When Express Train, a recently turned 9-year-old racehorse, retires from racing in the fall of 2025, owners Lee and Susan Shearing opted against a stud career despite his impressive $1.6 million in G1 earnings. Instead, trainer John Shirreffs chose to have the son of Union Rags gelded and sent to training to start a new career in sport horse disciplines.
“Mr. Shearing really cares deeply about his horses,” Shirreffs explained. “He wants to give back to the horses that performed well for him. Express Train has done so much; he deserves a retrained life and promising future.”
In December, Express Train moved to Jen Reutz’s Brownstead Farm in Kentucky to begin this fresh chapter. Though he arrived during a harsh Midwest cold spell, he is gradually adjusting to his new routine.
Shirreffs picked Reutz for the job because of her proven success with Midcourt, another graded stakes winner formerly owned by Shearing. “I was thrilled to have her work with Express Train because she did such a great job with Midcourt,” Shirreffs noted. “Midcourt faced initial challenges but overcame them remarkably.”
Reutz recounted that when Midcourt first arrived, he was withdrawn and resistant to training. They started with minimal movement, gradually building trust and confidence, which eventually transformed him into a successful racehorse. Retired as a gelding, Midcourt smoothly transitioned to his second career thanks to Reutz’s careful training, ultimately finding a loving new home.
Encouraged by Midcourt’s success, Shirreffs was eager to have Express Train go through Reutz’s program. Despite some health setbacks, Express Train had a notable racing career, including wins and runner-up finishes in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1, 2022 and 2025). However, his pedigree made him a less attractive stallion prospect, raising concerns about his welfare if sold for breeding. To secure a positive future, the decision was made to geld him and retrain him as a show horse under Reutz’s guidance, with plans to place him in a forever home.
This article was originally published by Paulick Report on January 1, 2026, in the Horse Care section.
Fan Take: This story highlights a meaningful shift in how racehorses can be valued beyond their breeding potential, showing a growing commitment to their welfare after racing. For horse racing fans, it’s inspiring to see champions like Express Train given a chance to thrive in a second career, enriching the sport’s legacy and encouraging responsible aftercare.
