Since its founding more than 20 years ago, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) has been proud of its many accomplishments, from each horse that it has saved to each new farm or facility it has opened, to every time it has helped spread the message that there is a far better way of dealing with unwanted former racehorses than sending them off to a slaughterhouse. The TRF, it has been said, is in the business of creating happy endings.

But few events have generated the type of excitement within the organization that the opening of the TRF Secretariat Center at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington has.

This is far more than just another farm, another place to put some horses who might have otherwise been subjected to neglect, abuse, or slaughter. This is a chance to be part of one of the most widely visited and well-known attractions in the state–a place where horse lovers come, and where thousands of visitors can see firsthand the work the TRF does.

“There are a number of great opportunities presented by the TRF Secretariat Center,” TRF executive director Diana Pikulski said. “First of all, it offers exposure of Thoroughbreds, Thoroughbred racing, and the good work of Thoroughbred rescue groups to tens of thousands of horse fanatics. It will also give us much needed exposure within the sport, which we hope will inspire more owners and trainers to retire their horses while still sound