Egoli Shines in 2024 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Broodmare Division, Proving Ex-Racehorses Aren’t the Only Stars of the Show
Racing enthusiasts and equestrians from across the nation converged on the iconic Kentucky Horse Park last week for the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America. With over 300 retired Thoroughbreds competing across ten disciplines, the event underscored the versatility of the breed beyond the racetrack.
Thanks to the co-sponsorship of Claiborne Farm and Lane’s End Farm, this year marked the return of the Broodmare Division, a groundbreaking category in its second official year. These mares competed in various disciplines including dressage, barrel racing, ranch work, show jumping, and eventing, vying for their share of $10,000 in prize money.
One standout performance in the Broodmare Division came from Egoli, an eight-year-old daughter of Quality Road out of Somasach. Last sold for $270,000 as a broodmare prospect at Keeneland’s January 2019 sale, Egoli was responsibly retired to Mareworthy Charities in September 2023 and later adopted by Annika Greaney-Stanger in October 2023. At this year’s Makeover, Egoli’s talent was on full display in the barrel racing competition. Not only did she place first in the broodmare division, she posted the fastest time of any barrel racing competitor—retired racehorses included! If the divisions had been combined, her score would have placed her 3rd overall in the preliminary round, proving broodmares can perform as impressively as their racing counterparts.
“At Mareworthy Charities, we believe every Thoroughbred mare deserves the chance to thrive in a second or even third career, no matter their past role," said Kyle Rothfus, President and Co-Founder of Mareworthy Charities. "Egoli’s triumph at the 2024 Makeover is a clear testament to the vast, untapped potential broodmares possess beyond the breeding shed. Her versatility in barrel racing and dressage proves that these mares can succeed in any discipline, and we’re thrilled to be a part of this movement."
Egoli’s triumph was not the only headline for broodmares this year. Tizso Majestic, another mare trained by Greaney-Stanger, dominated in Ranch Work and Competitive Trail within the Broodmare Division, securing scores that earned her first place for broodmares in both disciplines that were also high enough to place her among the top ten of the retired racehorse division if the divisions were combined.
The 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover saw over 300 entries competing for more than $100,000 in prize money across ten unique disciplines. The inclusion of the Broodmare Division signals a critical shift in the industry’s focus toward aftercare for mares, many of whom have often been overlooked in traditional post-racing careers. With Egoli and Tizso Majestic leading the charge, it’s clear these talented mares are breaking new ground and opening up fresh possibilities for Thoroughbreds beyond both the racetrack and the breeding barn.
Looking ahead, opportunities for aspiring competitors are vast. For those interested in competing with a broodmare at the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover, Mareworthy Charities stands ready to assist in sourcing eligible mares. With the Keeneland November Sale just around the corner, now is the perfect time to find your next champion. Mareworthy has already identified 93 broodmares who fit the eligibility requirements for the broodmare division, with several selling for under $2,000 last year—offering an accessible and exciting pathway to Makeover success.
