Edited Press ReleaseSelected by a committee of Thoroughbred Makeover officials, the 2026 Bill Kraatz Thoroughbred Makeover Ambassador Award winner is 2019 graduate Wally K, the Retired Racehorse Project announced Monday.Wally K's story was built around his post-racing career of overcoming challenges, and in doing so, becoming an ambassador not only for Thoroughbreds, but for anyone who has ever had to find another way forward. Before making it to the starting gate, Wally suffered a sesamoid fracture in his left front leg after having previously undergone surgery to place screws in his right hind pastern. Trainer Monique Cameron-Hamby of Rockin H Ranch in Hackett, Arkansas, saw an opportunity in Wally and chose him as her 2019 Thoroughbred Makeover mount.Following months of rehabilitation and groundwork, Cameron-Hamby brought Wally to the 2019 Thoroughbred Makeover, where the pair competed in Competitive Trail and Freestyle, finishing sixth in Competitive Trail.In the seven years since then, Wally has continued to build an extensive and varied resume. He has earned championships in Competitive Trail and Ranch Riding, competed in Thoroughbred Incentive Program events, completed mounted police training and participated in liberty demonstrations, showcasing the versatility of the Thoroughbred in disciplines where the breed is less commonly seen. He has navigated water, fire and obstacles designed to test both horse and rider, developing a reputation as a willing partner who will give nearly anything a try.Cameron-Hamby donates Wally's show earnings to The Rumble, a Special Olympics team from Hackett, drawing a parallel between the athletes and the horse who has made a career out of exceeding expectations.“He isn't just an ambassador for the Thoroughbred,” she said. “He's an ambassador for overcomers. The Special Olympics athletes are the same as Wally. They're overcomers.”“Disabilities don't stop athletes from becoming champions. Recognition and medals are won through sweat and effort, not because you started with the perfect package.”Wally and Cameron-Hamby will return to the Thoroughbred Makeover in 2026 to compete in the inaugural Graduate Classes in a planned Freestyle performance.The post 2019 Makeover Grad Wally K Named Bill Kraatz Makeover Ambassador Award Winner appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.