Dallas Keen, the Texas-based conditioner who has been training since 1986, has reportedly retired and will work alongside his wife, Donna Keen, at Remember Me Racehorse Rescue, according to Daily Racing Form. Accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), Remember Me is a well-known and high-profile retraining and rehoming program that often features bridleless horses.
“I just want to make a difference with horses, especially off-track Thoroughbreds,” Keen told DRF. “They're a little different than other horses. They're high-spirited. It's amazing how well they adapt to their second career. It's like, 'I can do that!' It's a learning deal and it's rewarding to see that light turn on.”
Industry statistics with The Jockey Club (TJC) show Keen has made 6,044 starts as a trainer with 970 wins and earnings just shy of $16 million. His graded winners included Allen's Oop (Nines Wild), Inevitable Hour (Inevitable Leader), and Yessirgeneralsir (Patton). He also won the 1999 GII Arkansas Derby with Valhol (Diazo) and participated in that year's GI Kentucky Derby, but the horse was eventually disqualified from the Arkansas Derby when it was determined his rider had carried an electrical device during the race. Valhol did go on to win four other black-type races.
Keen's last winner came July 4 at Lone Star Park with Mr. Valentino (Revolving).
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