A Lil Evil has been recognised as the Rood & Riddle Sport Horse of the Year by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA). This honour will be celebrated during the TOBA awards dinner on September 7 at Fasig-Tipton in Lexington, where several national award winners will be highlighted.
The success story of A Lil Evil is a testament to her talent beyond the racetrack. Despite being a non-winner with six starts in her racing career, she found her true calling in the show ring. In a standout performance at the Kentucky National Horse Show on September 24, she won the Jumper Division at the TAKE2 Finals. This victory marked her return to the competition, where she previously finished second in the same division back in 2020.
The TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program, established in 2012, celebrates the versatility of Thoroughbreds as they transition into new roles after leaving the track. It collaborates with equestrian events sanctioned by the United States Equestrian Federation to promote these off-track athletes through lucrative competitions. In 2023, the prize money for the Jumper and Hunter divisions was set at $10,000 each, enhancing the stakes for participants like A Lil Evil.
The dynamic duo of *A Lil Evil* and her trainer/rider, Kathryn Currey, have forged a strong bond since she purchased the mare for just $400 in 2016. Currey, who is deeply dedicated to rehoming horses, was initially at Thistledown in Ohio for another horse but felt an immediate connection to A Lil Evil. Together, they have made a significant mark in competitive riding, notably winning the 1.10-meter amateur jumper event at the prestigious Hampton Classic Horse Show in 2019.
A Lil Evil is not only celebrated for her competition achievements, but also for her impressive bloodlines. She is sired by *Hear No Evil*, a Florida-bred stallion with a respectable racing record, and her dam, Lil McTee, is the daughter of the 1992 Kentucky Derby winner Lil E. Tee. This lineage includes connections to a champion 3-year-old filly and older mare from 1952, further bolstering her pedigree in the equestrian world.
Currey, who participates in various equine-related activities in Tennessee, has received accolades for her achievements with A Lil Evil. Etalon Equine Genetics lauded her efforts on social media, emphasising the profound bond between rider and horse. This recognition highlights not only the mare's talent, but also the dedicated work of those who believe in second careers for racehorses.