Bill Kraatz Thoroughbred Makeover Ambassador Award

Nominations for the 2026 Bill Kraatz Thoroughbred Makeover Ambassador Award are now being accepted online, the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) announced Friday. Named in memory of chief steward Bill Kraatz, the Ambassador Award recognizes a Thoroughbred Makeover graduate horse that exemplifies the athleticism, versatility, and trainability of the Thoroughbred beyond racing. The award celebrates horses that continue to make an impact after the Makeover, serving as ambassadors for the breed in a wide range of disciplines. Eligible horses include any Thoroughbred Makeover graduate, defined as any horse who was registered...

The nomination period for the 2025 Bill Kraatz Thoroughbred Makeover Ambassador Award is now open, the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) announced Monday afternoon. Named in the memory of chief steward Bill Kraatz, the award recognizes a Makeover graduate horse who has gone on to serve as ambassador for the athleticism and trainability of retired racehorses beyond their racing careers. Eligible horses include any Thoroughbred Makeover graduate who was registered for the retraining competition--even if he or she ultimately did not compete--regardless of who now owns said horse. Nominations, which will...