VIBRANT FORCE: HOW AFTERCARE SHOULD WORK
Just over three years ago, we launched Wasabi Aftercare Fund to provide safe and secure retirements for all horses that are bred and/or raced by Wasabi Ventures Stables. Recently, we assisted in our first retirement of a horse bred, but not raced, by WVS.
On Febr. 24, 2021, Vibrant Spirit foaled a healthy colt by Force the Pass. It was determined that he would not be kept to run for Wasabi. Rather than bring him to auction, WVS sold the colt to Bobby Flock in August 2022. Once with Bobby he was given his official Jockey Club name, Vibrant Force.
As is typical of Thoroughbreds, Vibrant Force stayed at a farm until he was two. He then began training for his career as a racehorse with Carl Doran at Fair Hill. He had his first timed work in April 2023. On Nov. 10, 2023, Vibrant Force made his debut in a 4 1/2-furlong race at Charles Town. Through the end of the year, he raced three times at three different distances on dirt without success.
Bobby and Carl then decided to give Vibrant Force the rest of the winter off, in order to make a 2024 debut on turf. In the spring of 2024 he ran three times, at different distances on both turf and dirt. His best result was seventh. By his final race on June 26, Bobby knew Vibrant Force wasn't meant to be a racehorse. According to Bobby, “This little guy and I had and have a great bond together so this makes me happy to see him go to a good home. It's never about the money with me it's always about the horse.”
This is where the Wasabi Aftercare Fund comes into the story. Bobby reached out and explained Vibrant Force's situation. I then began contacting people in my network to find a post-racing home for Vibrant Force. Retiring sound, finding a home took little time. He now is with Jessica Redman, who will begin preparing him for his second career and will find his next home. After spending a few days with him, Jessica reports that “he's so nice. Bobby was great to work with as well.”
Vibrant Force is just one example of why we built Wasabi Aftercare Fund: to be able to support each and every horse Wasabi Ventures Stables when they are ready to retire from their first career. We wholeheartedly believe that for all our horses provide us, we need to provide them with safe and secure homes when their racing careers end.
Although Vibrant Force has a clear path to his future, this article isn't the end of our story with him, not even close. We will continue to follow him with regular updates.
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