When Hozier sustained a career-ending injury after a horse cut his heel right in front of him, the initial aim was to rehabilitate the 5-year-old horse to “pasture soundness,” allowing him to live out his life peacefully grazing on a farm. Anything beyond that was considered a pleasant surprise.
Unexpectedly, in mid-October 2025, the now 7-year-old Hozier launched his second career at the Retirement Thoroughbred Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover. This event showcases recently retired racehorses, who, after a period of retraining, compete in one of ten disciplines at the Kentucky Horse Park.
Brooke Baker, Hozier’s post-race trainer and wife of his former racetrack trainer Rodolphe Brissett, reflected, “Just arriving here feels like a victory. It’s been a long and challenging journey.”
Hozier’s story began as a son of Pioneer of the Nile—who sired the 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. Purchased for $625,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling sale, he began his racing career with Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, representing a partnership involving SF Racing, Starlight Racing, and Madaket. Hozier raced seven times under Baffert’s guidance, finishing second in notable races such as the 2021 Rebel Stakes (G2) and the Thurberton Stakes at Pimlico.
Despite his talent, Hozier didn’t meet Baffert’s top-tier standards and was transferred to Kentucky trainer Brissett. After some mixed performances, including a last-place finish in the Ohio Derby and a win at the Second Level Allowance at Ellis Park, Hozier was listed for sale at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July Racing-Age Sale. Ted and Mary Nixon of Louisville, partners in Starlight, fell in love with him and bought him for $200,000, starting Storyteller Racing.
Under Storyteller, Hozier won three races, including the off-turf River City Stakes at Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Downs Preview Mint Millions at Ellis Park. Versatile on both dirt and grass, Hozier was part of Brissett’s stable during their winter trip to Oaklawn Park in Arkansas.
On Dec. 15, 2023, an incident occurred when another horse tried to squeeze through a gap too small, cutting his heel and falling. Brooke Baker recounts, “We were right behind him with no place to go. The replay shows he attempted a jump but didn’t have the space or time and fell hard. The whole back took a big hit.” Hozier was on stall rest for 30-45 days, unable to walk initially. Scans revealed no breaks but showed deep bruising requiring months of rehab.
After about eight months of careful rehabilitation, Hozier began recovery, though progress was slow and uncertain. Baker describes, “I started riding him gently and waited for him to signal when he was ready to advance. He never wanted to stop and gradually improved.” Many horses need mental breaks after racing; the Makeover competition’s extra time for rehab was invaluable. Baker only began riding him again in March 2025.
Mary Nixon called Hozier’s rebirth as a show horse “a miracle” given how uncertain his recovery once seemed. “You’d never guess he was hurt now. Ultimately, I want to ride him myself, which would be another milestone.”
Baker assists her husband as a trainer at the track, while Brissett acts as Hozier’s groom in shows. Before his show ring debut in jumping, they warmed up together, with Brissett noting, “There’s much less pressure now. Brooke enjoys it, and it’s a joy to showcase what Thoroughbreds can do. Racing was tougher—he was nervous in the paddock, so we had to prepare him carefully. After the accident, he mentally switched overnight.”
Hozier made a strong first impression in show jumping at the Makeover, qualifying well though not advancing to the finals initially. He then competed in the freestyle event, performing to the Irish musician Hozier’s song “Take Me to Church,” finishing seventh and advancing to a 10-horse final. Despite impressive jumping and stylish outfits, he was disqualified for a technicality: Baker didn’t wear a helmet in the finals, which was required.
While disappointed by the technical disqualification, everyone was thrilled with Hozier’s effort and progress. Mary Nixon noted that this was a different kind of nervousness than racing, emphasizing that Hozier seems genuinely happy in his new role. “He has worked hard for us and deserves a joyful retirement.”
After being gelded post-acquisition by Storyteller, Hozier was planned for Mary Nixon to ultimately ride in shows. Baker always wondered if he’d pursue jumping because of his athleticism and personality. “He was a favorite at the track, known as the happiest horse. He has a big stride and a beautiful neck, ideal for jumping.”
Hozier is Baker’s second horse to compete in the Makeover, following The Black Album, who competed in jumping and ranching. Baker expressed her dedication to the event, praising Thoroughbreds’ willingness to learn and perform. “Hozier’s personality shines both in the show ring and on the track—he really thinks he’s the star.”
Mary Nixon, with lifelong horse experience, admires the adaptability of retired Thoroughbreds. “They can be high-strung during racing but settle into new roles beautifully. Hozier has proven he can be an excellent show jumper, though we are still discovering what else he enjoys.”
Looking ahead, Hozier will compete again in December 2025 at the 3rd Winter Classic at the World Equestrian Center in Ohio, entered in two show jumping classes.
Fan Take: Hozier’s journey from a promising racehorse to a successful show jumper highlights the incredible versatility and resilience of Thoroughbreds beyond the track. For fans, this not only offers hope for retired racehorses but also challenges the sport to embrace and celebrate second careers that extend these horses’ lives and legacies in new, inspiring ways.
