Photos Provided Courtesy of Erin Gilmore Photography
Messineo Makeover Scholarship recipients earn top placings across multiple disciplines, showcasing the talent of California’s off-track Thoroughbreds.
The 2026 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover concluded in Lexington, Kentucky, with CARMA’s Messineo Makeover Scholarship recipients turning in a strong showing across several disciplines, highlighted by a Golden State Award victory and multiple top finishes.
Classical Cat, ridden by Kiersti Wylie, led the way, earning the $5,000 Golden State Award, presented by the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC). Classical Cat also finished second in the Competitive Trail Championship and fifth in the Freestyle Championship, adding to an impressive week for the CARMA graduate.
Other notable performances included St. Eligius, ridden by Liz Miller, who placed second among amateur riders in Freestyle and fifth in Ranch Work. Beach Hero, with Teegan Carthew aboard, finished sixth in the Freestyle Championship, while Pacific Tide and Allie Silvera earned sixth among amateur riders in Dressage.
The younger members of Team CARMA also distinguished themselves. Prince Abama, ridden by Madison Curcie, finished fourth among junior riders in Freestyle and eighth in Dressage. Cali Bay (IRE), with Jileann Pinhero, placed fifth among junior riders in Dressage and eighth in Freestyle. Anisette, partnered with Emma Rosas and Kiersti Wylie, earned third in Freestyle Team and fourth in Competitive Trail Team.
Yet the results tell only part of the story.
For the Pony Club members representing CARMA, the week involved considerably more than competing. When they weren’t preparing their horses or riding in their classes, they volunteered to help the Retired Racehorse Project put on the event. The schedule was demanding, and they embraced it with enthusiasm.
That same commitment extended to their fellow competitors. Throughout the week, Team CARMA riders made their way between competition rings, often in the limited time between their own classes, to watch and encourage their teammates.
It was a true team environment among riders who had spent months preparing for an event that, for many on the West Coast, requires considerable planning, expense, and a cross-country journey.
The Messineo Makeover Scholarship was established to help California-based riders overcome those barriers and provide opportunities for California-connected Thoroughbreds to demonstrate their abilities in second careers.
This year’s team did just that.
From championship placings to the determination shown by horses and riders still early in their development, the week offered a compelling look at the versatility of off-track Thoroughbreds and the dedication of the people preparing them for new careers.
CARMA congratulates every member of the team and thanks the supporters, volunteers, trainers, and horsemen who helped make the trip possible. Special thanks go to KC Transport for helping get the horses safely to Kentucky, and Erin Gilmore Photography for capturing the moments and memories of the week.
Honoring Nancy Messineo’s Legacy
The late Nancy Messineo, a longtime supporter of CARMA and Thoroughbred aftercare, left an extraordinary $800,000 legacy gift to CARMA’s Placement Program. The Messineo Makeover Scholarship builds on her generosity by helping West Coast riders of CARMA Placement Program graduates overcome the financial barriers of traveling to Kentucky to compete at the Thoroughbred Makeover.
By showcasing the potential of CARMA Placement Program graduates on a national stage, the scholarship has helped increase demand for CARMA graduates within the equestrian community. This increased interest encourages faster adoptions, reduces the time horses spend awaiting placement, and creates capacity to help more retiring Thoroughbreds. This year, the scholarships awarded expanded from six to twelve recipients, all partnered with CARMA Placement Program graduates.
Donations to CARMA support these transitions, giving retiring racehorses the resources and opportunities they need to thrive beyond the track. To learn more or make a contribution, visit www.carma4horses.org.
About California Retirement Management Account
CARMA (California Retirement Management Account) is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization formed to assist Thoroughbred rehabilitation and retirement organizations that facilitate the care and retraining of Thoroughbreds who raced in California and whose racing careers have ended. CARMA ensures that racehorses have retirement options by managing and disbursing funds to qualified retirement facilities caring for such horses.
Donations to CARMA are tax-deductible and may be sent to CARMA, 285 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007 (Tax ID #80-0146395) or made online. For more information, visit carma4horses.org.
