New director has hopes to 'ReRun' more horses

With plans to expand and open its doors to more thoroughbreds in need, ReRun Inc. has named Barbara Luna as its new executive director.

ReRun, a nonprofit established in 1996 in Kentucky, promotes the versatility of thoroughbreds by rehabilitating and retraining them to move on to disciplines including dressage, show jumping, fox hunting and pleasure.

ReRun follows the horses throughout their lives to ensure proper care and prides itself in matching the animals with the needs and experience of adopters, according to a press release.

The organization cites an anticipated increase in unwanted horses and the need to rehabilitate rather than retire former race horses as the main reasons for its recent reorganization, according to the release.

"With the anti-slaughter bill scheduled to move on to the U.S. Senate, all of the rescue and adoption organizations that care for and find homes for these wonderful athletes will need to band together to accomplish their goals of finding loving homes for thoroughbreds after their racing days are over," said Luna, who left her position at the Standardbred Retirement Foundation, Freehold, to assume her new role.

Luna has been involved in the thoroughbred industry for more than 25 years. A former owner, trainer and breeder, she has rehabilitated standardbreds and thoroughbreds for new careers.

She was also color commentator and paddock personality for East Coast racetracks including Monmouth Park in Oceanport, the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, Gulfstream Park in Hallan-dale Beach, Fla., and Philadelphia Park in Philadelphia, the release said.

Her experience in marketing and public relations includes the implementation of family programs to attract new fans to racing. She was also spokesperson for the Monmouth oval during her 15-year stint with the New Jersey Sports and Exposi-tion Authority, which owns both New Jersey tracks.

ReRun President Laurie Condurso-Lane said, "With Barbara aboard and all of her valuable experience in the thoroughbred industry and her passion for horses, we are confident that our organization will continue in our mission to open our doors to safely care and provide for the many thoroughbreds that need second careers."

Condurso-Lane said in the press release that ReRun's revitalization will begin with new fundraising and broader communication.

ReRun made a name for itself by sponsoring such fundraisers as "Running for ReRun," where owners donate a portion of a horse's earnings to the organization, and also by the creation and sales of "Moneigh" paintings done by famous horses like Cigar, John Henry and Smarty Jones.

The organization plans to hold select fundraisers in 2007, including an early-summer gala at Monmouth Park.

For more information, contact bleahyluna@aol.com or Rerunnj@verizon.net.