Marilia Petrou fulfilled her lifelong dream by rescuing two retired racehorses, Shelby and Monahan, from the Nicosia Race Club, dedicating herself to giving them a peaceful, loving life after their harsh racing careers. Despite their differing backgrounds—Shelby well-trained but injured, and Monahan likely abused and anxious—Marilia adapts her care to meet their unique needs, prioritizing their well-being over riding or performance. Her commitment involves juggling multiple jobs and learning alongside the horses to provide them with freedom, safety, and affection they rarely received during their racing days.

Marilia’s story highlights a troubling reality in horse racing, where many horses face neglect or abandonment once they are no longer profitable. She calls for urgent reforms in racing clubs, criticizing hard track conditions and inadequate veterinary care that often leads to premature euthanasia rather than rehabilitation. Through her rescue efforts, Marilia not only realizes her dream but also advocates for better treatment of retired racehorses, emphasizing the demanding responsibility of horse care and the profound rewards of giving these animals a second chance at a quality life.