Retiree Imperative has 'poster boy' potential in new career

The National Thoroughbred Welfare Organization this week welcomed multi-million dollar earner and recent retiree Imperative to its farm to begin a new career in the show world.

Video from the NTWO, founded by Fox Hill Farm's Rick Porter, showed Imperative arriving Tuesday.

“I want Imperative to be the poster boy for racing,” owner Ron Paolucci said recently. “I am grateful to Old Friends for being willing to take him in retirement, but he’s healthy and sound and loves having a job, so I opted to retire him instead to the NTWO where he will be trained for a new career.”

“We’re thrilled to be getting Imperative,” added NTWO President Victoria Keith. “We have worked tirelessly over the past 14 months bringing in over 200 horses out of Louisiana, getting them out of harm’s way and into new careers. While we’ve gotten in a few war horses, we’ve not taken in a horse of Imperative’s caliber. He has a large following, and we are excited to market him in a new career.”

Unlike other horses who’ve come into NTWO’s program, Imperative will not be up for adoption. Instead, he will retire to the farm and be available to visitors while also going into show training for NTWO. He will have his own Facebook page where fans can follow along with his progress in retirement and retraining.

Imperative is the winner of $3,302,810 during a 50-race career on the track. He is a multiple winner of the Charles Town Classic (G2) in addition to a Grade 1 placing and multiple other in-the-money stakes finishes. His career record was 50-7-8-4.

“Ron clearly loves Imperative, and he wants him to not just succeed in a new career, but to also shine a positive light on racing,” said Keith. “We thank Ron and are looking forward to Imperative’s future.”