BY GULFSTREAM PARK PRESS OFFICE (Edited)

HALLANDALE BEACH, FL–It was quite the career for Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company (OBS) graduate Henley’s Joy, who retired with five lifetime wins and a bankroll of $1,250,134.

Purchased by Bloom Racing for $50,000 out of the Cary Frommer consignment at the 2018 OBS Spring Sale, he won his first race a month later. In his next start, he took the $390,600 Kentucky Downs Juvenile and later that year won the $75,000 Pulpit at Gulfstream.

But after winning the Grade 1 Belmont Derby Invitational in 2019, the son of Kitten’s Joy went 34 starts before finding the winner’s circle again in a $35,000 optional claiming at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 31, 2024. He was claimed out that race by Saffie Joseph Jr. and then tagged again in his next start by Jose D’Angelo.

After 48 starts and several months off following a second-place finish in a $50,000 optional claiming starter allowance in April of last year at Gulfstream, it was time for the 9-year-old to do something new.

“I claimed him, he’s a great horse and a Grade 1 winner,” D’Angelo said. “We love and respect every horse, but we always make sure our horses, when they retire, have a good life and have a good place.”

D’Angelo called Raina Gunderson with the Gulfstream Park Transition Program, who called Run for the Ribbons, a charitable organization in Ocala accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.

Henley’s Joy had found his new home.

Founded in 2014 by third-generation horsewoman and former FTBOA board member Laurine Fuller-Vargas, Run for the Ribbons retrains and rehomes retired Thoroughbreds. Each December since 2017, they also present the Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Expo, a multi-disciplined event at the Florida Horse Park showcasing Thoroughbreds and their diverse talents.

“We’re so excited about Henley being here. He’s our first millionaire,” said Fuller-Vargas, whose team includes Abby Fuller, jockey of 1985 Filly Triple Crown-winner Mom’s Command. “We have so much room here he will be a lifetime resident. He received that status as soon as he came in. He needs a little rehab, he has some arthritis, but he could be at the Expo. They have so many disciplines. They have a trail where you walk and one spot you canter. We just want the horses to be happy with whatever they do and live out their days as best as possible.”

Run for the Ribbons has grown from accepting eight horses the first three years to 46 the last 18 months. Eighteen horses have come from Tampa Bay Downs and their Ring the Bell program, joining Henley’s Joy from Gulfstream was Jackson’s Webb, Kitty Quick and unraced Sole Risk.

Fuller-Vargas grew up in New England attending now defunct Suffolk Downs and Rockingham Park with her grandparents and parents who were owners, breeders and trainers. She and Fuller are now hoping to start an Equine Assisted Learning program at Run for the Ribbons.

While Fuller-Vargas said Run for the Ribbons will be a wonderful home for Henley’s Joy, the chestnut gelding will likely be instrumental part of the Run for the Ribbons programs and those who visit.

“You can have businesses come out for team building skills, you can have days for people to volunteer and groom horses or spend an hour with Henley,” Fuller said.