Foundation honors the life of retired racer Forbidden Apple

Forbidden Apple, who died at 30, lived for 12 years as part of the Second Chances Program at the Lowell Correctional Institution north of Ocala. [Photo courtesy Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation]

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation announced on June 20 that Forbidden Apple, a 30-year-old member of the TRF herd, was humanely euthanized on June 16 due to the infirmities of old age.

Forbidden Apple arrived at the TRF’s Second Chances Program at the Lowell Correctional Institution north of Ocala on Aug. 2, 2013, and “spent the last 12 years of his life teaching, healing and inspiring the incarcerated women of Lowell, who cared for him daily,” noted the news release.

A Grade I winner with lifetime earnings of $1.6 million, Forbidden Apple made 31 career starts, including three appearances in the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Mile. Known for his brilliance on the turf, Forbidden Apple raced with heart and consistency, earning his place among racing’s elite, the release stated.

“His time after racing was just as important as his time on the track. At Lowell, Forbidden Apple, affectionately known as ‘Apple,’ quickly became a favorite among Second Chances Program students and staff. His gentle demeanor, playful nature and deep love for treats and grooming brushes made him both a teacher and a companion to all who knew him. Spoiled in all the right ways, Forbidden Apple enjoyed a peaceful retirement, surrounded by people who loved and cared for him every day. Whether trotting across the pasture or gently nosing a brush from a student’s pocket, Forbidden Apple found a forever place in the hearts of everyone he met,” the release offered.

Founded in 1983, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is a national organization devoted to dignified lifetime care for retired thoroughbred racehorses. The Second Chances program provides incarcerated individuals with vocational training through its accredited equine care and stable management program. At seven correctional facilities across the country, the program offers second careers to its horses and a second chance at life for inmates upon release from prison. TRF cares for approximately 400 rescued and retired thoroughbreds at Second Chances prison farms and Sanctuary Farms across the country. The organization is funded entirely by private donations. It is accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and has a platinum rating with Guide Star.

For more information visit trfinc.org

Forbidden Apple was a Grade I winner with lifetime earnings of $1.6 million in 31 career starts. [Photo courtesy Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation]