Turnagain Tide exemplifies the critical role aftercare organizations play in securing promising futures for retired racehorses. Despite a modest racing career, this well-bred bay struggled to adjust initially to life beyond the track. Thanks to the dedication of CANTER Michigan’s team, however, he has thrived in the show ring. Now nine years old, Turnagain Tide earned the 2026 TAKE2 Jet Run Award as the highest-scoring Thoroughbred Hunter graduate from an accredited aftercare program.
Sired by premier stallion Into Mischief, Turnagain Tide sold for $750,000 as a yearling at Keeneland’s September sale. He won his second career start as the favorite during Keeneland’s Spring Meet in 2021 and added an allowance victory at Horseshoe Indianapolis before retiring following a less successful race four weeks later.
After retirement, Turnagain Tide was donated to CANTER Michigan in December and began retraining in January 2022 under the guidance of Jennifer Blades, barn manager Jen Murdoch, and rider Kimberly Fenn at Willowbrooke Farm. His adjustment was challenging—initially fearful of everyday obstacles like jump standards, his natural flight response was to bolt, which was daunting given his size and strength, standing at 16.2 hands then and later growing to 17.1.
Fenn explained the delicate balance needed to rehabilitate such a horse, emphasizing kindness to avoid worsening anxiety while curbing fear-driven behaviors from becoming ingrained habits. Though the process was gradual, Murdoch saw his potential and eventually adopted him. Two years into his retraining, Turner debuted successfully at a rated show with Blades as trainer and Fenn as rider, capturing a blue ribbon and quickly progressing to higher competition levels.
An ardent supporter of the TAKE2 Program, Blades encouraged Turnagain Tide’s advancement into the Thoroughbred Hunter division last year, where he nearly clinched year-end honors. This past season, Turner improved further, finishing fifth in high-score standings and earning the TAKE2 Jet Run championship.
Fenn, a New England native and longtime Thoroughbred advocate, highlighted the breed’s athleticism and unique spirit. Raised in Connecticut with early equestrian influences, she captains the intercollegiate team at the University of Delaware and balances her role as a professor at Michigan State University, dedicating time to volunteering with CANTER Michigan. She praises the organization’s genuine commitment to rehabbing and rehoming ex-racehorses, noting how it benefits both horses and adopters in today’s challenging market.
Founded in 1998 as a nonprofit, CANTER helps retired racehorses transition by listing them for sale and facilitating retraining—sending up to six horses simultaneously to Willowbrooke Farm in Michigan. Fenn values the program’s philosophy for providing meaningful second chances to horses and affordability to adopters.
To honor these achievements, TAKE2 awarded CANTER Michigan $1,000 for their role in supporting retired racehorses, alongside a similar donation to Maryland’s After The Races program, whose graduate Jersey Fresh won the Jumper division’s TAKE2 Jet Run Award.
TAKE2 President Rick Schosberg remarked on how aftercare organizations often go unrecognized despite their foundational role in retired racehorses’ successes and expressed gratitude for their ongoing dedication.
Fan Take:
This story underscores how vital aftercare programs are in transforming the lives of retired racehorses, allowing them to shine in new disciplines and extend their athletic careers. For horse racing fans, it highlights the sport’s commitment to equine welfare and the enduring bond between humans and horses beyond the finish line, promising a brighter future for these incredible athletes.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
