Fall Newsletter 2022
The TAA’s Fall Newsletter is here! What’s Inside: Breeders’ Cup Celebrating 10 Years OTTB Horse Shows Holiday Giving Editorial Features News Success Stories Events Don’t FALL behind, read the latest from the TAA >> PHOTO: Suzie Picou-Oldham
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Accredits 42 Organizations
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance announced today that 42 Thoroughbred aftercare organizations have been awarded accreditation for 2022. The 42 organizations include 41 previously accredited organizations and one that received accreditation for the first time. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the only accrediting body in Thoroughbred aftercare, now has a network of 81 organizations with approximately 180 facilities in North America. “Congratulations to the 42 organizations who earned their Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accreditation. Earning TAA accreditation is a true testament to an organization’s dedication to providing the best care possible for our Thoroughbreds,” said TAA President, Jeffrey Bloom. “TAA-accreditation proves to the racing industry that its Thoroughbreds are going to the best possible aftercare organizations in North America, and although this stamp of approval is reassuring, funding is still a concern to assist these groups and the thousands of retired racehorses in their care. We encourage everyone to support the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and its 81 accredited charities.” The 42 organizations earning accreditation this year are: After the Races, Bright Futures Farm, Inc., CANTER Kentucky, CANTER Michigan, Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare, Center for Racehorse Retraining, Central Kentucky Riding For Hope, Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Down The Stretch Ranch, Equestrian Inc., Equine Advocates Inc., Equine Rescue & Adoption Foundation, Final Furlong, Inc., Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program, Friends of Ferdinand, Inc., Galloping Out, Harmony and Hope Horse Haven, Inc., Healing Arenas, Inc., Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue, Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds, Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue, Illinois Equine Humane Center, Lollypop Farm, Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement, Inc., NEER North, Our Mims Retirement Haven, Inc., Out Side In, Inc., R.A.C.E. Fund, Inc., Remember Me Rescue, RVR Horse Rescue, Sandia Creek Ranch Auxiliary Foundation, Second Call Thoroughbred Adoption and Placement, Inc., Second Chance Thoroughbreds, Inc., Second Stride, Inc., Square Peg Foundation, The Foxie G Foundation, The Susan S. Donaldson Foundation, This Old Horse, Inc., Thoroughbred Athletes, Inc., Tranquility Farm – The Harry A. Biszantz Memorial Center for Thoroughbred Retirement, TRRAC Thoroughbred Retirement, Rehabilitation, and Careers, War Horses at Rose Bower. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organizations undergo a thorough application and inspection process prior to accreditation being awarded to ensure they meet the TAA Code of Standards, which covers five key areas: operations, education, horse health care management, facility standards and services, and adoption policies and protocols. Facility inspections are conducted at all facilities housing Thoroughbreds for each organization. Ongoing updates and re-inspections are required of all organizations as a condition of accreditation. “As the TAA’s tenth year of service comes to a close, we are grateful for the 81 accredited organizations who will move with us into the new year to continue the TAA’s mission to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding,” said TAA Accreditation and Grants Manager, Janice Towles. “I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to those that contributed to the TAA’s accreditation process: the TAA Accreditation Committee which met weekly for the last six months, TAA Accreditation Committee Chair Kristin Werner, TAA Inspections Administrator Suzie Picou-Oldham, and the dozens of volunteers across North America who perform facility inspections, many of whom give their time and resources to the TAA for free.” All organizations that hold Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accreditation are eligible to receive financial grants to support the care of their Thoroughbreds. Grant applications are currently being reviewed and the total grant amount awarded by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be announced this month. Since 2012, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has awarded $24.5 million to accredited organizations. Click below to learn more: Full list of TAA’s 81 accredited organizations TAA Accreditation Process TAA Code of Standards PHOTO: Jen Smith
TAA and Supporters Have Banner Weekend at Breeders’ Cup World Championships
It was an outstanding weekend for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) as the Official Aftercare Partner of the Breeders’ Cup. FanDuel honored the TAA with its third $100,000 donation in three years during a check presentation on FanDuel TV as part of its World Championship broadcast. The Breeders’ Cup continues to strengthen its partnership with the TAA through many activations, including presenting Future Stars Friday’s final undercard race, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes (G2). Trained by William Cowans, NEXT and jockey Luan Machado went gate-to-wire for owner Michael Foster. After winning the $350k mile and five-eighths marathon, the son of Not This Time bred by Silverton Hill has earned a total of $564,282 for his connections. FanDuel’s dedication to accredited Thoroughbred aftercare was the talk of the town during Future Stars Friday’s premiere race, the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1). FORTE and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. rallied down the stretch just in time to take the lead for owners St. Elias Stable and TAA supporter Repole Stable. Trained by Todd Pletcher and bred by South Gate Farm, FORTE concludes his two-year-old season with three Grade 1 wins and earnings of nearly $1.6 million. Of the eight undercard and 14 championship races, TAA supporting breeders, owners, and trainers found the winner’s circle 12 times during the world championships of racing in Lexington, Kentucky. 11/4 Future Stars Friday R1: (dead heat) B DAWK & Luis Saez Breeders: Small Batch Thoroughbreds & Robert Fetkin Owners: West Point Thoroughbreds and Besecker, Joseph E. Trainer: Doug O’Neill R1: (dead heat) BUSINESS MODEL & Tyler Gaffalione Breeder: Godolphin Owner: Qatar Racing Trainer: Brendan Walsh R2: BLACK FOREST & Irad Ortiz Jr. Breeder: Hidden Brook Farm & Godolphin Owner: St. George Stable LLC Trainer: Fausto Gutierrez R3: MARSALIS & Ricardo Santana Jr. Breeder: Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC Owner: Stonestreet Stables LLC Trainer: Steven Asmussen R6 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1): MISCHIEF MAGIC (IRE) & William Buick Breeder: Godolphin Owner: Godolphin, LLC Trainer: Charles Appleby R9 FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1): FORTE & Breeder: South Gate Farm Owner: Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable Trainer: Todd Pletcher 11/5 Breeders’ Cup Classic Day R1: ARABIAN KNIGHT & John Velazquez Breeder: Corser Thoroughbreds LLC Owner: Zedan Racing Stables, Inc. Trainer: Bob Baffert R4 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1): CARAVEL & Tyler Gaffalione Breeder: Elizabeth M. Merryman Owner: Qatar Racing, Detampel, Marc and Madaket Stables LLC Trainer: Brad Cox R5 Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1): CODY’S WISH & Junior Alvarado Breeder: Godolphin Owner: Godolphin, LLC Trainer: William Mott R8 FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile presented by PDJF (G1): MODERN GAMES (IRE) & William Buick Breeder: Godolphin Owner: Godolphin, LLC Trainer: Charles Appleby R10 Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1): REBEL’S ROMANCE (IRE) & James Doyle Breeder: Godolphin Owner: Godolphin, LLC Trainer: Charles Appleby R11 Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1): FLIGHTLINE & Flavien Prat Breeder: Summer Wind Equine Owner: Hronis Racing LLC, Siena Farm LLC, Summer Wind Equine LLC, West Point Thoroughbreds and Woodford Racing, LLC Trainer: John Sadler PHOTOS: Suzie Picou-Oldham
Commonwealth Honors TAA During Check Presentation at Keeneland Ahead of Breeders’ Cup World Championships
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) accepted a $10,234 check from Commonwealth today, November 1 at Keeneland. With every share sold, the up-and-coming syndicate allocates funds for Thoroughbred aftercare. Despite Commonwealth’s Dubai World Cup (G1) winner Country Grammer foregoing the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, the organization felt it was important to acknowledge the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as the Official Aftercare Partner of the Breeders’ Cup with a check presentation at Breeders’ Cup 2022 host racetrack– Keeneland. “It’s an honor and a privilege to present this check to the TAA on behalf of Commonwealth shareholders,” said Commonwealth Head of Racing, Chase Chamberlin. “We’re nothing without the horse and it is our responsibility, as an industry, to make sure that our horses are cared for at every stage of their career. This check is just the beginning of Commonwealth’s ongoing commitment to supporting aftercare for racehorses.” Founded in 2019 by Brian Doxtator and Chase Chamberlin, Commonwealth offers micro shares in world-class racehorses with the goal of making racehorse ownership accessible and interactive, even for those on a limited budget. Since the beginning, it was of the utmost importance to Commonwealth that aftercare be a central component of its funding model. For every $50 share sold on the platform, Commonwealth and its members donate 2% to aftercare. “We wanted the company and our members to be invested in aftercare from the start,” said Chamberlin. “Ninety percent of our members are new to racing and we wanted their experience to begin in the right way. Together, we can do so much.” Just last year Commonwealth sat down with the TAA to learn more about Thoroughbred aftercare and what their shareholders can do to support not only the horses under their ownership, but the aftercare movement as a whole. “We are honored that Commonwealth chose the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as their aftercare beneficiary and look forward to partnering with them in the future,” said TAA Funding and Events Manager, Emily (Dresen) Scandore. “Although Commonwealth may be new on the syndicate scene, their initiative for supporting retired racehorses by donating to Thoroughbred aftercare will take them far.” Learn more about Commonwealth: Joincommonwealth.com
TAA Events During Breeders’ Cup Festival Week
As the Official Aftercare Partner of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will be a part of a myriad of events during Breeders’ Cup Festival Week. Join the TAA staff for the premiere of “Celebrating Ten Years“–a short film in honor of the TAA’s 10-year anniversary–at The Kentucky Theatre’s Equine Film Festival on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 7:40 PM before the screening of Secretariat. Can’t make the premiere on Tuesday? ‘Celebrating Ten Years’ will have 2 additional screenings at the Kentucky theatre: 7:30 PM on Thursday, November 3 before the documentary, ‘Born to Rein’ 1:30 PM on Friday, November 4 before ‘Born to Rein’ Movie tickets are $6.50 per person and can be purchased in-person or online at Kentuckytheatre.org. During the 2-day Breeders’ Cup World Championships, the TAA will have a presence on-site at Keeneland. Patrons are encouraged to stop by the TAA’s booth to learn about the organization’s mission from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance representatives, and to make a donation in exchange for a variety of TAA swag. Racing fans can also show their support by opting to donate to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance throughout the championship weekend when cashing a winning ticket on an UnitedTote Systems self-service betting terminal. All donations are tax-deductible. The TAA will kick off Future Stars Friday by presenting its Grade 2 namesake race, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes (G2) and close out the day with the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1). As part of FanDuel’s commitment to support accredited Thoroughbred aftercare, the sports wagering digital cable and satellite television network will present a check to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance during Future Stars Friday. PHOTO: Eclipse Sportswire
TAA’s ‘Celebrating Ten Years’ to Premiere at The Kentucky Theatre Equine Film Festival During Breeders’ Cup Festival Week
In honor of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)’s 10-year anniversary, the Official Aftercare Partner of the Breeders’ Cup will premiere its short film, ‘Celebrating Ten Years’ at The Kentucky Theatre’s Horse: An Equine Film Festival. The historic downtown Lexington theatre will host the weeklong film festival from October 31 to November 4, 2022. The TAA’s ten-minute film, ‘Celebrating Ten Years,’ is scheduled to premiere three times at The Kentucky Theatre: 7:40 PM on Tuesday, November 1 before ‘Secretariat’ 7:30 PM on Thursday, November 3 before the documentary, ‘Born to Rein’ 1:30 PM on Friday, November 4 before ‘Born to Rein’ “Located, as we are, in the heart of horse country, The Kentucky Theatre is honored to host the premiere of a film that celebrates an organization that has done so much to promote the welfare of retired racehorses,” said The Kentucky Theatre director, Hayward Wilkirson. Produced by Emmy Award winner, Steve Scheidler, ‘Celebrating Ten Years’ features interviews from major proponents in Thoroughbred racing and aftercare advocacy including John Phillips, Michael Blowen, Terry Finley, Dora Delgado, Jeffrey Bloom, Dale Romans, Madeline Auerbach, Jimmy Bell, Natalie Voss, Nick Zito, and Nicole Walker. “The TAA has made a remarkable impact on the sport in 10 short years,” said producer, Steve Scheidler. “They have not only helped address issues of animal welfare in horse racing, but also led us to a new level of stewardship. A stewardship that compels us to continue to educate, advise, fund and care for something so critical, and to remind us always that at the end of the day– it’s all about the Horse. It’s been an honor to be a small part of sharing their story.” ‘Celebrating 10 Years’ is a short film that highlights the North American Thoroughbred industry’s initiative in the care of Thoroughbred racehorses after the conclusion of their careers on the racetrack. An international project that has provided a safety net for thousands of retired racehorses, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance celebrates 10 years of service in 2022. “The industry has taken major steps forward in terms of their understanding of aftercare in the last ten years, but now the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance must tackle the misconception that the problem of aftercare has been solved when, in fact, there is so much more work to be done,” said TAA operations consultant, Stacie Clark Rogers. “‘Celebrating Ten Years,’ pays homage to the last decade of TAA and we hope it ignites viewers to support not only the TAA’s mission but Thoroughbred aftercare as a whole.” Movie tickets are $6.50 per person and can be purchased in-person or online at Kentuckytheatre.org.
2022 TIP Championship TAA High Point Award Winners
T.I.P. Championships & Eastern Dressage Championships October 6-9, 2022 Ι Aiken, South Carolina Hunter – Enduring Honor ridden by Joy Nakrin, adopted from Blue Bloods Thoroughbred Adoption & Placement Jumper – Oh MiLord ridden by Heather Richard, adopted from Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue Combined Test – Lotsnlotsofchrome ridden by Jennifer Cobb, adopted from Rerun Dressage – Simple Twist of Fate ridden by Robin White , adopted from Second Stride Pleasure – Perfect Imperfection ridden by Sarah Laderman, adopted from MidAtlantic Horse Rescue T.I.P. Western Championships & Central Dressage Championships October 12-15, 2022 Ι Lexington, Kentucky Ranch – Stonecatcher, ridden by Raechel Ramsey, adopted from New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program Western Pleasure – no eligible horses Barrels – Nucks, ridden by Megan Hems, adopted from Second Chance Thoroughbreds Dressage –Buckeye Warrior, ridden by Holly Zecchin, adopted from New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program Competitive Trail – Wally K, ridden by Monique Cameron, adopted from Galloping Out
FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) to be Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will join FanDuel TV in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships winner’s circle to present the premiere race on Future Stars Friday– the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (GI). As part of FanDuel’s commitment to support accredited Thoroughbred aftercare, the sports wagering digital cable and satellite television network will present a check to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance during Future Stars Friday. FanDuel TV, formerly TVG, has honored the TAA at the Breeders’ Cup since 2020. To date, the company has provided more than $200,000 in charitable contributions to the TAA and California Retirement Management Account (CARMA). FanDuel TV strives to highlight the importance of responsible aftercare for retired racehorses during its programming. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance regularly receives air time during FanDuel TV’s premiere race day programming, and the Breeders’ Cup World Championships is no exception. FanDuel TV will provide extensive coverage of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships from Keeneland on November 4-5. “Our company is proud to continue its support for Thoroughbred aftercare and second careers and to highlight all the good work the racing industry is doing to care for its equine athletes before, during, and after their careers on the track,” said Andrew Moore, General Manager of Racing for FanDuel Group. “FanDuel’s commitment to continue including the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance on one of the biggest days of racing is a huge win for not only the TAA, but the aftercare movement as a whole,” said TAA President, Jeffrey Bloom. “Thanks to the TAA and its vast network of accredited aftercare charities we can rest easy knowing our horses are in good hands, but this solution only works if we provide the funding necessary to sustain the demand created by the racing industry. FanDuel continues to set themselves apart as a major annual donor for the TAA and for that we are incredibly grateful.”
TAA Grads Make a Splash at the Thoroughbred Makeover
Over 55 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) graduates competed in the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover October 12-15, 2022. This year, the RRP special awards—including the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Graduate High Point Award—were presented Friday night, following the conclusion of preliminary competition. As such, Buckeye Warrior ridden by Holly Zecchin and Union Charm ridden by Alyssa Kelly tied for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Graduate High Point Award. “It was wonderful to cheer on so many graduates of TAA-accredited aftercare organizations at the Makeover and in the Finale this year,” said TAA Office Manager, Catherine Flowers. “The success of TAA grads in the Makeover is a testament to the dedication of our accredited organizations in rehabbing, retraining, and rehoming off-track Thoroughbreds into new, well-matched homes. It is our pleasure to present the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Graduate High Point Award to not just one, but two deserving horses and trainers, and we congratulate all the TAA Graduates and their trainers for their impressive efforts in the 2022 Thoroughbred Makeover.” The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Graduate High Point Award comes with a TAA swag bag and $1,000 cash prize to be split between the winning trainers and TAA-accredited organizations from which the horse transitioned. Ohio-homebred Buckeye Warrior ran 18 times for owner Robert Reeves and trainer Mark Thomas. After four seasons on the track, the son of Majestic Warrior retired with a record of 2-0-4 and earnings of $43,819. Buckeye Warrior spent just 3 months at TAA-accredited New Vocations before being adopted by Holly Zecchin. At the Thoroughbred Makeover, their first-place preliminary ranking resulted in tying for the TAA High Point award, and on Saturday, October 15 Buckeye Warrior and Zecchin proved top of their class in the Dressage finale. Bred in Kentucky by Castlepark Farm, John Karakourtis, and AF Thoroughbreds, Union Charm made seven careers starts in New York and Maryland, never breaking his maiden. The half-brother to stakes winner Charming Vixen was retired after three starts under owner/trainer Horacio De Paz to TAA-accredited MidAtlantic Horse Rescue by way of Beyond the Wire. After seven months at the aftercare organization, Union Charm was adopted by Eileen Johnson. On behalf of Johnson, Alyssa Kelly competed with Union Charm in Show Hunters and Show Jumpers at the Thoroughbred Makeover, earning the fifth and first-place positions after the preliminary round in show Hunters and Jumpers, respectively. Of the 55 TAA graduates who competed in the Thoroughbred Makeover, 11 placed in the top five of their divisions, qualifying for the finale. TAA grads’ finale results are as follows: Competitive Trail: 1st Hieronymous & Isabel Wells (CANTER Kentucky) Dressage: 1st Buckeye Warrior & Holly Zecchin (New Vocations); 4th Bokeelia Island & Kelly Sulik (Thoroughbred Athletes) Freestyle: 2nd Evaluator & Colleen Nolan (New Vocations); 5th Stonecatcher & Raechel Ramsey (New Vocations) Polo: 5th Buffalo Dancer & Benjamin Lynch (New Vocations) Ranch Work: 4th Change of Fortune & Nathan Bradley (CANTER Kentucky); 5th Stonecatcher & Raechel Ramsey (New Vocations) Show Hunters: 3rd Union Charm & Alyssa Kelly (MidAtlantic Horse Rescue) Show Jumpers: 3rd Union Charm & Alyssa Kelly (MidAtlantic Horse Rescue); 4th Nothin Really & Clare Mansmann (MidAtlantic Horse Rescue)
TAA Named Official Aftercare Partner of Breeders’ Cup World Championships
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will once again be named the Official Aftercare Partner of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships Nov. 4-5 at Keeneland. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is also an Official Charity of the Breeders’ Cup, along with Race Track Chaplaincy of America and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, among others. 2022 not only marks the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s 10-year anniversary, but a decade-long partnership between the TAA and Breeders’ Cup. As a seed money donor, the Breeders’ Cup has been a supporter of the TAA since its inception. During the World Championships, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will present its Grade 2 namesake race–formerly the Marathon Stakes–on Friday’s championship undercard. “As a founding donor for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, it brings the Breeders’ Cup great pride to be able to feature the TAA as the official Aftercare Partner,” said Dora Delgado, Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Officer.” The TAA’s growth both in the number of accredited organizations and in the amount of grant money awarded has been a tremendous feat, and it seems only fitting to culminate the TAA’s 10-year celebration center-stage at the World Championships.” The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will have a presence on-site at Keeneland. Patrons are encouraged to stop by the TAA’s booth to learn about the organization’s mission from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance representatives, and to make a donation in exchange for a variety of racing memorabilia and TAA swag. Racing fans can also show their support by opting to donate to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance throughout the championship weekend when cashing a winning ticket on an UnitedTote Systems self-service betting terminal. All donations are tax-deductible. “I can’t think of a better place to close out our 10-year celebration than the Breeders’ Cup World Championships,” said TAA President, Jeffrey Bloom. “Breeders’ Cup’s ongoing recognition and support has been instrumental in the TAA’s growth, which is necessary to further our mission to help fund retired racehorses. We’re honored to ring in another year as the Official Aftercare Partner at the World Championships of horse racing.” Donate Online Now PHOTO: Suzie Picou-Oldham