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Category: News

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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

1/ST Celebrates 10-year Partnership With the TAA, Reaches a $1 Million Donation Milestone to be Recognized at the 2022 Pegasus World Cup

On Saturday, January 29th, 1/ST will pay special tribute to its 10-year partnership with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) during the running of the Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf presented by Pepsi, by naming the Pegasus World Cup’s newest championship race in honor of the organization for its inaugural running. There will also be a special Winners’ Circle check presentation acknowledging the $1 million lifetime donation milestone. 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 $24.5 million to accredited aftercare organizations and 13,700 Thoroughbreds have been retrained, rehomed, or retired by accredited organizations. “At 1/ST we are committed to achieving the highest level of horse health and safety standards in Thoroughbred racing. We owe a duty of care to the equine athletes who are truly the heart of the sport,” said Nicole Walker, Vice President, 1/ST and TAA Board Member. “As a proud TAA Board Member, I have witnessed the great work the organization does to protect and care for Thoroughbred horses after their racing careers have ended. I am proud to be part of this milestone moment and have seen firsthand how, with an incredible network of accredited partner organizations, the funds received by the TAA quickly and visibly make a big difference.” “We are honored to partner with 1/ST on this exciting Pegasus World Cup Day. With it being the 10-year anniversary of the TAA, it only makes it that much more special,” said Jeff Bloom, TAA Board President. “1/ST continues to be a vital supporter of the TAA and Thoroughbred aftercare in general, and we are fortunate to showcase the importance of aftercare at this beautiful facility on one of the most exciting race day events of the year.” 1/ST executives and TAA Board Members, Nicole Walker and Aidan Butler, Chief Operating Officer, 1/ST RACING, will be in the Winners’ Circle along with TAA Board President, Jeff Bloom and select TAA member organizations for this special milestone moment. To further support efforts, representatives from the TAA will be on hand to educate guests about their work and have also been selected as a charitable partner of choice for a merchandise fundraising pop-up curated by Fanticipate. In addition, the TAA will be recognized as part of the 2022 Pegasus World Cup NBC broadcast from 4:30 – 6:00 P.M. ET on race day, Saturday, January 29th. For more information about the Pegasus World Cup, visit www.pegasusworldcup.com and follow @PegasusWorldCup on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

TAA Elects Jeffrey Bloom as President, New Board Members

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) Board of Directors elected Jeffrey Bloom as president for the 2022 term and elected new board members at its meeting Jan. 28. Bloom, managing partner of Bloom Racing Stable, has served as a TAA board member since 2019. A Thoroughbred industry veteran of 40 years, he was a professional jockey in addition to serving as a racing manager, bloodstock agent, marketing and media relations consultant, and broadcaster. Following his riding career, he earned a B.S. degree in Financial Services from San Diego State University and his business resume includes a successful venture in corporate business development in the software technology industry. He has selected and managed the careers of numerous stakes winners including the 2019 Eclipse award champion and multiple G1 winner Midnight Bisou. He is extremely passionate about racehorses and their overall welfare both on and off the racetrack. In addition to his involvement with the TAA, he also serves on the board of TOBA. “As a 37-year veteran of the Thoroughbred industry, horse welfare has always been an important part of the business for myself and Bloom Racing,” said Bloom. “Through serving on the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance board, I have come to realize how important this organization needs to be for all of us who are fortunate enough to work in such a dynamic sport. As incoming president of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, I look forward to assisting the board, the accredited organizations, and the industry at large with the ongoing plan that serves us all well.” James G. Bell, president and racing manager of Godolphin, served as TAA president in 2014 and 2021. Bell will remain on the TAA’s board and executive committee for 2022 as immediate past president. “Our board members stepped up to the plate in 2021,” said Bell. “Much of our success can be attributed to board members actively engaging other industry participants in discussion about aftercare solutions. Our new members all bring that same dedication and Jeff has been very instrumental throughout his time on the board. With his leadership and energy, many new goals will be reached for the TAA.” Bloom and Bell are joined on the executive committee by TAA Vice President Craig Bandoroff, owner of Denali Stud; TAA Treasurer Melissa Hicks, director of tax services at Dean Dorton; TAA Secretary Walter Robertson, attorney at Stites & Harbison; Madeline Auerbach, founding board member of the TAA, founder of the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA), and a Thoroughbred owner and breeder; Terry Finley, founder and chief executive officer of West Point Thoroughbreds, board member of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, Thoroughbred Charities of America, Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund, and Belmont Child Care Association; and Aidan Butler, chief operating officer of 1/ST Racing and president of 1/ST Content. The TAA rotates its board of directors and its executive officers. The board members beginning service in 2022 are: Laura Barillaro, executive vice president and chief financial officer of The Jockey Club; Dr. Jeffrey Berk VMD, Equine Medical Associates; Aidan Butler, chief operating officer of 1/ST Racing and president of 1/ST Content; Mark Casse, Hall of Fame trainer; John A. ‘Jack’ Damico, founding partner of Matson, Driscoll & Damico LLC, manager of The Posse Racing Stable and East Coast Partners; Terry Finley, founder and chief executive officer of West Point Thoroughbreds, board member of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, Thoroughbred Charities of America, Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund, and Belmont Child Care Association; Melissa Hicks, tax director of Dean Dorton. They join current TAA board members: Jimmy Bell, Jeff Bloom, Walt Robertson, Jr., Madeline Auerbach, Craig Bandoroff, Simon Bray, Donna Brothers, Boyd Browning, Tom Cannell, Brian Graves, Susie Hart, John Keitt, Chip McGaughey, Josh Rubenstein, Richard Schosberg, Tom Ventura, and Nicole Walker. Click here to see the full list of the TAA’s board of directors.

TAA Launches ‘Off to the Races’ Inaugural Online Auction Campaign of Bucket List Experiences

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today the launch of Off to the Races, an online auction campaign which offers the public an opportunity to bid on VIP experience packages on 12 major race days in 2022 and 2023. Each experience package offers a unique itinerary of horse racing-related bucket list activities and tickets to the specified race day(s). To view and bid on all items, go to: 32auctions.com/taa_auction Bidding opens Friday, Jan. 28, 2022 at noon EST / 9 AM PST and closes Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022 at 2:59 AM EST / 11:59 PM PST. Featured Experiences: 2022 Florida Derby 2022 Arkansas Derby 2022 Blue Grass Stakes 2022 Santa Anita Derby 2022 Kentucky Oaks & Kentucky Derby 2022 Preakness Stakes 2022 Haskell Stakes 2022 Whitney Stakes 2022 Queen’s Plate 2022 Pacific Classic 2022 Breeders’ Cup World Championships 2023 Pegasus World Cup “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is thrilled to present the inaugural ‘Off to the Races’ online auction,” said TAA president and managing director of Bloom Racing Stable, Jeff Bloom. “Featured items include VIP access to the racing industry’s most sought after premier events. This is a huge opportunity to increase the awareness of aftercare while raising critical funds for the ongoing support of retired racehorses. All of this made possible by the support of our wonderful racetrack and industry sponsors.” “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is excited to kick off the new year with a brand new auction campaign to support our growing number of accredited organizations and the thousands of Thoroughbreds in their care,” said TAA Funding and Events Manager Emily (Dresen) Scandore. “We are thrilled with 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.”

TAA to be On-Site at the NTRA National Horseplayers Championship

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today that it will be on-site to promote aftercare awareness at the NTRA National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) January 28-30 at Bally’s Las Vegas. Horseplayers are invited to connect with TAA representatives, learn more about accredited Thoroughbred aftercare, enter drawings for select racing experiences, take home racing memorabilia, and donate to the TAA. “Once again NTRA is proud to support the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance at our annual National Horseplayers Championship,” said Chief Operating Officer Keith Chamblin. “Supporting Aftercare has always been an objective of our organization and our tournaments. “We are thankful for NTRA’s support of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and the platform for aftercare provided by the prestigious NHC event,” said TAA Office Administrator Catherine Flowers. “We look forward to an exciting weekend of horseracing and celebrating horseplayers’ commitment to our deserving equine athletes.” Of the eight #NHC2022 eligible racetracks Aqueduct, Golden Gate Fields, Gulfstream Park, Laurel Park, Oaklawn Park, Santa Anita Park, and Tampa Bay Downs are proud supporters of the TAA. Photo: Horsephotos.com/Harold Roth 

Foal Patrol Season 5 to Feature TAA Grads

Season 5 of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s popular live webcam series Foal Patrol is now available online at www.foalpatrol.com. Foal Patrol is a one-of-a-kind collection of live cameras following the daily activities of in-foal mares produced by the National Museum of Racing. Millions of people throughout the world have viewed the popular webcam program since its inaugural season in 2018. The Foal Patrol Season 5 participants are: Elate (in foal to Speightstown at Claiborne Farm, Paris, Ky.), Spanish Bunny (in foal to Uncle Mo at Gainesway Farm, Lexington, Ky.), Traveling Tiger (in foal to Audible at Safari North at Pauls Mill Farm, Versailles, Ky.), Repeta (in foal to Volatile at Three Chimneys Farm, Versailles, Ky.), and Floripa (in foal to Vekoma at Old Tavern Farm, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.). Live footage will expand as the mares approach their expected foaling dates. Season 5 will feature a new education site at www.foalpatrol.com/education to connect Foal Patrol fans of all ages to online resources, videos, and podcasts that begin with breeding and reproduction and span the life of the Thoroughbred, including Just for Kids; our Insights videos for youth considering industry careers; online resources about the health and care of the horse; and the platform of Your Stories for viewers’ photo submissions and stories of how Foal Patrol has inspired them. New content will be added to the site weekly from January through June. A variety of Thoroughbred industry partners have committed to supporting Foal Patrol’s educational efforts with regular content and support throughout Season 5. “One of the many wonderful things about the sport of racing is that it has a great history of its industry partners working together to make projects such as Foal Patrol as successful as possible,” said Cate Masterson, director of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. “We’ve received nothing but positive responses from within the racing community about Foal Patrol and we are so grateful for everyone’s contributions to the program.” Featured content partners for Foal Patrol this season include the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and the Retired Racehorse Project, organizations whose content will focus on the lives of Thoroughbreds once their racing career is concluded. While Foal Patrol centers on the care of in-foal mares, foals, and early foal development, the platform also connects people to information and resources that span the life of the Thoroughbred – from foaling to retirement. “We’re thrilled to partner with the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s Foal Patrol series to showcase off-track thoroughbreds finding success in the next phase of their lives,” said Alexandra Kokka, the marketing and communications manager for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “Thanks to our network of 82 TAA-accredited organizations across North America, more than 13,700 Thoroughbreds have been affected by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, and we can’t wait to share their stories on Foal Patrol.” “We’re looking forward to bringing Foal Patrol fans a closer look at second career opportunities for horses after racing,” said Kirsten Green, interim executive director of the Retired Racehorse Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that takes a market-based approach to Thoroughbred aftercare. “#SecondCareerSaturday will explore the next steps in a retired racehorse’s life and the many paths they can take once retired from the track.” Paulick Report is the primary media partner for Foal Patrol season 5. Other industry partners for content or promotion include Amplify Horse Racing, Equibase, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Harness Horse Youth Foundation, Horse Country, Jockey Club Technology Services, Keeneland Kids Club, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Equine Industry Pipeline, Mill Ridge Farm, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, University of Kentucky Department of Animal and Food Sciences, and University of Louisville Equine Industry Program. For more information about the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, including upcoming events, please visit www.racingmuseum.org or call (518) 584-0400.

TAA Accredits 29 Organizations

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance announced today that 29 Thoroughbred aftercare organizations have been awarded accreditation.