Edited Press Release
The TAKE2 Thoroughbred League announced today new 2024 awards worth a total of $6,000 in recognition of Junior and Amateur Riders who compete in the TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper divisions nationwide. The high-point Amateur Rider in each division of the TAKE2 League standings will earn a $1,000 bonus, while the leading Junior Rider will earn a $500 bonus. In addition, the top-finishing Amateur and Junior in each division of the TAKE2 Finals will be awarded $1,000 and $500, respectively.
“Amateurs and Juniors ride head-to-head with Professionals in the TAKE2 League divisions,” TAKE2 Executive Director Andy Belfiore said. “While they more than hold their own, we wanted to put the spotlight on their success, and encourage even more participation from the non-professionals. Our mission is to inspire all horsemen and women to consider a Thoroughbred for their next Hunter or Jumper, and this is one more way we hope to accomplish that.”
The TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program was established in 2012 to highlight the talent of retired racehorses as Hunters and Jumpers. Nearly 500 horse shows in 25 states offer TAKE2 divisions, and more than 2,500 Thoroughbreds have competed in the classes to date. TAKE2 has distributed more than $1.1 million in prize money and awards since it was launched.
“Another generous and positive step towards heightening the non-racing career of our beloved Thoroughbreds,” said Amateur Rider Marty Nevins, who has been competing with 12-year-old Classic Brother in the TAKE2 League since 2019. “Congrats to TAKE2 on your new Amateur and Junior awards for the 2024/25 season!”
The $20,000 TAKE2 Hunter and Jumper Finals will be held Sept. 22, 2024, at the Kentucky National Horse Show in Lexington.
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