As I pulled out of the Kentucky Horse Park last October after another successful Thoroughbred Makeover – ending in third place with Prince Loki in eventing – I looked over at my husband and swore I was going to take 2025 off. But as we all know, with horses that is rarely ever the case. I had no idea the phone call I would receive in a month would completely change my mind.

My name is Kristina Hobbs and I am a veteran Thoroughbred Makeover trainer who has been bringing horses to the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover for seven years now – a total of 12 different horses. I run Reciprocity Thoroughbreds in Decatur, Texas, and over the course of eight years have helped transition nearly 400 OTTBs into their new homes.

In early December, on a very ordinary day after my tired toddler finally passed out in the car, I picked up my phone to return a voicemail from a potential client interested in sending a horse to the Thoroughbred Makeover in 2025. I clearly didn't hear the last name in the voicemail I had received and simply picked up the phone to call Audra back. We had a lovely discussion about a horse who had recently arrived in Texas from California. She told me he was a special horse.

Salesman on the track at Santa Anita. (BENOIT photo)

Bred by Alain and Gerard Wertheimer of France, the chestnut of over 16 hands was born in County Tipperary, Ireland on March 15, 2017, at Coolmore Stud, weighing 155 pounds. Salesman is a son of the legendary stallion Dubawi and out of the mare High Maintenance.

Dubawi, owned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and founder of Godolphin Racing. Dubawi commands one of highest stud fees due to his successful racing career and the phenomenal success of his offspring. Dubawi carries on the bloodline of his sire, the incredible Dubai Millenium.

Salesman’s dam, High Maintenance, owned by the Wertheimer brothers, is also the dam of Solow, earner of over $6 million, including the 2015 Dubai Turf, Queen Anne Stakes, Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and others.

Salesman had a diverse racing career, competing in both France and the United States. At the start of his racing career, he was in the barn of legendary French racehorse trainer, André Fabre. During this time, Salesman raced at Deauville, Chantilly, Longchamp and others. He was ridden by renowned jockey, Maxime Guyon, in all of his French races.

In August 2022, the Wertheimers flew Salesman across the Atlantic to Richard Mandella’s training barn at Santa Anita Park in California. The Wertheimer stable has a long relationship with Mandella, sending horses to the Hall of Fame trainer since 1992. Notably, the Wertheimers’ Kotashaan won the 1993 Breeders’ Cup Turf with Mandella training and would later be named Horse of Year for 1993.

Under Mandella’s supervision, Salesman shined on Breeders’ Cup World Championships weekend in 2023, taking the win in the Grade 2 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes. He was ridden by another famous Frenchman, Flavien Prat. The proud moment was shared in the winner’s circle with the Wertheimers and the Mandella family.

Salesman’s career record includes multiple wins and placings, showcasing his versatility and endurance, and he earned over $350,000. At Del Mar in early December 2024, the Mandella training barn received a call: the Wertheimers were ready to retire Salesman. Richard Mandella’s daughter-in-law, Audra Mandella, had loved Salesman since the day she first laid eyes on him. She appreciated his gentle nature, powerful build and his overall presence. Audra was often seen feeding him carrots and peppermints. So Salesman stepped away from his racing career and became an official member of the Mandella family with Audra and Gary Mandella.

Mane Vision Photography

The Wertheimers were delighted to have Salesman stay with the Mandellas, since the Mandella name has been admired by the racing world since the 1970s. As a trainer, Richard Mandella has accumulated over $160 million in lifetime earnings, and his son, Gary Mandella, has over $13 million in lifetime earnings. They are both quick to give credit to the horses and owners who have supported them over 50 years, so it’s only natural that the family supports retired racehorses. This is where Salesman’s story continues with me.

I remember the day I picked this gelding up after his long haul in from California. I, too, was impressed by everything Audra had seen in him. Salesman is a big and impressive yet very kind horse. I could tell how loved he had been by how kind and well-mannered he was.

Not long after he arrived, I remember the day Gary Mandella texted me saying Salesman loved peppermints. A small thing like that is what sets the Mandellas apart, because, as silly as it sounds, Gary’s text quickly showed me just how much they loved this horse. (Well, that and the big bag of carrots Audra sent with him!)

This wonderful gelding has been nothing short of a respectful gentleman since his arrival to our farm in Decatur, Texas. Salesman has quickly picked up his second career. He simply wants to please and do the right thing day in and day out. He has spent the first several months of his training focusing on the foundations of dressage and being introduced to jumping. He also enjoys long hacks around our farm, even checking cattle on occasion! To prove his “good boy” status, he has been ridden around bridleless, too.

Salesman has now gone on two trips off property, most recently last weekend to his first cross-country schooling. I think he remembered his days in France hacking through the trees and cantering around in the big fields, as he was completely relaxed, focused and brave.

I have such high hopes for Salesman as we now aim him to compete in eventing at the Thoroughbred Makeover, and also in one other discipline once we really know what he wants to do. I am so excited to share this special horse's journey with you all as he learns what life after racing is all about.

The Jockey Club supports many aftercare initiatives including the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the only accrediting body in aftercare, and Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.), which encourages the retraining of Thoroughbreds into other disciplines upon completion of careers. View all of the initiatives supported by The Jockey Club.