Uncle Sigh breezes at Belmont Park on April 25, 2014 ahead of his tilt at the Kentucky Derby. Susie Raisher photo.
NYRA Press Release
New York-bred stalwart Uncle Sigh, a contender in the 2014 Kentucky Derby, will be at Saratoga Race Course on Wednesday, July 21, as part of the inaugural New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day.
The 10-year-old is a fitting ambassador for New York’s aftercare efforts, as his 14th-place finish at Churchill Downs was the only one of 42 starts made outside the state. Uncle Sigh was runner-up in both the Withers and Gotham Stakes and fifth in the Wood Memorial en route to the Derby, and ended a successful racetrack career with seven wins and $648,686 in earnings.
He retired through New York’s TAKE THE LEAD Thoroughbred Retirement Program to ReRun in upstate New York in January of 2020, and quickly adapted to his new routine.
“He acted like he had lived here his entire life,” said ReRun Executive Director Lisa Molloy. “He never missed a beat – he usually takes most things in his stride.”
Uncle Sigh’s life is decidedly more relaxed now.
“He resides at our East Greenbush facility and we use him as a lead horse for the youngsters, especially out on trails,” Molloy said. “I take him to the occasional horse show, and we utilize his kind and generous nature by having him interact and work with veterans suffering from PTSD via the Saratoga Warhorse program.”
Retired racehorses can go on to any number of second careers, and Uncle Sigh has shown a knack for several occupations.
“Apart from being an exceptional breed ambassador, trail packer and show hunter, he really has found a niche in equine assisted therapy,” Molloy said, adding, “He really does demonstrate the versatility of Thoroughbreds.”
Fans can meet with Uncle Sigh at Saratoga and take selfies from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Horse Sense, an exhibit area behind the Grandstand near Gate A. Additional off-track Thoroughbreds will be showcased on the main track from 11:45 a.m. to 12:20 p.m., performing demonstrations of a variety of disciplines. Learn more about New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day here and a special appearance by fellow New York-bred standout Zivo here.
