Reinventing Racehorses Trainers Challenge
Kickoff June 14, 2026!
Mollie Hrycay & Brydown Big Kisses
Mollie has been paired with Brydown Big Kisses, the only mare in this year’s Trainers Challenge. Known for her bold personality and presence, “Bailey” will spend the next 12 weeks working alongside Mollie as they build a partnership and explore life beyond the racetrack.
Alanah Peterson & Keltic Ruler
Alanah is our Maritimes competitor in this years challenge and has been partnered with Keltic Ruler, one of the youngest horses in this challenge. With plenty of potential, the pair will focus on developing new skills and showcasing the versatility Standardbreds can offer in their second careers.
Brookelyn Cumberland & Cullen Keefe N
Brookelyn has been matched with Cullen Keefe N, a New Zealand-born gelding who spent nearly his entire North American career with the same family. Together, they will embark on the next chapter of his journey as he transitions from racehorse to riding horse.
Cloe Proctor & Major Arma N
As the youngest trainer in this year’s challenge, Cloe has been paired with Major Arma N. Their journey will focus on building confidence, establishing a strong foundation, and demonstrating the adaptability of retired Standardbreds.
Jacinthe Halle & ILoveWhatIDo
Representing Quebec, Jacinthe has been partnered with ILoveWhatIDo. After spending many years with his previous owners, he now begins a new adventure as Jacinthe works to help him discover his next career beyond racing.
Kristin Stewart & Taureau
Returning as the reigning 2025 Trainers Challenge Champion, Kristin has been paired with Taureau. Combining experience with a talented new partner, Kristin will once again showcase the athleticism, trainability, and potential of the Standardbred breed throughout the challenge.
What is the Reinventing Racehorses Trainers Challenge?
The Reinventing Racehorses Trainers Challenge is a 12-week training competition created in 2024 by New Start Standardbreds to showcase the versatility and potential of retired Standardbred racehorses. Six trainers are each paired with a recently retired Standardbred and challenged to help their horse transition into a new career through groundwork, riding, and skill development.
Throughout the challenge, participants share their progress, successes, and lessons learned, giving the public a behind-the-scenes look at the retraining process. At the end of the 12 weeks, each horse is available for adoption, helping connect these deserving horses with their next homes while highlighting the many opportunities available to Standardbreds beyond the racetrack.
Trainer Benefits
Trainers will be reimbursed a stipend of up to $300 per month to cover care needs for the horses during their time. (vet and farrier is covered above the $300). Trainers will also receive a portion of the final winnings based on their performance.
Points System
The Reinventing Racehorses Challenge operates on a dynamic point system designed to motivate trainers to set and achieve meaningful goals with their horses. Points will be earned based on the completion of training milestones, performance in designated challenges, and active participation in providing updates on their progress.
During the finale challenges, bonus points will be awarded for showcasing exceptional skills, creativity, and teamwork, as evaluated by a panel of judges. This system not only encourages goal-setting and accountability but also celebrates the transformative journey of each trainer-horse pair throughout the challenge.
TIMELINE – 2026
Trainer Applications Close: February 27, 2026
Challenge Start Date: June 14, 2026.
Challenge End Date & Virtual Finale: September 6, 2026.
Adoption Process Opens: August 10, 2026.
2025 FINAL PLACINGS
Champion: Kristin Stewart & Nellie Hudson
2nd Place: Sarah Cuthbertson & Buena Suerte
3rd Place: Shyanne White & Longnwinding Road
4th Place: Camelia Cyr-Ouellette & Port Hill Spirit
5th Place: Neil McCoag & Chocolate Crackers
SPONSORED BY: Manitoulin Resort, CCM Enterprises Ltd., and the Atlantic Harness Racing Club
2024 FINAL PLACINGS
Champion: Camelia Cyr-Ouellette & Brookdale Gia
2nd Place: Sarah Cuthbertson & Turbo Timmy
3rd Place: Holly Lacroix & Thee Impressionist
4th Place: Becca Proctor & Roman
5th Place: Jemma Elsdon & Lyons Queen – While they were unable to participate in the finale, this team showed how dedication and commitment can truly bring together a team! We appreciate Jemma, who originally had to step down as a chosen trainer due to life changes, take the chance to try to still participate with her own Standardbred who just retired off the racetrack prior to the start of the challenge.
SPONSORED BY: Manitoulin Resort & CCM Enterprises Ltd.