When a gelding of the dark bay is deposited graded is named excavators finished third in the 2011 Mister Diz at Pimlico Circuit, his connections knew it was time for the 39-year-old veteran to start turning the page and finding a new life off the road. race.
He was then sent to New Vocations — a nonprofit dedicated to retraining and rehabilitating retired racehorses — and adopted by Verena Brassfield to spend the rest of his days on a ranch. 600 acres of quiet in Tennessee.
Brassfield said: “I have always enjoyed thoroughbred horses and I could not have asked for a better horse. “I had a thoroughbred before he passed away, and at first I didn’t want another. But then someone gave my husband the website for the New Vocation, and the first picture I looked at was my husband. see is my son. I said, ‘That’s him.’ A week after applying, I received a call saying I had been approved.”
Digger, the son of Yonaguska of mixed Maryland, made his debut as a teenager in 2006 and graduated in fourth place with an impressive score of 9.5 in December of that year. laurel park. As a sophomore, he won three more shares at Laurel in Deputed Testamony by an overwhelming 11 3/4 length, Northern Dancer and Jennings Handicap to close the year.
In 2008, Digger moved north to the NYRA circuit, where he took a pair of wins at Belmont Park and Racecourse Saratoga. The following year saw his biggest successes in Empire State as he racked up four wins at the NYRA tracks, led by a defining score in Gravesend to end his fruitful campaign. .
Discarded by Rosie Napravnik, Digger displayed his typical pre-run strategy and raced with Pashito the Che closely following in second place. Digger put a distance of 1 1/2 between him and Pashito the Che at the extended call and was able to counter his determined opponent with the nose for a final time of 1:11.66 in six pulls long on the ground inside.
Digger picked up one more stake win to start his 2010 campaign with a 3 3/4 win at Laurel Park’s Fire Plug and visited the winners’ circle last March 2011 before when Repole Stable owner and trainer Bruce Brown decided to retire the evergreen veteran at age 7.
“I watched replays of his races and if someone told me he was going to be mine one day, I’d tell them they were crazy,” Brassfield said. “He’s a great racehorse, he can run and still run. When he takes off on the lawn, he leaves everyone behind.”
Digger was sent to one of New Vocations’ facilities in Ohio, where he was cared for until Brassfield saw his post and applied for adoption in the spring of 2012. It wasn’t long before she was accepted. agreed, and Digger found his permanent home. While Digger needed a lot of patience and commitment to learn how to get through the races, Brassfield was determined to help the beloved gelding dog settle into life and enjoy his retirement.
New Vocations, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was founded by Dot Morgan in 1992 and is one of 81 institutions accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), a specialized accreditation body raise funds and donate funds to recognized organizations. held throughout the year.
New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and their riders support TAA’s efforts with each NYRA racetrack owner donating $10 per start to thoroughbred post-care. In addition, riders donate 1.5 percent of the requested purchase price of horses on the track to the TAA and to the New York Thoroughbred Riders Association (NYTHA) LEADERSHIP program, which provides animal testing. y and funds the costs of transporting and retraining horses at the NYRA racetrack.
“Digger was gifted to our program on February 5, 2012 by Mike Repole and was on our program for four months before he was adopted,” said Anna Ford, Purebred Program Manager strains for New Occupations. “He’s a very classy guy.”
Brassfield said Digger was the best teacher she could ask for.
“He was very happy, but at first he went crazy,” said Brassfield with a laugh. “He’s very stubborn and if he doesn’t like you, you’ll know it. He’s honest, and I said, ‘Even if I can’t ride him, he’ll have his forever home. me.” He gives me everything I need just by being here. He taught me more than any horse could ever teach me.”
10 years after stepping off the track and with lots of patience and gradual improvements, Digger enjoys some light riding and flat riding and has settled well into his retirement. Brassfield describes Digger as “a puppy”, whose gentle nature and intelligence allow him to teach even the most equine children.
“I started coaching him and working with him every day,” Brassfield said. “He’s good with children—another boarder at the ranch says that Digger is the only horse she trusts with her 3-year-old daughter. He’s not spooky, he’s willing and There’s nothing I can’t throw at him that he’s not willing to accept. He has a sense of humor and likes things a certain way.”
Digger, who once ran Beyer Speed Figures in excess of 100, now leads a quieter life, enjoying time out of the limelight and with his devoted owner. Although he is a bit limited in his abilities when it comes to combat, Digger occasionally enjoys riding on trails and working flats, along with time to himself in his large blanket. with a group of friends.
“He rode on the trail and we taught him a little dress, but other than that, he was very free and interested. He had 30 or 40 acres to hike with about eight horses. He loves it and loves being out there,” Brassfield said. “All the mares in the pasture are his according to him. He made a new friend who arrived two months ago, a precious horse with whom he was close. But really, he was. friendly with all the horses.”
Brassfield said her relationship with Digger was one of the greatest privileges of her life.
“I call him ‘Schatzi’, which in German means ‘treasure’,” Brassfield said. “When I went out to pick him up, I called him the love of my life. I was lucky to find him. I swear to God, he gave me a chance, and that’s how it was. Only thing worked out. I count my blessings that I’ve had him for over 10 years now. We had a good time and I’m so happy to have him.”
This press release has been edited by BloodHorse Staff for content and style.
