The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) Thoroughbred of the Year for 2013, Loveable Rascal, will be honored in the winner’s circle at ThistleDown in Cleveland, Ohio, with a race named after him. The presentation will take place before the fourth race on October 11, 2013.

“It’s fantastic for the Thoroughbred industry and tracks such as ThistleDown to support our retired Thoroughbreds, especially those that excel in different disciplines,” said Kristin Leshney, legal associate for The Jockey Club and the administrator of T.I.P. “We’d like to welcome people to enjoy a day at the races and help honor Rascal — admission to ThistleDown is free.”

“ThistleDown Racino is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Loveable Rascal,” said David Ellsworth, director of racing at ThistleDown. “Thoroughbreds have a number of career options available once they retire from racing, and we’re happy to see that Rascal has made the most of his venture into therapeutic riding.”

The Thoroughbred of the Year Award recognizes a Thoroughbred that has excelled in a non-competitive career. Loveable Rascal, aka Rascal, is an 11-year-old therapy horse from Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. He has been a therapy horse for six years. Rascal received a halter from T.I.P. and Fieldstone was awarded $5,000.

In addition, Purina generously provided backpacks and a free bag of horse feed to all applicants for the T.I.P. non-competition awards. This is the second year Purina has recognized T.I.P. award applicants.

For more information about T.I.P. and Loveable Rascal, please visit tjctip.com and find us on Facebook at facebook.com/tjctip.

Created and announced in October 2011, T.I.P. recognizes and rewards the versatility of the Thoroughbred through sponsorship of Thoroughbred classes and high point awards at sanctioned horse shows, performance awards, and non-competition awards.

The Jockey Club, founded in 1894 and dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred breeding and racing, is the breed registry for North American Thoroughbreds. In fulfillment of its mission, The Jockey Club provides support and leadership on a wide range of important industry initiatives and it serves the information and technology needs of owners, breeders, media, fans and farms, among others. Additional information is available at jockeyclub.com.