Prince of New York, piloted by professional trainer Chris Bennings, won the People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Achieve Equine, at the 2022 Thoroughbred Makeover. The achievement comes not only with the recognition of a job well done, but the liberty to choose an equine-related 501(c)3 nonprofit to receive a $2,500 donation sponsored by Achieve Equine.

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance photo

For Bennings — who’s first introduction to retraining off-track Thoroughbreds was with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)-accredited Florida TRAC — choosing the TAA as the beneficiary of the People’s Choice Award was a no-brainer.

“My wife, Celia, and I knew that the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance carefully allocates its grant funds to off-track Thoroughbred nonprofits all over the country, and we are confident that this donation will be the most effective in their hands,” Bennings said.

“We are honored to be the recipient of the People’s Choice Award donation,” TAA Funding and Events Manager Emily (Dresen) Scandore said. “Every dollar counts and we thank Chris and sponsor Achieve Equine for this contribution to the TAA and our 81 accredited organizations.”

In the preliminary round of competition at the Thoroughbred Makeover, Bennings and Prince of New York dominated in both Show Jumpers and Show Hunters, finishing in the top three out of more than 70 competitors in each discipline. When Bennings called on the 6-year-old stallion to again bring the heat in the finale, Prince of New York answered in spades, proving victorious in Show Jumpers, earning reserve champion in Show Hunters, and being awarded by text-in popular vote the People’s Choice Award.

The son of Cairo Prince sold for $100,000 as a yearling and made all eight career starts for owners Harold Lerner LLC, AWC Stables, Nehoc Stables, Scott Akman, and Paul Braverman. After a final start at Finger Lakes, Prince of New York retired from racing with a record of two wins, one second, and one third and earnings of $40,256.

“I’ve always been a Thoroughbred fan and a racing fan,” Bennings said. “Thoroughbreds are incredibly versatile, making them excellent sport horses. Prince has a lot of class and I’m eager to continue his career as a sport horse stallion at our Paris, Kentucky farm — Morning Line Equestrian.”