Page 47 - 2021 TAA Magazine

SANCTUARY
Final Furlong REHABILITATION
RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL:
“TAA has allowed
Final Furlong an
opportunity to provide
a safe retirement to
our (lifers) – those
who have soundness
issues that make
placement
impossible. They
now can live out
their lives with the
care and comfort
they deserve.”

FOUNDED: 2009
ADDRESS:
9119 NW Hwy 225A
Ocala, FL 34482
Final Furlong serves as a sanctuary, plus retrains and places ex-racehorses in new homes.
PHONE: (352) 427-8540
Final Furlong, founded in 2009 by Stephanie photos of the new home. MAIN CONTACT:
Brennan, has placed dozens of ex-racehorses Brennan has worked alongside her husband, Stephanie Brennan
into new homes or safe and secure retirement trainer Niall Brennan, developing some of Amer-
while establishing itself as a leader in Thorough- ica’s top racehorses, including 2013 Kentucky WEB ADDRESS:
bred aftercare. Derby winner Orb, 2013 Belmont winner Palace niallbrennan.com/ffhr.html
The Final Furlong team, comprised of Bren- Malice, and champion Dayatthespa. Many of
nan and volunteers, scans entries for at-risk Final Furlong’s graduates came through that SOCIAL:
runners that are heading down in class. Using program, including Gunpowder Creek and NiallBrennanStables
funds garnered through donations and grants, Canaan Land, retrained as a dressage competi- @niallbrennanstb
the organization acquires targeted racehorses tor and pony horse, respectively. Others have @niallbrennanstbls
and brings them to its Ocala, Fla., base, where gone on to careers as eventers, hunter/jumpers,
they remain for rehab and evaluation until trail horses, and companion animals. Horses AVERAGE NUMBER OF
deemed ready to move forward. such as stakes-placed Hammock and royally THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR:
There are no adoption fees, though prospective bred Indian Key successfully transitioned from
new owners are thoroughly screened. A contract the racetrack to the show ring. Several remain 15
must be completed, accompanied by a letter from permanent retirees at Final Furlong.
an industry professional indicating their ability According to Stephanie Brennan, “Final
to care for an off-the-track Thoroughbred. An Furlong simply wants to give the horses who
additional letter from the veterinarian who will have given so much to us an opportunity to excel
care for the horse also is required, along with at another career.”

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 45