Maggie Sweet

His name is Immortal Wink (Gimmeawink) and after a career that spanned nine years and 142 races, most of them in Puerto Rico, he was done. He was 10 and had suffered through the kind of wear and tear that is typical with horses who run so often, last so long and wind up at the bottom tier of the sport. He would never go on to a second career, at least one that is typical for a retired Thoroughbred. He just wouldn't be able to do it. But there...

In response to Maggie Sweet's powerful letter to the TDN--February 2, 2026, I would like to add my support--and my urgency. The Jockey Club needs a paradigm shift, and so do Thoroughbred owners and breeders. The future of our sport depends on it. Think of a stunning model--poised, admired, photographed from every angle. Now imagine that same model with a mouth full of rotten teeth. No matter how beautiful the rest of her may be, the illusion collapses the moment she smiles. Perception changes instantly. The image is damaged, and...

Racing has a legacy to rectify before it can look to the future. The "Racing in 2036" series struck me for its lack of perspective from the aftercare segment of the industry. Post-racetrack life for our equine athletes was mentioned a few times, but only in a cursory manner. And certainly without any accountability. Thoroughbred aftercare is chronically underfunded despite the creation of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) in 2012. Aftercare organizations founded before the TAA was created have been underfunded for decades. Programs that predominantly follow the sanctuary model...

Kendall Norris has been tabbed the new Marketing and Communications Manager for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, the organization announced Tuesday. In this role, Norris will lead the TRF's marketing and outreach efforts, furthering the organization's mission to provide dignified lifetime care for retired racehorses. Previously, Norris led digital marketing initiatives, managed high-profile PR events, and provided specialized marketing consulting for equine and technology businesses. "I'm incredibly honored to join the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation," said Norris. "As a lifelong equestrian, I've always believed in the healing power of horses, and this...

Raffles of six all-inclusive box seats to both the GI Kentucky Oaks and GI Kentucky Derby will be held by the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), with all proceeds benefitting the TRF's mission of providing lifetime aftercare to nearly 400 retired racehorses. Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has donated the boxes, which hold an estimated value of $3,000 for the Oaks and $7,000 for the Derby. The special on-line raffle boxes are located in Section 324, which is on the third floor overlooking the eighth pole. All reserved seating includes food, as...

In the 25 years that she worked overseeing Todd Pletcher's racing stable, Maggie Sweet only had to concern herself about horses from the time they were two until around five. In the one year that she has been executive director of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, the nation's oldest Thoroughbred retirement facility, she has learned that inspiring the industry to spend the money to care for them for the next 25 years is a much harder part of the bargain. The TRF currently provides permanent lifetime homes for 400 horses, primarily...

Maggie Sweet has been in her job at the TRF for a year now, after leaving Todd Pletcher Racing, and she has learned a lot--chiefly, that the racing industry isn't focusing enough on the need to provide lifetime dignified retirement for its athletes. She appears on the TDN Writers' Room to discuss the issue.

Cindy McDonald and Michelle Keating have been appointed to the Board of Directors of The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF). McDonald is armed with a background in finance, strategic planning, and community engagement, while Keating offers experience in leadership and community service. As Senior Vice President at KeyBank, McDonald has an background in developing innovative financial strategies and fostering community partnerships. "I am honored to join the TRF Board of Directors," said McDonald. "I look forward to leveraging my 30 years of nonprofit experience to help drive the mission forward and...

Edited Press Release The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) is thrilled to announce the launch of its 2024 Hay Drive, supported by a generous $60,000 matching gift from the Santulli Family Foundation. This annual campaign is essential to ensure that the TRF's herd of 400 retired Thoroughbreds receives the necessary care and resources to thrive through the winter months. With a goal of raising $120,000, the TRF is calling on supporters to help fill the haylofts and provide vital sustenance to its retired horses. Rising costs have made this year's campaign...

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation has announced a special collaboration with Stable Recovery for the upcoming John Hall Memorial Golf Tournament. A Constitution halter, donated by WinStar Farm, will be shared with Stable Recovery and auctioned at the event to raise funds to support their mission. Originally intended for the TRF's Stallions for Second Chances Halter Auction, the halter has become a symbol of the relationship between the organizations. "We felt that sharing this halter with Stable Recovery would be a meaningful way to honor the close ties we've built and...

After twenty-five years behind the scenes at Pletcher Racing Stable, COO Maggie Sweet has decided to step down later this season, according to a release from Pletcher Racing Stables Friday. "A number of factors have influenced my decision. Personally, I would like to spend more time with my young daughter during the summer. Professionally, I am interested in exploring other aspects of the racing and breeding industry," Sweet said. During her tenure, Sweet played a pivotal role in the growth and continued success of Pletcher Racing Stable. More recently, she...