Former racehorse will compete for U.S. in Olympics

Former racehorse Blackfoot Mystery and his rider Boyd Martin have been named to the 2015 U.S. Olympic eventing team for the Rio de Janeiro games, the U.S. Equestrian Federation announced last week.

The 12-year-old Out of Place gelding raced three times at Hollywood Park in the summer of 2007, finishing unplaced each time. He later landed at the Thoroughbred Rehab Center in California, a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organization, and Martin put together a syndicate to purchase the gelding from a former student after he showed early talent in eventing.

Blackfoot Mystery and Martin most recently finished sixth at the Rolex Kentucky three-day event in Lexington to lock up their spot on the Olympic team. The Rolex is one of only six four-star events – the highest level offered in the sport – in the world.