Colonial Downs hosting "Mr. TRF" fundraiser for Thoroughbred retirement

As an awareness and fundraising event with a humorous twist, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation will put on the inaugural "Mr. TRF" Second Chances Stakes on June 29 at Colonial Downs, allowing fans to vote on their favorite ex-racehorse.

Nine former racehorses from the herd at the James River Work Center, part of the TRF's groundbreaking 'Second Chance' program where inmates care for horses, have been selected to participate in the contest. Fans can read profiles of the candidates and vote for their favorite online through June 28.

The three highest vote-getters will be paraded on-track at Colonial Downs during its June 29 racing program, with fans in attendance selecting their favorite to visit the winner's circle.

Donations will be collected throughout the promotion to fund the hypothetical "stakes purse," which the winner takes back to the TRF program.

"If you believe in second chances, please put some money down to bet on us saving horses and helping men," the TRF said in a release.

To read more about the horses in the contest, to vote, or to make an online donation, click here.