New Vocations Kicks Off Capital Campaign for Lexington Expansion
New Vocations Kicks Off Capital Campaign for Lexington Expansion
September 4, 2025 – Lexington, Ky. – New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program has officially launched the Phase 2 Capital Campaign to expand operations at its Lexington, Kentucky, facility at Mereworth Farm. In August, construction began on a new barn and office expansion, a project that will enable New Vocations to serve more retired racehorses as they transition into second careers.
New Vocations has set a $1 million goal for the campaign, which will cover the expansion costs as well as additional capital improvements to the facility. The campaign was jump-started by a generous $300,000 lead gift from prominent and longtime Thoroughbred owner Margaret Smith.
Mrs. Smith, a longtime Dogwood Stables partner, enjoyed ownership in numerous successful horses including notable runners such as Cotton Blossom and Belmont Stakes winner Palace Malice. She is currently a partner with Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and has had continued success with top performers such as Gretzky the Great and Saratoga Oaks winner Con Lima, among others.
“Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of visiting the New Vocations facility in Lexington, Kentucky, where I met founder Dot Morgan and her daughter Anna Ford. I could not have been more impressed with the organization and the care provided at the facility,” shared Margaret Smith. “I’m honored to support their mission with a lead gift for the Phase 2 Capital Campaign and encourage other owners to join me in supporting this critical work of rehabilitation, retraining, and rehoming our equine athletes.”
“We are so grateful for the incredible generosity of Mrs. Smith and for her commitment to aftercare,” said Anna Ford, New Vocations’ Thoroughbred Program Director. “In less than a decade, thanks to the support of the Susan Donaldson Foundation and the Thoroughbred racing industry, our Lexington facility at Mereworth Farm has grown from 85 acres to more than 150. With a continual waiting list of horses in need, this expansion will allow us to meet the growing demand and provide even more Thoroughbreds with the care and transitional training they need to thrive in their next careers.”
New Vocations currently serves over 600 racehorses annually from more than 70 racetracks and training centers nationwide. With this expansion, the organization aims to increase its capacity and provide critical rehabilitation, retraining, and rehoming services to even more horses.
Supporters have a variety of opportunities to contribute, including naming rights for stalls and paddocks, dedication bricks along the facility’s walkway, and other giving levels that directly support the expansion. For more information or to contribute to the campaign, visit www.newvocations.org/donate_detail/999.
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About New Vocations: Founded in 1992, New Vocations has grown into the largest racehorse adoption program in the country. Its mission to rehabilitate, retrain and rehome retired racehorses has led to the placement of over 9,500 retiring Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds in experienced, loving homes. With nine facilities in six different states, New Vocations works directly with racing owners and trainers seeking aftercare options to serve 600 retiring racehorses each year. Learn more at newvocations.org.
