Tarrant Issues 100K Challenge Grant For The TRF

By Brittany Raine
Some may consider Amy Tarrant a late bloomer in the Thoroughbred racing industry, but there is no denying her passion for horses is infectious…and successful. At 71, this triple threat–owner/breeder/trainer–isn’t close to stopping, especially as she prepares to leave her mark on the sport in a different way, one that keeps the future bright for horses after the lights fade. 
Tarrant is making a $100,000 donation to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) in a challenge grant, which encourages matching donations. 
A Vermont native, Tarrant was introduced to the TRF by Diana Pikulski 12 years ago in Burlington, Vermont, when Tarrant was considered fairly new to the sport. 
“I read about Amy’s support of the horse program at the University of Vermont” said Pikulski. “I wrote to her and then met with her tokiss explain the mission of TRF.” 
The rest is history. 
Since Tarrant began her involvement with the foundation in 2002, she has made numerous donations and given retired racehorses that have gone on to impressive show careers. She has given some support directed to the TRF Second Chances Program, which enables inmates at participating correctional facilities to learn unique skills, take on responsibilities and build relationships with horses through a vocational training program. 
“[Second Chances] is a win-win situation,” said Tarrant. “The retired racehorses act as therapy and help to build a bond for these inmates where they least expect it.” 
Pikulski who has been involved with the TRF from its inception, regularly witnesses amazing moments in the Second Chances program, and recognizes how the good will come full circle through retired Thoroughbreds and donations, like those from Tarrant. 
“I visited with one inmate who built this indescribable bond with Frightful, a big grey Thoroughbred,” said Pikulski after recently visiting Blackburn Correctional Complex in Lexington, KY, which participates in Second Chances. “He had never had pets in his life and he couldn’t believe that an animal could love him the way this horse does. The horse and the inmate were inseparable.” 
Tarrant’s grant will go towards all aspects of TRF’s horse care expenses for the over 900 Thoroughbreds that are currently under the watchful eye of the foundation. The number of horses associated with TRF continues to grow as Thoroughbred retirement becomes, and remains, a priority for many tracks and owners. 
“Thoroughbred retirement is something everyone should know about,” said Tarrant. “I am more than happy to give to TRF. Thoroughbreds are amazing athletes and they deserve a nice life after they are finished competing.” 
Growing up in the Green Mountain State, Tarrant’s love for equines was instilled in her recreationally at a young age, but took a backseat until her fifth child went off to college. 
“After my last kid went to college, I sat down and made a list,” said Tarrant. “Horses were at the top of that list.” 
In the pursuit of her passion, Tarrant bought show horses, but remained fascinated by Thoroughbred racing and decided to dive into the sport head first. That was 14 years ago and since then, Tarrant has bought and bred champions and sent a horse to the Breeders’ Cup. 
“Sending Pomeroys Pistol (Pomeroy) to the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint in 2011 is the highlight of my career thus far,” said Tarrant. “But I want to accomplish more. One day I hope to win the Breeders’ Cup.” 
Tarrant sold Pomeroys Pistol’s first foal, by Smart Strike, at this year’s Keeneland September sale for $325,000. (To read the TDN’s story about Tarrant published just before the sale, click here). 
Tarrant also campaigned the multiple graded stakes winner Kiss the Kid (Lemon Drop Kid), who raced until he was seven and is currently standing at Journeyman Stud. 
Residing at Hardacre Farm in Ocala, FL, Tarrant has not slowed down a bit since she decided to commit her life to racing in 2000, splitting her time between the farm, Saratoga Racecourse in New York and Gulfstream Park in Florida. But no matter where she is, the love and passion Tarrant has for horses is compelling. 
“My favorite part of racing is conditioning horses,” said Tarrant. “Seeing and recognizing the potential in your horses when you break and train them is fun. Talent is exciting.” 
The excitement Tarrant feels is evident in her knowledge, success and her compassion towards TRF and their work. 
“Amy is a unique person because she is so knowledgeable about thoroughbreds and 
horses in general,” said Pikulski. “She is also a very active philanthropist in so many important causes. I am incredibly proud that someone as worldly as she is involved with TRF. Amy sees the big picture.” 
And through her donation and commitment to horses, Tarrant is helping to create a bigger–and brighter–picture for TRF and Thoroughbred retirement everywhere. 
Under the challenge guidelines, Tarrant will match any gift given to the TRF between now and Dec. 31 up to $100,000. To donate, contact the TRF at P.O. Box 834, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, 518-226-0028, online at www.trfinc.org, or on Twitter at @TRFinc.