for adoption at www.longrunretirement.com
Most of you know that I've dedicated my fourth book in the Meg Sheppard Mystery Series, Playing with Fire, to LongRun. That's because I am a supporter of, and a believer in, the work that they do for so many beautiful, intelligent, brave and athletic, retired thoroughbred racehorses.
What a great organization!