Immediately, I was enveloped with sadness.
It was back in 2008 when Lights on Broadway (Majestic Light), winner of $572,000 in 83 starts; 2001 Texas Horse of the Year and Champion Older Horse/Gelding, was purchased off a crowded slaughter truck for $300. A pledge drive ensued among the Fans of Barbaro to raise funds to purchase and retire him and subsequently bring him back to Texas.
It was back in 2008 when Lights on Broadway, as an 11-year-old gelding, arrived on a farm just south of Fort Worth. It was back in 2008 when trainers Donna and Dallas Keen gave him a home, fed him and cared for him; retrained him to have a life after racing.
It was back in 2008 that I ventured to the Keens' farm to see Lights on Broadway. After our initial meeting, Donna continued to provide updates: "I swear, I think he's the smartest horse I ever met," and "He knows he's somebody, just by the way he carries himself, perks his ears, and responds to you."
It was Lights on Broadway that inspired and fired-up Donna Keen to start her own horse racing rescue, Remember Me Racehorse Rescue. Every single horse she has rescued and retrained and adopted out should be eternally grateful (in their own horse-like way) for Lights on Broadway.
His story is a great one: Good people coming together to make something really good happen.
My condolences to the Keens, especially Donna, I know that Lights on Broadway is truly the heart and soul of your rescue organization, and I know he shall continue to be.
Another simple tweet last night says it very eloquently, from @Robinlifeisgood:
"Light will continue to shine on Broadway."
