Valhalla Golf Club, recent site of the 2024 PGA Championship, and Second Stride are pleased to announce a unique partnership showcasing two former racehorses residing in a specially constructed barn and pasture area at the main entrance of the historic golf venue in Louisville, Ky.
Former graded stakes winner Hawaakom and graded stakes-placed and 2014 Triple Crown contender General A Rod will remain in residence at Valhalla through the 2024 golf season and return to their Chorleywood Farm home in the fall. The Valhalla-donated 8-acre area features a traditional wood plank fenced paddock and lighted Lexington-style run-in shed.
When planning the new design elements for Valhalla Golf Course in 2022, Destination Design owner Randy Hoffacker had a very specific goal. "My vision was for the property to epitomize Kentucky. To represent what makes our state the special place it is geographically and culturally. Nothing epitomizes Kentucky more than the horse industry. Once I learned about Second Stride's mission, it was clear Valhalla needed to be involved."
With the Valhalla team, Hoffacker reached out to Second Stride founder Kim Smith, and it was decided that the presence of Thoroughbreds would not only be a possibility but a hallmark addition to the Club. Valhalla owner Jimmy Kirchdorfer wholeheartedly believed in the concept.
"We wanted to give our members and guests an immediate taste of the Commonwealth, and nothing says Kentucky more than beautiful Thoroughbreds. We realigned our entrance gate so that the first thing you see at the club is the Valhalla Horse Farm."
As the golf club sits on the former site of Kentucky Speaker of the House David Osborne's family horse farm, the partnership is not only a nod to its history, it is a look to the future.
Kim Smith said, "It's our hope that this exposure will inspire others to research our program, engage with and support the aftercare industry. Having two representatives of Second Stride onsite also helps to showcase the racing industry's commitment to rehoming and the safe transition of retired horses when their racing days are over."
Mr. Kirchdorfer hails it as a unique member benefit. "We love having General A Rod and Hawaakom. They add to the beauty of our property and bring a smile to the faces of our members and guests when they enter and exit the club. Our membership is proud to partner with Second Stride and hopes that having General A Rod and Hawaakom at Valhalla will bring additional exposure to Second Stride and the great work they do with Thoroughbred aftercare."
The two horses are sponsored by their prior connections to be ambassadors for the Second Stride program, including Skychai Racing, Hot Pink Stables, and MagnaWave.
