War Horse Iam Bonasera: Still on Active Duty

By Dot Morgan



Iam Bonasera fits every definition of a war horse. With a racing career that spanned nine years, 162 starts, 52 wins, and $863,698 in earnings, he’s more than just a champion—he’s a survivor. More impressively, Bonasera is proving to be a lifer, not just a one-termer, in a career that has now taken him from the racetrack to the streets of Memphis.

Purchased as a yearling from Cottonwood Farm, Iam Bonasera was initially owned by a Diamond Creek Farm partnership that included Mystical Marker Farms and John Carver. Within months, Diamond Creek sold their share to Jack and Peggy Hood. The son of Cole Muffler quickly rose to prominence, being named Illinois’ Two- and Three-Year-Old Pacer of the Year under the new ownership.

As Bonasera entered his four-year-old season, John Carver bought out his partners and brought in Bert Hochsprung. Over the following years, the partnership structure changed several times while the classy gelding competed at Balmoral, Hoosier Park, and the Meadowlands. He earned significant money for his connections—but he also bore the battle scars that come with it.

As his career started to wind down it was Tom Lazzaro and trainer Trace Tetrick that made the decision to send the gallant war horse to New Vocations in the summer of 2017. 

 “Iam Bonasera transitioned to riding just like we’ve come to expect from horses with that many starts and such racing class,” says Winnie Nemeth, Standardbred Program Director at New Vocations. “They’re professionals. We love having them. These are the horses we absolutely need to protect.”

But Bonasera wasn’t done serving.

From Racetrack to Patrol

After a period of rehabilitation and under-saddle training, Iam Bonasera found a new calling: public service. He was adopted by the Memphis Police Department’s Mounted Patrol Division, joining fellow Standardbreds Best Said, So Be It, and Custom By Design as part of an initial group brought in by Lt. Felipe Boyce.

Lt. Boyce learned about New Vocations at East Tennessee’s renowned “Racking on the Edge” event. A Standardbred owner himself, he strongly encouraged his department to consider adopting retired Standardbred racehorses for the mounted unit emphasizing their tolerant disposition, smooth gait and durability. It’s a decision that has benefitted all the parties involved.

Over the years, the Memphis Police Dept. has added four additional New Vocations Standardbreds to the original group. The Mounted Patrol Unit now includes:

• Iam Bonasera (2007 gelding by Cole Muffler) – 162 starts / $863,000
• Best Said (2011 gelding by Well Said) – 65 starts / $227,000
• So Be It (2007 gelding by Western Ideal) – 222 starts / $134,000
• Custom By Design (2013 gelding by Conway Hall) – Qualified / $0
• JK Captain Jack (2016 gelding by Captaintreacherous) – 23 starts / $47,000
• Cherry Cola (2013 gelding by Crazed) – 41 starts / $31,000
• Professional (2018 gelding by Canyon Wind) – 17 starts / $16,000
• Mr. Nixon (2016 gelding by Malicious) – 50 starts / $28,000

Bridging Communities with Horses 

Lt. Robert Hence of the Memphis Police Department recently shared about their involvement with New Vocations and the important function their Mounted Unit performs.

The Mounted Patrol began its partnership with New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program eight years ago, marking a significant commitment to both animal welfare and community engagement. Currently, we proudly care for ten Standardbreds, eight from New Vocations, whose ages range from four to sixteen years. 

The Memphis Police Department's Mounted Patrol Unit has gained a reputation for being in high demand due to its vital role in maintaining public safety and fostering community relations. Over the years, we have been actively involved in a variety of events, including horse shows, crowd control at high-profile sporting events, concerts, parades, protests, and weekly activities on Beale Street. Additionally, we participate in school career days and traffic enforcement, further expanding our outreach within the community.

Our horses play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the public and the police department. By riding through different neighborhoods, we are able to engage with residents who might not otherwise interact with law enforcement or experience the joy of being around horses. We often see children eagerly approaching our horses, and we encourage them to touch and interact with these gentle creatures. Many of our horses are former racehorses, and it is heartwarming to see their transformation into calm, approachable mounts that can connect with people of all ages. 

Attending career days with our horses is particularly rewarding. These interactions provide an opportunity for students to learn about both the equine and law enforcement world. For our horses, it’s essential to be well-adjusted to crowds and capable of handling the structured chaos that often accompanies large events. They must remain calm and patient, especially when interacting with children in school settings.

Our assigned teams of Standardbred partners and their riders mainly patrol downtown Memphis, where they also perform the necessary duty of issuing citations for parking violations. While receiving a citation is rarely a pleasant experience for anyone involved, we’ve found that people are often more understanding and cooperative when approached from atop a horse. The unique perspective of being mounted often facilitates positive interactions, allowing us to maintain order while also fostering goodwill.

Mr. Nixon (W.C. Handy) and I have had the pleasure of riding along the historic Beale Street and attending several football games. During these outings, we frequently receive inquiries from curious onlookers about how we've trained our horses to exhibit such calm demeanor. Our response is simple: the exceptional training provided by New Vocations is fundamental. Their team expertly prepares the horses for their roles in the Mounted Patrol, ensuring they are not only well-trained but also ready to thrive in a bustling urban environment. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to both equine welfare and enhanced community relations.

A Lasting Legacy

Lt. Felipe Boyce who initially convinced the department to use Standardbreds for their mounted unit, is now Major Felipe Boyce, Assistant Commander of the Organized Crime Unit. He is no longer an active part of the Mounted Patrol but when approached about this story he said he would have Lt. Robert Hence get back with me, and added, “But I will share this with you ... your horses have had an amazing impact on the city of Memphis!” 

And so, Iam Bonasera continues his life of service—not on the racetrack, but on the streets of Memphis, where he's still earning admiration and respect with every steady step.