1/ST Celebrates Thoroughbred Aftercare with $50,000 Donation to TAA during the Pegasus World Cup
On Saturday, January 28th, 1/ST paid special tribute to a more than decade long partnership with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) following the running of the TAA Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf presented by Pepsi. For the second consecutive year, the race was named in honor of the TAA, and in a presentation following the race, TAA representatives accepted a check for $50,000 from 1/ST. The TAA accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Since 2012, the TAA has granted more than $28.1 million to accredited aftercare organizations and 15,500 Thoroughbreds have been retrained, rehomed, or retired by accredited organizations. “1/ST RACING & GAMING stands behind the efforts of the TAA and we are proud to make continued contributions to ensure our Thoroughbred athletes receive the best care following their racing careers,” said Aidan Butler, Chief Executive Officer, 1/ST Racing & Gaming. “We are proud of our long history and partnership with 1/ST Racing,” said TAA Operations Consultant, Stacie Clark. “1/ST continues to provide the TAA with a foundation of support through which we can promote the great and vital work done by our accredited organizations. We were thrilled to join our partners here once again at Gulfstream Park to enjoy a fantastic day of racing and to support our industry’s deserving horses and the accredited organizations they call home.” 1/ST executives and Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance committee and board members, Nicole Walker, Vice President, The Stronach Group and Aidan Butler, presented the trophy for the TAA Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf to the connections of winning mare Queen Goddess. Following the trophy presentation, Walker and Butler were joined by fellow TAA Board Members, TAA staff, and representatives from TAA-accredited organizations for the $50,000 check presentation. The TAA also presented Best Turned Out Horse Awards sponsored by Centennial Farms. 2023 marks the fifth consecutive year that Centennial Farm’s Don Little, Jr. and son Donald Little have presented the Best Turned Out Horse awards at Pegasus. See the full list of Best Turned Out Horse winners on the TAA website at https://www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/pegasus-world-cup-taa-best-turned-out-awards-sponsored-by-centennial-farms/. About The Stronach Group & 1/ST The Stronach Group is a world-class technology, entertainment and real estate development company with Thoroughbred horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering at the core. The company’s consumer facing brand 1/ST (pronounced “First”) powers The Stronach Group’s forward-thinking 1/ST RACING & GAMING, 1/ST CONTENT, 1/ST TECHNOLOGY, 1/ST EXPERIENCE, and 1/ST PROPERTIES businesses, while advocating for and driving the 1/ST HORSE CARE mission. 1/ST represents The Stronach Group’s continued movement toward redefining Thoroughbred horse racing and the ecosystem that drives it. 1/ST RACING & GAMING drives the best-in-class horse racing operations and gaming offerings at the company’s premier racetracks and training centers including: Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields and San Luis Rey Downs (California); Gulfstream Park – home of the Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series, Gulfstream Park West and Palm Meadows Thoroughbred Training Center (Florida); the Maryland Jockey Club at Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course – home of the legendary Preakness Stakes, Rosecroft Raceway and Bowie Training Center (Maryland). 1/ST CONTENT is operating group for 1/ST’s media and content companies including: Monarch Content Management, Elite, TSG Global Wagering Solutions (GWS) and XBTV. 1/ST TECHNOLOGY is horse racing’s largest racing and gaming technology company offering world-class products via its AmTote, Xpressbet, 1/ST BET, XB SELECT, XB NET, PariMAX and Betmix brands. 1/ST EXPERIENCE blends the worlds of sports, entertainment and hospitality through innovative content development, elevated national and local venue management and hospitality, strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and procurement development. 1/ST PROPERTIES is responsible for the development of the company’s live, work and play communities surrounding its racing venues including: The Village at Gulfstream Park (Florida) and Paddock Pointe (Maryland). As the advocate for critical industry reforms and by making meaningful investments into aftercare programs for retired horses and jockeys, 1/ST HORSE CARE represents The Stronach Group’s commitment to achieving the highest level of horse and rider care and safety standards in Thoroughbred horse racing on and off the track. For more information, please email david.joseph@gulfstreampark.com, visit www.1st.com or follow @1ST_racing on Twitter or @1stracing on Instagram and Facebook. About the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, the TAA has granted more than $28.1 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 81 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about the TAA, visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org. CONTACT Stacie Clark 859-230-5881 sclark@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 859-224-2851 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org
Pegasus World Cup TAA Best Turned Out Awards Sponsored by Centennial Farms
Centennial Farms sponsored the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Best Turned Out Horse Awards during the Pegasus World Cup card Jan. 28, 2023 at Gulfstream Park. 2023 marks Centennial’s fifth consecutive year Centennial Farms has sponsored the awards. RACE 1 #12 QUALY Groom: Manuel Felipe Trainer: Saffie Joseph, Jr. RACE 2 #9 PERFORM Groom: Marco Antonio Trainer: Claude McGaughey III RACE 3 #4 SOLE VOLANTE Groom: Carlos Arantes Trainer: Patrick Biacone RACE 4 — The South Beach presented by Pepsi #1 KAHIKO Groom: Nestor Ramos Trainer: J. Kent Sweezey RACE 5 #11 JOURNEYMAN Groom: Javier Solis Trainer: Saffie Joseph, Jr. RACE 6 — The La Prevoyante presented by Don Julio (G3) #4 BESIDE HERSELF Groom: Edwin Garcia Trainer: Todd Pletcher RACE 7 — The Carousel Club presented by Seminole Hard Rock #8 GREYES CREEK Groom: Victor Mendoza Trainer: Paulo Lobo RACE 8 — The Inside Information presented by Brightline (G2) #4 OBLIGATORY Groom: Ana Hernandez Trainer: William Mott RACE 9 — The William L. McKnight presented by Davidoff Cigars (G3) #3 PAO ALTO (FR) Groom: Esteban Ramierz Trainer: Graham Motion RACE 10 — The Fred W. Hooper presented by Whispering Angel (G3) #9 ENDORSED Groom: Edwardo Agustin Trainer: Mike Maker RACE 11 — The TAA Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf Invitational presented by Pepsi (G3) #2 DALIKA Groom: Omar Bahena Trainer: Albert Stall, Jr. RACE 12 — The Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational presented by Qatar Racing (G1) #6 LADY SPEIGHTSPEARE Groom: Anastasia Zemtsov Trainer: Roger Attfield RACE 13 — The Pegasus World Cup Invitational presented by Baccarat (G1) #1 PROXY Groom: James Darjean Trainer: Michael Stidham
NTRA Contributes $10,000 to TAA, Honors Accredited Aftercare at 52nd Annual Eclipse Awards
The 52nd annual Eclipse Awards hosted by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association commenced at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla Thursday evening, Jan. 26. As the Official Charity Partner, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) was commemorated throughout the awards celebration. NTRA concluded the evening by announcing a $10,000 donation to the TAA. “The work and mission of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is vital to the growth and success of our industry,” said NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney. “NTRA is grateful for the care and due diligence provided by the TAA each and every day to support our retired racehorses and we encourage everyone to join us in supporting their cause.” TAA Operations Consultant, Stacie Clark Rogers and 1/ST RACING Executive Vice President and Maryland Jockey Club Acting President and General Manager, Mike Rogers presented both the Champion Female Sprinter award to Goodnight Olive (trainer: Chad Brown; owners: First Row Partners & Team Haney; jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.) and the Champion Male Sprinter award to Elite Power (trainer: William Mott; owner: Juddmonte; jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.). “It’s an honor to be a representative of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and be a part of presenting this monumental achievement to the Eclipse Award winners of the Male and Female Sprinters,” said Stacie Clark Rogers. “Having the support of industry partners like NTRA is essential to the continued growth of the TAA and the level of positive change we can effect on our 81 accredited organizations.” NTRA further elevated the aftercare presence at the awards by playing a condensed version of the TAA’s short film “Celebrating Ten Years.” Additionally, NTRA coordinated a Sip, Shop, and Support event at Lilly Pulitzer where TAA received 10% of proceeds from the day’s sales and raffled off a hand-painted Lilly Pulitzer purse with all proceeds to benefit the TAA.
TAA Kicks Off Second Annual Off to the Races Online Auction of VIP Racing Experiences
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today the launch of the second annual Off to the Races, an online auction campaign which offers the public an opportunity to bid on 17 VIP experience packages on major race days in 2023 and 2024. Each experience package offers a unique itinerary of horse racing-related bucket list activities and tickets to the specified race day(s). CLICK HERE to view and bid on all items. Bidding opens Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023 at 10 AM EST and closes Friday, Feb. 3, 2023 at 10 PM EST. Featured Packages: 2023 VIP Last Chance/First Chance NHC Qualifier 2023 VIP Tampa Bay Derby 2023 VIP Florida Derby 2023 VIP Arkansas Derby 2023 VIP Santa Anita Derby 2023 VIP Blue Grass Stakes 2023 VIP Kentucky Oaks & Kentucky Derby 2023 VIP Preakness 148 2023 VIP Belmont Stakes 2023 VIP Haskell Stakes 2023 VIP Whitney Stakes 2023 VIP King’s Plate 2023 VIP Pacific Classic 2023 VIP Maryland Million Day 2023 VIP Breeders’ Cup Championships 2023 VIP Canterbury Park Experience 2024 VIP Pegasus World Cup “With the help of the racing industry, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance supports 81 accredited charities and thousands of off-track Thoroughbreds,” said TAA President, Jeffrey Bloom. “Outside of the TAA’s automatic funding sources within the industry, the Off to the Races auction is a unique and exciting opportunity to support Thoroughbred aftercare while being treated like a VIP on some of the biggest days in horse racing.” “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is excited to kick off the second annual Off to the Races online auction,” said TAA Funding and Events Manager, Emily Dresen. “We are so grateful for the support we’ve received from our auction donors and look forward to sharing some of racing’s best days with industry participants and fans.”
Centennial Farms to Sponsor TAA Best Turned Out Horse Awards at Pegasus World Cup
Centennial Farms will sponsor the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Best Turned Out Horse Awards during the Pegasus World Cup card Jan. 28, 2023 at Gulfstream Park. 2023 marks Centennial’s fifth consecutive year sponsoring the awards. Centennial Farms, an ownership group with more than 30 years of experience operating elite Thoroughbred racing partnerships, will sponsor the cash prizes and gift bags to be given to the winning grooms of the Best Turned Out Horses for the 13-race card. “Centennial is proud to once again be sponsors and partners with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in presenting the Best Turned Out Horse Awards,” said Don Little, President of Centennial Farms. “Recognizing the hard working, behind the scenes people that care for these magnificent horses unconditionally is invaluable to our sport. We look forward to an incredible day of racing and seeing all the great horses that will be turned out on Pegasus Day.” TAA and Centennial Farms representatives will select the horse in each race that is deemed to be the best presented, and that horse’s groom will receive a gift bag and cash prize. The TAA and Centennial Farms will promote the winners on their social media platforms and the winning grooms will be named on Gulfstream Park’s live simulcast feed. “Our industry would be nothing without the dedicated men and women who day in and day out display unwavering devotion in caring for our equine athletes,” said TAA Funding and Events Manager, Emily Dresen. “We are so appreciative of our friends Don Little and Centennial Farms for continuing to join the TAA in presenting the Best Turned Out Horse Awards at the Pegasus World Cup.” Centennial Farms has sponsored the TAA Best Turned Out Horse Awards at the Pegasus World Cup since 2019, with Little personally selecting the winners. For the seventh consecutive year, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has been named the official Charitable Partner of the Pegasus World Cup.
Pegasus World Cup Recognizes TAA as Charitable Partner for Seventh Consecutive Year
$500,000 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf presented by Pepsi to be Named in Support of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance As part of 1/ST’s mission to prioritize the care and safety of Thoroughbred racehorses before, during, and after their racing careers, the 2023 Pegasus World Cup presented by Baccarat will recognize the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) as its Charitable Partner for the seventh consecutive year. The 2023 Pegasus World Cup will feature three graded stakes races – the $3 million Pegasus World Cup (G1) presented by Baccarat, the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) presented by Qatar Racing and the $500,000 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G3) presented by Pepsi. “1/ST is happy to once again welcome and recognize the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as our honored Charitable Partner of the 2023 Pegasus World Cup,” said Nicole Walker, Vice President, The Stronach Group and TAA Committee Member. “Thoroughbred aftercare has always been a top priority for 1/ST. We are proud to support the TAA and the wonderful work they do for our equine friends.” As part of the Pegasus World Cup race day celebrations on Saturday, January 28, 1/ST will present a check to representatives from TAA’s Board of Directors and accredited organizations in the Winner’s Circle immediately following the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf race. “1/ST’s dedication to accredited Thoroughbred aftercare is unfailing,” said TAA Operations Consultant, Stacie Clark. “We are honored to be included for another exciting year of the Pegasus World Cup and would like to thank Gulfstream Park for being such gracious hosts to the TAA and its accredited organizations.” Since the inception of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in 2012, 1/ST has donated over $1 million to support the TAA’s mission to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbred racehorses. 1/ST executive Nicole Walker served five consecutive years as a TAA board member and is currently an active member of the TAA Communications Committee. 1/ST RACING & GAMING’s Chief Executive Officer Aidan Butler joined the TAA board and executive committee in 2022. The 2023 Pegasus World Cup will be broadcast live on NBC with a 90-minute show from 4:30 to 6 P.M. ET and can be streamed live on NBCSports.com and Peacock. For more tickets and more information about the Pegasus World Cup, please visit Pegasusworldcup.com or follow on social @PegasusWorldCup #AllForOne. For more information or to donate to the TAA, please visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org.
TAA Recognized as Official Charity of the 52nd Annual Eclipse Awards
As the Official Charity Partner, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will have a presence at the 52nd Annual Eclipse Awards held January 26th at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla. In-person attendees of the Eclipse Awards will have the opportunity to donate to the TAA and learn more about its mission through on-screen displays of TAA’s messaging. “As we convene to recognize the most accomplished horses and humans of 2022, the NTRA is proud to recognize the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as the Official Charity of the 52nd Eclipse Awards,” said NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney. “The work of the TAA is vital to the longevity of our sport, and we hope everyone dependent on these magnificent creatures for their livelihood and enjoyment will join us in honoring them during this time of reflection and beyond.” In conjunction with NTRA, Lilly Pulitzer will host a “Sip, Shop, and Support” event from 11am-3pm with 10% of the proceeds to benefit the TAA. In addition to the free beverages provided by Lilly Pulitzer, the TAA will be raffling off a hand-painted Lilly Pulitzer purse. Raffle tickets are $20 with 100% of proceeds benefitting the nationwide aftercare nonprofit. Raffle tickets can be purchased during the in-store event in Palm Beach on Worth Avenue. “We hold strong to what our fearless leader, Lilly Pulitzer, once said, ‘If you haven’t any charity in your heart then you have the worst kind of heart trouble.’ The Lilly Pulitzer brand proudly carries on Lilly’s tradition of giving by collaborating with world-class and local non-profit organizations who are working to make the world a sunnier place,” said a representative of Lilly Pulitzer’s store on Worth Ave in Palm Beach. “Thank you to NTRA and Lilly Pulitzer for honoring the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance during this commemorative celebration of the best and brightest in our industry,” said TAA Funding and Events Manager, Emily Dresen. “The TAA would like to wish a heartfelt congratulations to all those who cement their place among horse racing’s history at the 52nd Annual Eclipse Awards.” In addition to the in-person festivities, the TAA will kick off its second annual Off to the Races online auction on Thursday, January 26 consisting of VIP experience packages on major race days in 2023 and 2024. The online auction will remain open for 8 days, with more details to be announced by the TAA in the coming weeks. Hand painted Lilly Pulitzer purse for TAA Raffle on 1/26: SAVE THE DATE:
TAA Holiday Giving Campaign Raises $180K for Retired Thoroughbreds
The month-long effort to raise funds for the TAA’s 81 accredited organizations and thousands of off-track Thoroughbreds, the TAA Holiday Giving Campaign, ended on Dec. 31st, resulting in $180,000 raised for accredited aftercare. “It was encouraging to see such enthusiasm for our holiday fundraiser,” said TAA President, Jeffrey Bloom. “Thank you to every person who donated to the TAA’s Holiday Giving Campaign. It takes a great deal of funds to care for our industry’s retired athletes, and large influxes of donations such as these are vital to the TAA’s ability to support its accredited organizations.” The campaign featured 14 one-day only match donation days with match amounts ranging from $500 to $10,000. The 2022 match sponsors were as follows: Bob & Jill Baffert, Simon Bray, Donna Brothers, Aidan Butler & Cannonstone, Kurtis Coady & Megan Devine, Jack Damico & East Coast Partners, Denali Stud, Hidden Brook Farm, Sol Kumin, Dr. Pug & Susie Hart, Mike Rogers, Rick Schosberg, Siena Farm, and West Point Thoroughbreds. Not only was the Holiday Giving Campaign deemed a success in terms of donations, it was an exciting opportunity for the TAA to expand its network of industry supporters. More than 70% of the donations collected during the Holiday Giving Campaign came from first-time donors. “We are so thrilled with the outcome of the Holiday Giving Campaign,” said TAA Funding and Events Manager, Emily Dresen. “Thank you to the 14 match sponsors, hundreds of donors, and our media partners for making this campaign a success. It’s all about the horses and what better time to support our beloved athletes than the season of giving.” Designed to serve as both the accrediting body for Thoroughbred aftercare facilities and a fundraising and grant allocation body to support these approved facilities, funds raised from the Holiday Giving Campaign will help care for the more than 4,000 retired racehorses currently residing in TAA-accredited organizations across North America. To learn more about the TAA’s impact, click here. Photo: Jen Halliwell
2023 TAA Accreditation Application Now Available
The 2023 application for accreditation by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is now available on OpenWater and can be accessed HERE. Thoroughbred aftercare nonprofits interested in applying must complete the application by the closing date of April 1 at 6 p.m. ET. Since TAA accreditation is only granted for a specific period of time, organizations with accreditation status ending in 2022 that want to remain accredited need to re-apply. “Going into our 11th year of accreditation, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance looks forward to working with new applicants and returning organizations to reach the highest standard of aftercare,” said TAA Accreditation and Grants Manager, Janice Towles. Accreditation status is determined after a complete review of five areas of an aftercare organization: operations, education, horse health care management, facility standards and services, and adoption policies and protocols. Organizations passing the application review will be subject to site inspections of all facilities housing Thoroughbreds. Organizations that receive accreditation are eligible to receive financial grants from the TAA, but prior grants awarded are no indication of potential future awards. In 2022 the TAA awarded $3.6 million to accredited organizations as grants earmarked specifically for equine care, totaling more than $28.1 million awarded since 2012. Any organization interested in applying for TAA accreditation must fulfill the following five minimum requirements: 1. Organization must have a current status as a 501(c)(3) federal not-for-profit (U.S.) or must be a registered charity within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada). 2. Organization must have been in operation for at least three years. The TAA will confirm operation information, including with the secretary of state or provincial business registry. 3. At time of application, organization must either (1) currently exclusively own and provide care for a minimum of 5 registered Thoroughbreds, or (2) currently exclusively own and provide care for at least 3-4 registered Thoroughbreds AND must have exclusively owned and provided care for at least 10 registered Thoroughbreds over the previous 12 months. Registered Thoroughbreds leased by the organization or owned by third parties at the same facility should not be included. 4. Organization must have a written euthanasia policy consistent with the American Association of Equine Practitioners. 5. Organization, or a principal of the organization or individual directly related to the organization, shall not have any current legal proceedings pending against them which adversely impact the aftercare operations, the organization’s standards of care, or the 501(c)(3) status of the organization. For more information on the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accreditation process, click here.
Bob & Jill Baffert Pledge $10,000 New Year’s Eve Match Donation to Close Out the TAA’s Holiday Giving Campaign
To culminate the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)’s month-long Holiday Giving Campaign, Bob and Jill Baffert have pledged to match all donations up to $10,000 made to the TAA on Dec. 31, 2022. Not only does New Year’s Eve mark the end of the TAA’s holiday fundraiser, but the Baffert’s $10K match donation is the largest of the campaign. Every donation made to the TAA this Saturday will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Bob and Jill Baffert up to $10K, meaning you could help raise $20,000 towards the care of thousands of retired racehorses across North America. Through their support of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, California Retirement Management Account (CARMA), TAA-accredited Old Friends, among others, the Baffert’s continue to advocate for and designate funds to organizations working to improve the lives of off-track Thoroughbreds. In addition to their financial and advocacy support, Jill is also a member of the TAA Advisory Board. The two-time Triple Crown winning trainer values responsible racehorse ownership. Several of Baffert’s top earning horses in 2022 are connected to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance supporting owners, including Commonwealth, Madaket Stables, and Starlight Racing, to name a few. “Every racing season, these horses give us the thrill of a lifetime, bringing immeasurable joy. We all should remember that this holiday season when we stop to count our blessings and express gratitude,” said Jill Baffert. “There is no better way to do that than by contributing to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, which assures that all horses are treated with respect and care and afforded a full life of dignity after leaving the racetrack. Please join Bob and me in giving whatever you can to TAA this season.” “Thanks to the Baffert’s, the TAA Holiday Giving Campaign will end with a bang,” said TAA Funding and Events Manager, Emily Dresen. “We are so excited with the incredible level of participation within the horseracing community and with the Baffert’s generous pledge we can have our biggest day of fundraising yet.” Those wishing to support the TAA, its 81 accredited organizations, and thousands of retired Thoroughbreds can donate through the TAA’s website or text DONATE to 56651. During the Holiday Giving Campaign, TAA is also offering donors the benefit of sending digital holiday cards to colleagues, friends, and loved ones. To learn more and donate to the TAA’s Holiday Giving campaign, CLICK HERE.