Digital Ally Announces its Inaugural Music Event During Kentucky Derby Week
Digital Ally, Inc. (NASDAQ: DGLY) (the “Holding Company”), today announced that its newly created entertainment division Kustom440™—along with its other wholly-owned subsidiary TicketSmarter®—will produce its first event, Texas at the Derby, on May 6 in Louisville, KY. Texas at the Derby will feature a VIP concert by Warner Nashville country music artist Randall King the night prior to the Kentucky Derby. The Kentucky Derby event will begin at 7 p.m. ET and will be held at The Pointe, a historic event center located in the Butchertown area of Louisville, just minutes from downtown. The event will benefit three non-profit organizations – Refuge For Women, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, and the Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame. “We are excited to begin producing concerts and events under the Kustom440 name,” said Stan Ross, CEO of Digital Ally, adding, “Our team sets the standard for unique, customizable live experiences and we look forward to working with Warner Nashville and Randall King during the Derby weekend.” Purchase tickets here: www.texashorsesociety.com/events/texas-at-the-derby Kustom440, a wholly-owned operating company of Digital Ally, is the latest addition to the Holding Company’s growing group of subsidiaries, which are being established as part of DGLY’s previously announced plan to diversify its product and service offerings. Kustom440 leverages relationships built through various venues and partnerships to market & produce unique, customizable live experiences. Kustom440 will also utilize existing synergies between the Holding Company’s other subsidiaries, such as its primary and secondary ticketing platform TicketSmarter.
America’s Best Racing Announces Seventh Annual Preakness Kickoff Party to Benefit Aftercare
America’s Best Racing (ABR) announced today that its seventh annual Pre-Preakness Party will return on Wednesday, May 18, at the Mt. Washington Tavern in Baltimore, Maryland, after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), which accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations around the country, will be the beneficiary of all tickets sold. A silent auction will also be offered, with all proceeds benefitting the TAA and Beyond the Wire, a Maryland-based aftercare organization. “We’re thrilled to again be a beneficiary of this party, along with our friends at Beyond the Wire, and we’re grateful for the continued support from America’s Best Racing,” TAA Operations Consultant Stacie Clark Rogers said. “We can’t wait to kick off a great week of racing with this can’t-miss event.” The party, which was launched by ABR in 2014, has become the unofficial Preakness Stakes week kickoff event for racing fans. In past years, connections of Preakness runners, jockeys, and various other personalities have attended the event. Attendees will also have the opportunity to interact with well-known racing handicappers who will be in attendance to share their thoughts and insights on the Preakness Stakes. Tickets are now on sale at Eventbrite for $25 (tickets will cost $35 on site). Admission includes one drink, a light buffet of bar snacks and appetizers, and entry into a drawing for a door prize of two tickets to the 2022 Preakness Stakes on May 21 at Pimlico Race Course. The silent auction will feature items from ABR partners Christine A. Moore Millinery and Old Smoke Clothing Co., in addition to rare racing memorabilia and autographed collectibles. “We are proud to bring back the pre-Preakness festivities again this year and owe a lot of thanks to event supporters and sponsors who’ve enabled us to do it,” said Dan Tordjman, America’s Best Racing’s manager of partnerships and sponsorships. “ABR remains committed to putting the horse first by shining a spotlight on exceptional foundations like the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and Beyond the Wire that do so much in the name of Thoroughbred aftercare.” DETAILS Who: Open to all What: America’s Best Racing 2022 Pre-Preakness Party to benefit Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and Beyond the Wire When: Wednesday, May 18, 2022, 7 p.m. ET Where: Mt. Washington Tavern; 5700 Newbury St., Baltimore, MD 21209 Tickets: $25 online or $35 if you purchase on site (all proceeds benefit TAA). Tickets can be purchased in advance on Eventbrite: Click here to purchase tickets
Headley Whitney Museum Announces Exciting New exhibition: INTERTWINED April 8 – June 19
Ellen Skidmore Retrospective Skidmore’s expressive paintings and murals are noted for their luminous color and elements of nature. Animals and music are delicately intertwined with ephemeral figures to express our fragile existence while savoring the present moment. Skidmore imparts a humble beauty to each canvas in this thirty-year retrospective of her work. Horses are a large part of her life and a favorite subject as she has found the nonverbal communication incredibly freeing and profoundly grounding. In 2015, Skidmore authored, illustrated and launched nationwide, Ellen, The Girl Who Found Her Voice, her first children’s book which is based on her life growing up with a speech impediment. Her work is highly sought for private and corporate collections from coast to coast. Matthew & Karine Maynard Architectural Blacksmiths Matthew and Karine Maynard are designers, blacksmiths and artists who use metal and architectural space as their medium. Each element of their work reflects their professional attention to aesthetic detail, design and function. As a husband and wife team, they specialize in hand-forged design. Their work has been featured in international books & periodicals as one of the leading architectural artist blacksmiths teams in the world today. Their designs have been given prominence & awards by both the National Ornamental & Misc. Metals Association and the Artist Blacksmiths Association of North America. Maynard Studios large commissions reside in homes and businesses from California to Italy as well as finely curated event spaces across the Commonwealth, including Ashbourne Farms and the Apiary. Equine Homage During this revered season of the Keeneland Spring Meet and the Kentucky Derby, we honor the thoroughbred with a presentation of rarely-seen English and American equine art from private collections. This exhibit will include 1800s – 1900s pieces by Troye, Emms, Stull, Menasco, and Morris along with selected works by contemporary equine artists including Pater, Coates, Malone, Corum, and more. This exhibit also supports awareness for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.
TAA Day at the Races on Santa Anita Derby Day
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) is partnering with Santa Anita Park to host TAA Day at the Races on Santa Anita Derby Day. This edition of TAA Day at the Races includes a race presentation by the TAA on the undercard, an opportunity for jockeys to pledge their jocks mount fee to the TAA, and a call-to-action for race day attendees and viewers to join 1/ST and Santa Anita Park in celebrating the TAA through monetary donations. Race 5, the Providencia Stakes (G3) presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, goes off at 2:00 pm PT on Saturday, April 9, 2022. A presentation of a TAA blanket and swag bag will be made to the winning connections following the running of the race. TAA supporters 1/ST Racing and Santa Anita Park will promote aftercare awareness throughout the race day. Six three-year-old fillies will make their bid on the turf going 1 1/8 miles for the $100,000 purse. Of the six Thoroughbreds entered, one has connections to a TAA supporter: #3 CAIRO MEMORIES bred by Brereton Jones. “1/ST is a strong proponent of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and partnering with them on Santa Anita Derby Day is a great opportunity to continue highlighting the importance of aftercare,” said 1/ST Racing Chief Operating Officer and TAA Board of Directors Member, Aidan Butler. “It’s gearing up to be a beautiful weekend for the TAA Day at the Races on Santa Anita Derby Day,” said TAA Board of Directors President, Jeffrey Bloom. “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is truly an industry-wide effort and to see so many racetracks and businesses come together to support the TAA is gratifying.” Horses representing TAA-supporting breeders, owners, and trainers entered on Santa Anita Derby Day include: R1: #4 COVER VERSION bred by Godolphin R3: #3 BESTRELLA (IRE) trained by Doug O’Neill R4: #4 MICRO SHARE owned in-part by MyRacehorse and bred by Brereton Jones R5: #3 CAIRO MEMORIES bred by Brereton Jones R6: #1 HAPPY JACK trained by Doug O’Neill; #2 ARMAGNAC owned in-part by Starlight Racing & Madaket Stables LLC; #3 FORBIDDEN KINGDOM owned in-part by MyRacehorse; #4 MESSIER owned in-part by Starlight Racing & Madaket Stables LLC; #5 WIN THE DAY trained by Doug O’Neill R7: #3 JAVANICA bred by Godolphin; #5 AVENUE DE FRANCE (FR) owned in-part by Madaket Stables LLC R11: #2 COAST OF ROAN trained by Doug O’Neill R12: #1 BROTHERLY LOVE trained by Doug O’Neill; #13 MO THEM DOWN trained by Doug O’Neill Photo: Suzie Picou-Oldham
TAA Launches Second Annual Calendar Photo Contest
The TAA Calendar Photo Contest is now open for submissions and closes June 11, 2022. 12 winners will be selected and the cover photo winner will receive a Tipperary Devon with MIPS® helmet.
Gulfstream Park to Host TAA Day at the Races on Florida Derby Day
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) is partnering with Gulfstream Park to host TAA Day at the Races on Florida Derby Day. This edition of TAA Day at the Races includes a race presentation by the TAA on the undercard, an opportunity for jockeys to pledge their jocks mount fee to the TAA, Best Turned Out Awards co-sponsored by 1/ST, Gulfstream Park, and TAA, and a call-to-action for race day attendees and viewers to join 1/ST and Gulfstream Park in celebrating the TAA through monetary donations. Race 7, the 7th running of the Sand Springs Stakes, presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance goes off at 2:27 pm ET on Saturday, April 2, 2022. A presentation of a TAA blanket and swag bag will be made to the winning connections following the running of the race. TAA supporters 1/ST Racing and Gulfstream Park will promote aftercare awareness throughout the race day. Eight four-year-old and up fillies and mares will make their bid on the turf going 1 1/16 miles for the $100,000 purse. Of the 8 Thoroughbreds entered, one has connections to a TAA supporter: #4 CRYSTAL CLIFFS (FR) owned in-part by Madaket Stables LLC (Sol Kumin). “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s mission should be our industry’s number one priority,” said 1/ST Racing Vice President and TAA Board of Directors member, Nikki Walker. “1/ST Racing and Gulfstream Park are proud to have supported the TAA since 2014 and welcomes the opportunity to continue supporting our retired racehorses at this year’s Florida Derby.” “It is so great to be highlighted during the Championship meet at Gulfstream Park,” said TAA Operations Consultant, Stacie Clark Rogers. “The team here in Florida and at 1/ST are always so supportive of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.” Horses representing TAA-supporting breeders, owners, and trainers entered on Florida Derby Day include: R3: #5 CHAMPAGNE IVY bred by Phillips Racing Partnership R4: #4 WALTHAM WARRIOR bred in-part by Gainesway Thoroughbreds Ltd. R5: #5 MAIN EVENT bred in-part by Godolphin R6: #1 COMMANDEER bred by Godolphin; #2 LAUGHING BOY trained by Kenny McPeek; #4 FEARLESS owned by Repole Stable (Mike Repole) R7: #4 CRYSTAL CLIFFS (FR) owned in-part by Madaket Stables LLC (Sol Kumin) R8: #2 INVENTING owned in-part by Repole Stable; #4 WISH YOU WELL owned in-part by Reeves Thoroughbred Racing; #6 STARSHIP BABE bred in-part by Godolphin; #11 EASY TO LOVE bred and owned by Gainesway Thoroughbreds Ltd. R9: #4 TIDE OF THE SEA bred by Juddmonte Farms Inc. and owned by Three Diamonds Farm (Kirk Wycoff) R11: #6 SHAD NATION owned in-part by Madaket Stables LLC (Sol Kumin) R12: #7 KATHLEEN O bred in-part by Gainesway Thoroughbreds Ltd. R13: #5 GRAY’S FABLE trained by Roger Attfield Photo: Lauren King
TAA Represented on Jeff Ruby Steaks Day
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will once again have a presence on the undercard of Jeff Ruby Steaks Day at Turfway Park. Race 6 presented by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance goes off at 3:13 pm EST this Saturday, April 2, 2022. A presentation of a TAA blanket and swag bag will be made to the winning connections following the running of the race. TAA supporter Turfway Park will promote aftercare awareness throughout the race day. Twelve three-year-old’s and up are slated to go a mile on the dirt in the $25,000 allowance optional claiming race. Out of the 12 entered, two have connections to TAA supporters: #6 COUNTER OFFER bred by Elm Tree Farm and #13 SEARCH ENGINE owned in-part by MyRacehorse. “The work of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is of the upmost importance to Turfway Park,” said Turfway Park Director of Racing & Racing Secretary, Tyler B. Picklesimer. “Turfway Park is thrilled to once again welcome the TAA to join us on Jeff Ruby Steaks Day.” “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a fundamental instrument of the racing industry,” said TAA Funding and Events Manager Emily (Dresen) Scandore. “Making space for the TAA on major race days, such as Jeff Ruby Steaks Day, is a testament to that fact. We are so thankful to be able to count on Turfway Park’s continued support and commitment to the TAA’s mission.” Photo: Suzie Picou-Oldham
TAA Presence Strong at Tampa Bay Downs on Florida Cup Day
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) was featured on the Florida Cup undercard at Tampa Bay Downs on Sunday, March 27. Tampa Bay Downs Race 4, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, went off for seven furlongs on the dirt. A field of eight maiden three-year-old’s campaigned for the $35,000 purse. Jockey Sammy Camacho piloted Fluid Situation to a five-and-three-quarter length victory for Curragh Stables. The John P. Terranova II trainee set the pace from gate to wire. A presentation of a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance blanket and swag bag to the winning connections were made following the running of the race. TAA supporter Tampa Bay Downs promoted aftercare awareness throughout the race day. “The Florida Cup is an opportunity for the breeders, owners, and trainers to highlight the state-bred program,” said Tampa Bay Downs Vice President of Marketing and Publicity, Margo Flynn. “This has been a successful partnership between the entities and we look forward for it to continue for years to come.” “The mission of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has always been to support retired Thoroughbreds by providing funding and oversight to accredited aftercare organizations,” said TAA Funding and Events Manager Emily (Dresen) Scandore. “Having the TAA represented during high profile race days serves to remind everyone–from the horsemen to the handicappers–the importance of ensuring that our equine athletes have careers long after they retire from racing.”
TAA’s Inaugural ‘Off to the Races’ Auction Success Attributed to Donors
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance closed its inaugural Off to the Races online auction Thursday, Feb. 10 in conjunction with the 51st Annual Eclipse Awards. Due to the generosity of their donors, the TAA raised $35,125 from the 12 offered VIP experience packages. From Jan. 28 to Feb. 10 the public had the opportunity to bid on experience packages on 12 major race days in 2022 and 2023. Each experience package offered a unique itinerary of horse racing-related bucket list activities and tickets to the specified race day(s). In total, 24 donors contributed to the 12 experience packages offered in the TAA’s Off to the Races auction: 1/ST, America’s Best Racing, Anne’s Washington Inn, Breeders’ Cup Ltd., Christine A. Moore Millinery, Christine Lee’s Restaurant, Churchill Downs Inc., Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Fran Taylor and Tom Cheek, Frank & Dino’s Restaurant, Hilton Aventura Miami Hotel, Keeneland Association, LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society, Monmouth Park, Mt. Washington Tavern, National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, New York Racing Association, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Old Friends, Pamplemousse Grille, Second Stride, The Honorable Earle I. Mack, Win Place Home, Woodbine Entertainment. “Thank you to everyone who participated in our first annual Off to the Races online auction and a huge thank you to our racetrack and industry sponsors who made this event possible,” said TAA president Jeff Bloom. “These VIP experiences are truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity for racing fans– with the added bonus of all funds raised going to support the thousands of Thoroughbreds in the care of TAA-accredited organizations. We look forward to growing the event in the years to come.” Businesses or individuals seeking to donate to the 2nd Annual Off to the Races auction can contact TAA Funding and Events Manager Emily (Dresen) Scandore at 859-224-2851. Photo: Courtesy of 1/ST
Pegasus World Cup Grooms Recognized During TAA Best Turned Out Awards Sponsored by Centennial Farms
For the fourth consecutive year, Centennial Farms sponsored the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) Best Turned Out Horse Awards during the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Card Jan. 29, 2022 at Gulfstream Park. A cash prize and TAA gift bag were given to the winning groom of the Best Turned Out for the twelve races on the card. Representatives from the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and Centennial Farms selected the horse in each race that was deemed to be the best presented, and that horse’s groom received a gift bag and cash prize. The TAA and Centennial Farms promoted the winners on their social media platforms, the winning groom was mentioned on the live simulcast feed, and a congratulatory ad was placed in both the Thoroughbred Daily News and BloodHorse Daily on Monday, Jan 31, 2022. “There is nothing more gratifying than to award the unsung heroes who take care of our beloved Thoroughbred athletes,” TAA Inspection Coordinator Suzie Picou-Oldham said. “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance was thrilled to once again partner with 1/ST and Centennial Farms to celebrate our hardworking men and women of the backside.” The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a charity partner for the Pegasus World Cup. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Best Turned Out award recipients: RACE 1 #9 STRIKE APPEAL Groom: Odin Londono, III Trainer: Odin Londono Jr RACE 2 #2 MAD MOCHA Groom: Michael Lewars Trainer: Stuart Simon RACE 3 #5 EARTH STRIKE (IRE) Groom: Onildo Quevedo Trainer: Mark Casse RACE 4 #6 BOURBON HEIST Groom: Robin Alvarez Trainer: Ian Wilkes RACE 5 – LA PREVOYANTE S. (G3) #6 BEAUTIFUL LOVER Groom: William Aniceto Trainer: Christophe Clement RACE 6 #3 FANCY LIQUOR Groom: Emilio Silva Trainer: Mike Maker RACE 7 – W. L. McKnight S. # 3 FARMINGTON ROAD Groom- Carlos Navas Trainer: George Arnold Guest Judge: Don Little RACE 8 – Inside Information S. #3 DANCE D’ORO Groom: Jose Gonzales Trainer: Ralph Nicks RACE 9 – Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational S. presented by PEPSI (G3) # 8 SUMMER IN SARATOGA Groom: Carlos Orantes Trainer: Joe Sharp Guest Judge: Don Little RACE 10 – Fred W. Hooper S. presented by Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa # 1 FEARLESS Groom: Jesus Gomez Trainer: Todd Pletcher RACE 11 – Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational S. presented by Baccarat # 1 SPACE TRAVELLER (GB) Groom- Elmer Martinez Trainer: Brendan Walsh Guest Judge: Don Little RACE 12 – Pegasus World Cup Invitational S. presented by 1/ST BET # 9 COMMANDEER Groom- Javier Armenta Trainer: James Toner Guest Judge: Don Little