Thorpedo Anna, the Horse of the Year, is set to return to racing on March 8 after a decade of absence from full competition. She will be competing in the Azeri Stakes at Oaklawn Park, carrying 119 pounds under the allowance conditions of the race. Despite her long break, she is expected to perform well against six older fillies and mares.

In recent years, Horse of the Year winners have not often embarked on full title defenses, with many retiring or not racing again after their winning season. However, some exceptions include Tiznow, who came close to defending his title in 2001, and Curlin, who had a successful 4-year-old season in 2008. Female Horse of the Year winners like Havre de Grace and Rachel Alexandra have also continued racing after their winning seasons.

Living Horse of the Year winners are scattered around various farms, with some retired and others still standing as stallions. Notable winners like Zenyatta, Rachel Alexandra, and California Chrome have become celebrities in retirement, while others like Gun Runner, Justify, and American Pharoah are now standing at stud. Wise Dan, who turned 18 in February, is enjoying retirement at Forest Lane Farm in Kentucky.