Thank you Elisabeth Ferrera!!

Elisabeth Ferrera is a student of local trainer, Alisha Larid (PinellasHorse.com), and went to TROT on the Track in May. She was so impacted by that, that when her 9th birthday came up, she wanted to raise money for the race horses. She had a horse ride birthday party and instead of gifts, Elisabeth requested a donation of at least $5 to go to TROT. She raised $114 in a completely selfless act. Pretty awesome for a little girl! Great job Elisabeth!!! The horses thank you!!

Welcome to the TROT Family...

Danielle G & "Wild Alana"

Debbie S & "Lost One's Halo" aka "George"

Rebecca W & "MVP Grand"

Kathleen M & "Tre Cool"

Donna M & "Good Trip" aka "Little Trip"

As the newest adopters, you join a family who has a passion for retired Thoroughbreds and can see their value beyond the track. Thank you for opening up your homes and hearts to these wonderful horses!

TROT the Track Recap...

On May 1st, Tampa Bay Downs hosted the 1st Annual TROT the Track fundraiser to benefit Thoroughbred Retirement of Tampa. It was a successful event attracting over 50 participants and raising much needed funds to support Tampa's retired Thoroughbreds awaiting homes. Supporters who attended got the opportunity to walk the 1 mile "Oldsmar Oval" prior to the start of racing on the always exciting, Kentucky Derby Day. Tampa Bay Downs and TROT mascot "Mouse" led the way, followed by the Tampa Mounted Police, and the field of participants.

Along with the walk, attendees were able to bid on exciting silent auction items and enter the raffle drawing for fantastic horse services. TROT would like to thank Foxwood Saddlery, Lizanne Quinn of Harmony Touch Equine Massage, Julia Westcot of Showtime Skeletal Solutions, NancyLee Bielawski DVM of Tampa Bay Equine Practice, www.beachhorses.com, Jack Willie's, and many of the other businesses who graciously donated to help raise donations and awareness.

Start planning for next year's event, where we will have a fabulous Derby hat contest and more fanastic prizes! This annual event will be come a standing tradition for Kentucky Derby Day at Tampa Bay Downs.

What it Means
to These Horses

The life of a racehorse is not an easy one. While the industry of horseracing is controversial amongst the general public, we recognize the courage that these horses have to go out and risk their lives in every race. Many run with known injuries; others run for years on strength and heart until their bodies are just tired and worn out. For those who run the dozens of races and make their earnings dollar by dollar, life tends to be long and difficult. These horses deserve a dignified retirement to loving homes, where they can live the rest of their lives as a friend and companion.

Unfortunately, too many of our country’s noble Thoroughbreds are ending up in poor conditions and auction lots. This is often the end of the road for these horses as many are sold to kill buyers who send them off to slaughter. Horses like Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand and the great Exceller both met their unfortunate fates in slaughterhouses. While we stand against the practice of equine slaughter, we understand that curbing these atrocities starts at home and on our local racetracks. Our goal is to offer trainers a safe means of retirement for unwanted Thoroughbreds, and the public the opportunity to welcome one of these brave horses into their homes. While the endeavor to save all of them is seemingly impossible, we will strive to help those we can to ensure their second chance at life.

Anyone who has been around Thoroughbreds knows that they have unique personalities all their own. Anyone who has accepted them into their home after racing understands the challenges, but gratitude that they exude for changing their life. All of those involved with TROT have personal experiences with OTTBs. From learning to ride, to rehabilitating a brave Thoroughbred pulled from the slop of a kill pen, and others working daily to ensure the health and safety of those who are still employed as racehorses… We understand their value, we honor their bravery, and we are committed to their safety.

Find out how you can help.

Proudly affiliated with

Click here to find out
How You Can
Help Today

Follow TROT on

Join us on