September Highlights & Parx G1 Winners

September is the pinnacle of racing at Parx—from Labor Day through the Pennsylvania Derby and Cotillion. These moments remind us why we love Thoroughbreds: their beauty, athleticism, and joy on the track—and the amazing second careers they discover through aftercare.

This year’s Turning For Home Day brought that full circle. We welcomed alumni back to the track, honored horse-and-rider pairs in the post parades, and celebrated Marissa’s Mission as our T‑shirt ambassador. Watching racehorses shift pace so completely—from running in Pennsylvania to mastering eventing, hunters, jumpers, dressage, western, and trail—reminds us what makes them extraordinary: heart, stamina, intelligence, and a deep willingness to partner with people.

PA Day at the Races

Our Pennsylvania roots were front and center as we thanked our breeder partners whose support enables our mission. Their commitment—alongside the PTHA owner and jockey contributions—continues to drive responsible pathways for horses when their racing days are done.

Turning For Home Day — Alumni at the Track

We proudly showcased five TFH graduates and their riders, demonstrating the breadth of second careers possible:

• Spirit’s Hero with international eventer Ryan Wood — eventing showcase

• Marissa’s Mission with Sophie Reed — featured foxhunter and our 2025 T‑shirt ambassador

• Kingsville (Castle Rock Farm) — the beloved warhorse heading to the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover in October

• Dancin’ Debbie (Safe Haven Equine) — back on track to lead a post parade with poise

• Mouse (Safe Haven Equine) — a fan favorite showing the steady, kind partner Thoroughbreds become

Makeover bound: Kingsville joins 16 other TFH alumni slated to compete across 10 disciplines at the RRP Thoroughbred Makeover.

G1 Weekend at Parx — Winners’ Recap

To cap the month, Parx hosted two of the nation’s premier races for sophomores. Here are the official results in newsletter‑ready lines for quick reference:

• Pennsylvania Derby (G1): Baeza — Trainer John Shirreffs, Jockey Hector Berrios — powered home by 2¼ lengths in 1:48.03 (1⅛ miles).

• Cotillion Stakes (G1): Clicquot — Trainer Brendan Walsh, Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. — prevailed by a neck in 1:42.85 (1 1/16 miles).

Why It Matters for Aftercare

Every runner on big days like these will one day transition to a new chapter. Turning For Home

stands ready with humane intake, thoughtful rehab, and careful placement—prioritizing riding homes while also working tirelessly to secure safe companion or therapy options for pasture‑sound horses.

How You Can Help

• Adopt: Start with our application and we’ll match you with suitable horses. Adoption Application →

• Support: Owner & jockey contributions power our model; individual gifts close critical gaps in rehab and retraining. Donate →

• Partner Farms & Trainers: Interested in working with TFH horses? We’d love to connect. Partner with TFH →

Turning For Home is the PTHA’s nationally recognized aftercare program at Parx Racing. Since 2008, TFH has assisted more than 4,600 Thoroughbreds in their transition from racing to second careers.