Dark bay gelding, 2002, Fortunate Prospect–Sister Aggie, By Great Above (FL)
BIOGRAPHY: Fortunate Storm is a true war horse, making 79 starts over seven seasons at 11 different racetracks in six states, including all three NYRA tracks. He was trained by Rick Violette, who founded the TAKE2 and TAKE THE LEAD Programs in New York, when he broke his maiden at Aqueduct in 2005. His very last start was a victory at Charles Town in 2010, which marked win #21 for the Florida-bred gelding. He earned $319,660 during his career.
Pat Stickney was part of a partnership that owned Fortunate Storm for 20 of his starts, and she followed his career after he was claimed from her group. After his last race, Stickney got in touch with the trainer, and horse and horsewoman were reunited, with Fortunate Storm heading to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s farm at the Wallkill Correctional Facility for a well-deserved retirement. He now resides in Saratoga as the TRF Summer Ambassador. Storm teaches the incarcerated individuals trust, compassion, and how to care for horses, amongst many other skills to use upon their release.
WHY FORTUNATE STORM DESERVES YOUR VOTE: This horse has a great story and is a wonderful teacher. His second career has taught so many!