America’s Best Race has launched a monthly series to celebrate women in races, explore the challenges faced in a male-dominated industry, and highlight achievements.
Nearly 25 years after being a flagship player in the business of Hall of Fame Trainer Todd Pletcher, Maggie Sweet was ready for a new challenge. She found something rewarding but huge at the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF).
Sweet was appointed Chief Operating Officer of TRF on January 5, 2024, and was responsible for the daily operation of the country’s oldest and largest thoroughbred rescue organization. Founded in 1983, TRF has grown to 13 locations in eight states that provide forever homes for around 400 horses. Since its founding, it has rescued more than 4,500 horses.
There is no precise way to measure the impact of the second chance programme that will “save horses and guide life changes.” But it’s huge. Inmates in eight correctional facilities in eight states, from coast to coast, tend to become retired horses. They eventually learn skills that can be applied in the workplace, but take advantage of the gentle side that many people thought would no longer exist.
It may be as noble as the cause of TRF, but the pressure on sweets and others to meet the needs of the herd is immeasurable.
“I don’t think you understand the depth of it until you learn more about it,” Sweet said. “You’re always worried about finances because horses cost a lot of money. Finding a place to put them is very difficult.”
Anita Motion, the wife of highly respected trainer Graham Motion and a member of the TRF board of directors, is confident that Sweet is the right person for the job.
“She is incredibly intelligent and has a very intelligent understanding of the industry. I have the utmost respect for her,” Motion said. “She’s a very good leader. She had incredible experience of managing people and managing horses. That’s what we needed.”
Sweet describes her time with Pletcher as a “surprising” experience, even if her role is unknown to some.
“I was often called Todd’s Secretary. Todd’s Secretary, or Todd’s girl, even more angry,” she said. She eventually rose to her feet as Chief Operating Officer.
Whatever the title was, she played an integral role in the great growth of her size and height outfit. When Pletcher first hired her in 1998, he cared for about 30 horses in one Belmont Park barn in his third year as a trainer.
Learning his lessons as a study of the legendary D. Wayne Lukas, Plecher couldn’t imagine becoming inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 2021.
Two photos from her office in Saratoga Springs, TRF, New York, depict the pulsating finishes of her two favorite races. There was a rag to wealth over Carlin in 2007, making him the third filly to win a Belmont stake and the first filly since 1905 since Tanya. Marasat is surged as she rounds out her amazing career with a win at the Breeders’ Cup in Disaff in 2022.
I have many other memories too. She will never forget the moment in 2010 when Super Saver gave Pletcher an elusive Kentucky Derby victory.
Then there was a quiet moment with Harmony Lodge, which campaigned from 2000 to 2004. She grew up to a Grade 1 winner, but that wasn’t something to love her to sweet things. She was a sweet four-legged soul seeking love.
“She lived for me to come and scratch my chin,” Sweet said.
Sweet became interested in horse racing when his father Jim took him to various tracks, including Belmont Park and the Saratoga race course. She never imagined the great ride that the race would attract her.
Sweet is in a stage in her life where she can take a step back and be grateful for all of that. “The horses have supported my life,” she said. “They helped feed my child, and they fixed my house.” Her daughter, Carolina, is 12 years old.
She followed her heart by starring in TRF.
“She wanted to give back to the industry,” Motion said.
Sweet’s biggest goal is to find a better way to ensure that at least the right funds are available to provide a dignified retirement to the horses who have given everything to the industry. Part of that effort is to host fundraisers.
Jockey Kendrick Calmouche will return to Cajun Roots, a culinary gumbo, served at the Principessa Elena Association of Saratoga Springs, from 6 to 9pm on July 21st. TRF will partner with the permanently disabled Jockeys fund for the Lalo Tequila event at Saratoga’s Adelphi Hotel, from 6pm to 8pm on July 30, 5:30pm to 8pm, and from 6pm to 8pm on July 30. TRF’s annual backyard BBQ is hosted by Rood and Riddle.
All funding dollars are useful, but Sweet is intended to establish the revenue stream that TRFs rely on. The cost of maintaining a horse for a year is at least $2,500.
“One of the TRF’s goals for 2025 is to specifically educate the racing community about the realities of lifelong dignified care we provide,” Sweet said. “There are differences between raising horses for 90 days, retraining them, rehoming them, and keeping them for 20 years. These are very important differences and I don’t think the TRF does a sufficient education job.”
Her work is monumental. Still, she’s shaky. When asked if she could be a force for change, she responded with confidence without hesitation.
“You better believe it,” Sweet said.
