Louisiana-Bred Dixie Street Earns Top Louisiana Bred Thoroughbred Award at 2026 Thoroughbred Makeover

Dixie Street (LA) 41 TB, B, G, foaled February 17, 2017 ( New Year's Day - Scootles, by Macho Uno )
Breeder: J. Adcock & Neal McFadden

Nine-year-old gelding with 58 career starts graduates in two disciplines at the Retired Racehorse Project's flagship event


NEW ORLEANS, La. (October 2026) – The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) has named Dixie Street the Top Louisiana-Bred Thoroughbred at the 2026 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover. The Makeover was held October 7–10 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Dixie Street is a nine-year-old Louisiana-bred gelding, ridden and trained by Mattie Allen of New Mexico.

Dixie Street retired in December 2025 after six seasons of racing, with 58 starts and $307,178 in earnings. Less than a year later, he graduated from the Makeover in both Jumpers and Show Hunters. He jumped double-clear in the .80–.85m jumper division and had just one rail down across two 2'6" show hunter trips. He got there despite months of setbacks with his feet.

"Watching a horse with his racing history step into an entirely new career with such heart and willingness has been extraordinary," said Allen. "Dixie has reminded me just how much these horses have to offer after their racing days are over."

Allen hauled Dixie Street from New Mexico to Lexington to compete. She said the trip was a significant undertaking, both logistically and financially, and that the LTBA award made it "even more meaningful (and more affordable!)."

Allen is a director at an animal shelter and free veterinary clinic. She sees Dixie Street's second career as an extension of her daily work. "Second chances and new beginnings are at the heart of what I fight for every single day," she said. "In many ways, bringing Dixie along on this journey felt like a beautiful extension of that mission."

The Top Louisiana-Bred Thoroughbred award is part of LTBA's support for Thoroughbred aftercare. It recognizes Louisiana-breds that go on to successful second careers after racing.

"I am equally grateful to the people and organizations who recognize that a Thoroughbred's value doesn't end when the racing stops," Allen said. "Your support helps make these second careers possible, and your recognition of Dixie is something I will treasure."

The Retired Racehorse Project's Thoroughbred Makeover brings together more than 400 recently retired racehorses and their trainers. They compete across a range of disciplines after a limited period of retraining. Learn more at therrp.org. Dixie Street's race record is on Equibase.