New Director Heads Expansion Plans for Rerun

With plans to expand and open its doors to more needy Thoroughbred horses, ReRun, Inc. has named Barbara Luna executive director. Established in 1996 in Kentucky, the non-profit has anticipated the increase in unwanted horses and the need to rehabilitate, rather than retire, former racehorses as the main reasons for the reorganization.

Luna, who was color commentator and paddock personality for such East Coast racetracks as Monmouth Park, the Meadowlands, Gulfstream Park, and Philadelphia Park, has been involved in the Thoroughbred industry for more than 25 years.

She was spokesperson for the Monmouth oval during her 15-year stint with the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, which owns both New Jersey tracks. Luna recently resigned from the Standardbred Retirement Foundation to join ReRun. A former owner, trainer, and breeder, Luna has rehabilitated both Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds for new careers.

"I look forward to visiting Lexington at the end of October to reunite ReRun with our friends in Kentucky," said Luna, who lives in Long Branch, N.J. "With the anti-slaughter bill scheduled to move on to the Senate, all of the rescue and adoptions organizations who care for and find homes for these wonderful athletes will need to band together to accomplish their goals of finding loving homes for Thoroughbreds after their racing days are over."

With chapters in Kentucky, New York, and New Jersey, ReRun continually promotes the versatility of the breed by rehabilitating and retraining Thoroughbreds to move on to disciplines including dressage, show jumping, foxhunting, and pleasure riding. Unlike many other rescue organizations, ReRun follows the horses throughout their lives to ensure their proper care and matches the physical condition and temperament of its horses with the needs and experience of adopters.

"ReRun's revitalization will begin with new fundraising and wider communication," said president Laurie Condurso-Lane. "With Barbara aboard and all of her valuable experience in the Thoroughbred industry and her passion for horses, we are confident that our organization will continue in our mission to open our doors to safely care and provide for the many Thoroughbreds that need second careers."

ReRun has sponsored such fundraisers as "Running for ReRun," where owners donated a portion of a horse's earnings to the organization. They have also created and sold Moneigh "paintings" by famous horses like Cigar, John Henry, and Smarty Jones. The organization plans to hold select fundraisers in 2007, including an early summer gala at Monmouth Park, the annual All-Thoroughbred Show, and other to-be-scheduled events in Kentucky and New York.