California Racehorses Earned Travel Scholarships for Show
Seven retired racehorses have received funds to help cover the cost of traveling 2,000 miles to a national competition.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Large Animals
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The California Retirement Management Account has awarded the Messineo Makeover Scholarship to seven retired racehorses. Known as the Magnificent 7, these horses will head to Kentucky for a national event thanks to support from a trust established by Nancy Messineo.
Why it matters
Participating in national equine competitions often carries significant logistical burdens for owners in the West. This scholarship helps remove financial barriers by covering the high costs associated with transporting animals across the country.
The seven scholarship recipients are Savel, Classical Cat, Beach Hero, Sasafran, Prince Abama, Cali Bay, and Anisette. The funding supports transport for the 2,000-mile journey from California to the Kentucky Horse Park.
The players
California Retirement Management Account
An organization dedicated to the retirement and retraining of racehorses.
Sandia Creek Ranch Auxiliary Foundation
A non-profit foundation that supports the training and care of horses.
Nancy Messineo
A benefactor whose trust provides ongoing financial support for retired racehorse welfare.
The details
The scholarships are financed through a trust created by Nancy Messineo, who passed away in 2023. These funds assist West Coast participants in managing the substantial travel expenses required to reach the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover in Kentucky. Additionally, the Sandia Creek Ranch Auxiliary Foundation is coordinating ongoing fundraising efforts to cover board, training, and competition fees for the horses.
Timeline
Nancy Messineo died on June 8, 2023.
The competition takes place from October 7 to October 10, 2026.
The Home Front
The Thoroughbred Makeover has become a significant national benchmark for retired racehorse placement programs. This scholarship program highlights the evolving need for logistical support as more owners seek to transition their horses into second careers through national competitions.
If you are an owner of a retired racehorse looking to participate in national events, contact your local equine management group to inquire about potential transit grants or scholarship availability. Keep detailed records of all horse training and travel expenses to determine if you qualify for support programs or tax deductions.
The takeaway
Securing support for retired performance horses often requires engaging with local equine non-profits early in the training process. Keep the Sandia Creek Ranch Auxiliary Foundation information on file if you are seeking resources for professional board and training services.
What happens next
The Magnificent 7 will compete in the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover at the Kentucky Horse Park from October 7 through October 10, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the care and transition of retired equines at Large Animals.
More information
View progress on the Magnificent 7 by visiting the SCRAF Thoroughbred Makeover fundraising page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Valley News.
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