Ilium Stables

Aftercare absolutely needs more money—but it also needs a better model. I’m not against paying more; I’m against pretending another fee is a plan. The irony is that the U.S. actually leads the world in aftercare: national accreditation, TAA grants, OTTB sport incentives, adoption pipelines, and a culture that celebrates second careers. That’s real progress, and it’s worth being proud of. A serious plan starts with a revolution in aftercare models, not just maintenance. It looks like creative land partnerships that scale second careers, accreditation that prioritizes responsible transition over permanent warehousing in sanctuaries, and programs that put Thoroughbreds back to work—ridden, shown, cared for, and loved. It also means imagination for the next generations: funding first lessons for kids, backing initiatives like Thoroughbred Renaissance, and scaling groups like Amplify so inspiration comes from education.

Received a number of questions in last week’s @EclipseTBP town hall about these findings, and here they are… They are/were NOT stand-alone solutions, but a foundation for collaboration. A basis on which to start long-needed reforms. thoroughbreddailynews.com/letter-to-the-…

And we say this as a Stable that love and has had success with sprint races at high levels. It does not need to be either/or but a both/and.

This would be an interesting study for something like Grayson Jockey Club Research foundation to support if they have the right researchers. There is one lede that is buried within it, which is the deemphasis of staying races by the Graded Stakes Committee and less purse money.

Tecumseh’s War (Ontario), earner of US$122K and 4th in the 2020 Queen’s Plate, was rehomed by LongRun Retirement @WoodbineTB, thriving in his second career and is now also Mr. February. 🐎 #Aftercare matters. And most grateful for the adopters.

@MachmerHall @RepoleStable @USHJA @TomRyanKY And we are heading into Olympics equestrian in the US. Can we get a thoroughbred representative in LA? ;)

@MachmerHall @RepoleStable @USHJA @TomRyanKY Agreed, Carrie. TBs carry an (unfair) stigma especially those with a racing career. Building an economically viable competition series will see increase adoptions and is something worth supporting if one cares about aftercare and equestrian sports.

I’ve spent the last four years trying to unite and strategically align the power stakeholders in Thoroughbred racing. Four years in, we still can’t solve aftercare. That tells you everything. I’m convinced there is only one path left to force real change and save this industry outside of Kentucky and a few surviving states. A national lawsuit. With national media coverage. Think Michael Jordan vs. NASCAR. This isn’t about tearing the sport down. It’s about saving the tracks, the people, the small owners and breeders, the fans, and most importantly, protecting the Thoroughbred. Discovery will bring forward facts that have long remained hidden and are critical to the future of the sport. My goal and mission is to make the changes needed so this sport not only survives, but thrives for the next 100 years. No one is more prepared for this fight than me, and I have the resources to take it to the end. I hope I have your support. I will definitely need it. ❤️🙏💪

Tiznow Mama (#Tiznow out of Awesome Mama by Awesome Again) wins first time out since her return @turf_paradise in an Allowance Optional Claimer at 1 mile on the turf for trainer Justin Evans and Daylor Berrios-Lopez in the irons. Onward and upward!

Tinky raises some important ones. As well as some things we noticed on the need to get younger clientele and offer better offerings to our consumers across the board. But we can’t lose the California (or any) market and temporary patches give time to long term reforms.

Agree with Tom here as a a stable racing in Califonia — it’s not a binary. The horse racing industry should be able to use its intellectual property to help with California purses. But we also need to address some fundamental issues for longevity.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of the legendary DISTORTED HUMOR, a Champion Freshman Sire and Champion General Sire who continues to influence the breed. He was euthanized on Saturday morning due to the infirmities of old age at 33 years old. “It’s a deeply sad day for all of us at WinStar Farm to lose a generational sire like Distorted Humor,” said Elliott Walden. “We take solace in the legacy he leaves behind. His impact on the breed is undeniable and will be felt for generations to come.” Distorted Humor was one of the original four stallions of WinStar Farm and has called the land home for the last 27 years. He served as a cornerstone to our breeding operations and played a large role in developing the farm, we would not be the same operation without him. We want to thank all of his connections, breeders, and fans for their continued support as we mourn the loss of an incredible horse.

Not just bad for B.C. racing but all those of us who breed and race in Canada.

TIANMA (Distorted Humor-Home Rule by Empire Maker) is now stakes-placed after coming in third in the Pitre GMC #Albuquerque Distaff Stakes at 7 furlongs on the dirt for trainer Justin Evans and jockey Francisco Amparan. Looking forward to future races off this one!

He will be in our hearts forever. There were many wonderful photos taken of ANARCHIST but we would like to leave one from one of our favorite racing photographers, Barbara Livingston, taken in 2023.

People know ANARCHIST for his speed and class. But he was a gentle giant, with an insatiable love of carrots (but never mints), and love for human contact. Although he traveled the world, we believe his favorite home was in Del Mar by the breeze of the Pacific.

After two surgeries, and the advice of the veterinary team at the Ruffian Clinic, ANARCHIST was humanely euthanized this afternoon in New York. We are devastated and we want to assure everyone that has wished ANARCHIST well that we did everything possible to save his life.

@BakerBloodstock Thank you for the message. Anarchist remains in the care of the Ruffian Clinic and is still receiving treatment at this time.

A brief update on ANARCHIST: Today, Anarchist had surgery at the Ruffian Clinic in New York, which has gone well. The next two weeks will of course be crucial. We want to thank everyone who has supported his care.

We also especially want to thank all those who have wished ANARCHIST well. We have received positive wishes from Canada, Korea and all over the United States. Your care and concern means so very much to all of us.