For many Thoroughbreds, some of their most impressive performances come after they leave the racetrack.

That next chapter for more than 400 recently retired racehorses and former broodmares will take center stage Oct. 7-10 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington for the 2026 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America.

Organized by the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP), the Thoroughbred Makeover is the world’s largest retraining competition for recently retired Thoroughbred racehorses.

Preliminary competition begins Wednesday, Oct. 7. The top 10 horses in each discipline after the week’s preliminary competition advance to Saturday’s championships. Scores start fresh for the championship round, giving each finalist another opportunity to show how far he or she has progressed in a relatively short period of retraining.

“The makeover gives us an opportunity each year to put the versatility of the Thoroughbred on full display and celebrate the people who make successful transitions beyond racing possible,” said Kirsten Green, executive director of the Retired Racehorse Project. “This year’s class represents so many different backgrounds and paths from racing into second careers, and we’re excited to welcome them to Kentucky and watch those stories unfold throughout the week.”

Ten Disciplines, One Breed

These former racehorses may have spent the early part of their lives breaking from a starting gate. At the Thoroughbred Makeover, however, they’ll tackle everything from show jumps and dressage tests to barrel patterns, trail obstacles, and ranch work.

There are 10 disciplines at the Thoroughbred Makeover (BloodHorse Library/Corrie McCroskey)

The competition spans 10 disciplines: barrel racing, competitive trail, dressage, eventing, field hunter, polo, ranch work, show hunter, show jumper, and freestyle. Horses may compete in up to two disciplines, giving some the opportunity to showcase their versatility in more than one arena.

The RRP also expanded the Thoroughbred Makeover in 2023 by introducing its Former Broodmare division, initially launched as a pilot program. The division opened another pathway for Thoroughbreds beyond those coming directly off the racetrack, giving mares leaving the breeding shed an opportunity to begin a third career.

For horses in the Retiring Racehorse division, that transition happens within a relatively short window. To compete this year, Thoroughbreds must be registered with The Jockey Club, have raced or recorded a published workout on or after July 1, 2024, and could not have begun significant second-career training before Dec. 1, 2025.

That compressed timeline is part of what makes the Thoroughbred Makeover unique. The competition is designed not simply to determine which Thoroughbred is the most polished performer, but also to showcase the work involved in taking a horse from racing into an entirely new job in a matter of months.

The result is a field with vastly different racing résumés. Some horses may have made numerous starts or competed at a high level, while others may have recorded little more than a timed workout before leaving the racetrack.

Following the Thoroughbred Beyond Racing

For racing fans, the Thoroughbred Makeover offers a chance to follow a Thoroughbred story beyond statistics, past performances, and the winner’s circle.

The same qualities prized on the racetrack — athleticism, competitiveness, and the ability to learn — can translate into remarkably different second careers. One former racehorse may find its niche galloping across a cross-country course, while another becomes a polished show hunter, responsive ranch horse, or reliable trail partner.

Creating demand for these former racehorses is central to the Retired Racehorse Project’s mission. The organization works to place former racehorses into second careers by increasing demand for Thoroughbreds in equestrian sports and supporting the people and organizations that help them make that transition.

The event also connects prospective buyers with Thoroughbreds already progressing in new careers. Through the Makeover Marketplace, participating trainers may offer horses for sale, allowing shoppers to watch prospects compete, try designated sale horses, and arrange pre-purchase examinations while at the Kentucky Horse Park.

More Than a Competition

The Thoroughbred Makeover is paired with the National Symposium, turning the week into a broader gathering of the racing, aftercare, and sport-horse communities.

Thoroughbred Makeover competition begins Wednesday (BloodHorse Library/Corrie McCroskey)

Along with competition, attendees can visit vendors, watch educational programming and clinics, and connect with the trainers, owners, adopters and aftercare organizations involved in helping Thoroughbreds transition from the racetrack.

This year’s schedule also keeps racing close at hand. On Friday morning, Thoroughbred Makeover trainers and supporters are invited to Keeneland to watch morning training; hear from Dr. Stuart Brown, Keeneland’s vice president of equine safety; and learn more about racing careers and the industry through Amplify Horse Racing before touring the sales grounds. Later that day, an inaugural charity polo match at the Kentucky Horse Park will benefit the RRP.

For the Thoroughbreds themselves, however, the week remains a showcase of what comes next.

A racing career may have introduced these horses to the public, but the Thoroughbred Makeover offers a chance to see what happens after their final start — and just how many directions the next chapter can take.