Retired Thoroughbreds Tizrobertcharles (Bwana Charlie) and Guidoinaspeedo (Meadow Monster), both members of the Davie Police Department's Mounted Patrol Unit, and Rockaway, a member of the City of Coral Gables mounted unit, will help present the colors before the playing of the National Anthem on Pegasus World Cup Day Saturday.
“Gulfstream Park focuses on racehorse aftercare to provide one time competitors a meaningful second career,” said Mike Lakow, Vice President of Racing at Gulfstream Park. “We welcome these athletes back to the track alongside local equestrian law enforcement. The Stronach Group supports accredited programs so these horses can be retrained, re-homed and retired to caring homes.”
Tizrobertcharles, retrained at the Florida Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoptive Care (TRAC), was adopted by the Davie unit by former trainer and facility manager/supervisor Gary Cortolillo. An 11-year-old who won his seventh and final start, Tizrobertcharles patrols the town daily and has attended several special events. Officer Mark Groeneveld, 'Charlie's' partner, has been an officer for 21 years and joined the mounted unit in 2019.
“What makes OTTBs so incredibly special in my eyes is their impeccable work ethic and desire to please,” said Katie Schmit, farm manager and trainer at TRAC. “They are meticulously bred to win and thus have an inherent need to feel successful. The exposure they receive at such a young age gives them a huge step up when their racing careers are over.”
Guidoinaspeedo, a 9-year-old, also won once in seven starts while racing in the Mid-Atlantic. 'Buddy,' as he's affectionately called, has been with the mounted unit since 2015. Officer Richard Spradling, 'Buddy's' partner, has been an officer since 2007 and joined the mounted unit in 2019. Rockaway, who raced 10 times in South Florida, is the first documented police horse in Coral Gables in nearly 90 years. Rockaway served as a flag horse at Bergeron Rodeo. His partner is Officer Ashley Sheran.
Saturday's Pegasus World Cup Day card is highlighted by the $3-million GI Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational and $1-million GI Pegasus World Cup Turf Championship Invitational.
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