"We Have To Do More": Champion Jockey Da Silva on TB Retirement

Paddocks of playful Thoroughbreds greeted jockey EURICO ROSA DA SILVA on his recent visit to the LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society’s farm in Hillsburgh, Ontario. Most of these racehorses, ages 2 and up, are awaiting adoptive homes, but there are many ‘lifers’ – guys and gals who will live out their years at the impressive property, obtained by LongRun from Gail Wood through the generosity of the late Lana Hershelle Sniderman.

Eurico pledged a portion of his earnings each year as he powered through multiple championship seasons as Woodbine’s leading jockey. He continues to support LongRun as he navigates his way through retirement as a life coach, a Tae Kwon Do business owner and busy father of three. His book “Riding For Freedom” is also due out soon.

On a breezy and cold afternoon, Eurico and his wife, Dr. Orlaith Cleary, an acclaimed surgeon who has donated much effort tending to LongRun retirees, and their daughters Amelia and Isabella visited the new paddock dedicated to his generosity to the charity.

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“We have to do more,” said Eurico as he watched his youngest, Isabella, pat the 3-year-old Manicou who was loving all the attention. “These horses deserve it.”

Among the dozens of horses located in numerous paddocks at LongRun is millionaire SOMETHING EXTRA, ‘Charlie’, who may have remembered Eurico as the pair won several big stakes races together including the Grade 2 Connaught Cup and Highlander Stakes. Charlie, a real character, was placed at LongRun by his loving owners Gail Cox and John Menary four years ago. The gelding was quick to play around and accept a kiss from Eurico.

Something Extra, ‘Charlie’, plays with Eurico.

Accepting retired racehorses from horsepeople who may not have the connections to find a post-racing career home for their equine friends is just the beginning a LongRun. The organization is a massive and expensive undertaking as Thoroughbreds are brought into the program, rested and assessed and re-trained and then offered for adoption. Founded by Vicki Pappas some two decades ago with a small group of concerned horsepeople and horse lovers, LongRun has a board of directors and a small staff to manage the placement of horses and fundraising. Woodbine Entertainment has been a vital support line to LongRun but in 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic curtailed most fundraising events.

Recently, its popular calendar, featuring stories and photos of graduates, was released for 2021 and it can be purchased through the office for $15. Get your copy here.

There are horses of all ages awaiting homes at LongRun and it is a testament to their owners, trainers or breeders that so many, who never even make it to the races are responsibly taken care of and placed with the organization. The farm relies on generous sponsors for some of the horses who will have to live permanently at the farm, donations and volunteers to ensure retired racehorses have a great post-racing life.

Inside one of its beautiful barns, the two-year-olds Big Big Plans and Navy Spirit are eager to check out this particular day’s visitors. Big Big Plans, a filly who won two of her four races in 2020 but was injured in her second win, wasn’t too sure of Eurico’s daughters at first – but handfuls of carrots soon solved that.

In a nearby stall, Wandofuhr, a gorgeous fellow from the late Gustav Schickedanz stable, is licking his lips at the prospects of treats.

Thoroughbreds are incredible beings. Generous on the track, they love human interaction and can go on to just about any post-racing career.

If you make your living in horse racing in Ontario, consider a small donation or buy a calendar from LongRun for this Christmas season.