Valhalla Golf Club, recent site of the 2024 PGA Championships, will host a pair of retired graded stakes horses through the conclusion of this year's golf season. Hawaakom (Jazil), winner of the 2018 GIII Razorback Handicap, and General A Rod (Roman Ruler), third in the 2014 GI Florida Derby, will reside in a Valhalla-donated eight-acre area which features a traditional wood plank fenced paddock and lighted Lexington-style run-in shed. The two horses are sponsored by their prior connections, Skychai Racing, Hot Pink Stables and MagnaWave, to be ambassadors for the Second Stride equine adoption program.
The partnership between Valhalla and Second Stride began when Randy Hoffacker, owner of Destination Design, wanted to incorporate Kentucky's signature industry into his redesign of the Louisville golf club in 2022.
“My vision was for the property to epitomize Kentucky,” Hoffacker said. “To represent what makes our state the special place it is geographically and culturally. Nothing epitomizes Kentucky more than the horse industry. Once I learned about Second Stride's mission, it was clear Valhalla needed to be involved.”
Valhalla owner Jimmy Kirchdorfer wholeheartedly believed in the concept.
“We wanted to give our members and guests an immediate taste of the Commonwealth, and nothing says Kentucky more than beautiful Thoroughbreds,” Kirchdorfer said. “We realigned our entrance gate so that the first thing you see at the club is the Valhalla Horse Farm.”
As the golf club sits on the former site of Kentucky Speaker of the House David Osborne's family horse farm, the partnership is not only a nod to its history, it is a look to the future, said Second Stride founder Kim Smith.
“It's our hope that this exposure will inspire others to research our program, engage with and support the aftercare industry,” Smith said. “Having two representatives of Second Stride onsite also helps to showcase the racing industry's commitment to rehoming and the safe transition of retired horses when their racing days are over.”
Kirchdorfer added, “We love having General A Rod and Hawaakom. They add to the beauty of our property and bring a smile to the faces of our members and guests when they enter and exit the club. Our membership is proud to partner with Second Stride and hopes that having General A Rod and Hawaakom at Valhalla will bring additional exposure to Second Stride and the great work they do with Thoroughbred aftercare.”
The two horses will return to their Chorleywood Farm home in the fall.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
