We love telling the stories of retiring 14-year-olds and their connections every December; praising the hard-knocking warriors that kept racing until mandatory retirement, and telling you what their futures hold in store. This year we’re proud to share the unique and happy stories of Distinctiv Sean, UF Bettors Hanover and Gotfaithincowboys. They all deserve the recognition.

Every year in our Holiday Issue we like to take a closer look at a number of 14-year-old warriors that raced right into their final year of eligibility. Sometimes they’re household names, and sometimes they’re names you’ve probably never heard of, but all have one thing in common: They kept racing into their final year of eligibility, and for that reason alone, they deserve some praise. Story by Melissa Keith