Sagamore Spirit to Sponsor Pimlico Special (G3) and Maryland Sprint (G3)
Sponsorship Includes $50,000 Donation to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance BALTIMORE – The Maryland Jockey Club announced today that Sagamore Spirit has been named sponsor of the $300,000 Pimlico Special (G3), to be run Friday, May 20, and the $150,000 Maryland Sprint (G3), to be run Saturday, May 21. In conjunction with Sagamore Racing, Sagamore Spirit will present a check to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in the winner’s circle on Preakness Day in the amount of $50,000. The Sagamore Spirit Pimlico Special is for 3-year-olds and up at 1 3/16 mile. Introduced in 1937 by Alfred G. Vanderbilt Jr., former president of Pimlico Race Course and Sagamore Farm, the Special has played host to many of racing’s biggest stars including Cigar, War Admiral, Seabiscuit, Citation, Invasor, Skip Away and Whirlaway. The Sagamore Spirit Maryland Sprint, for 3-year-olds and up at six furlongs, was won last year by a 4-year-old gelded son of War Pass, Sandbar. Sagamore Spirit Straight Rye Whiskey is an American whiskey with a unique mash bill and proofing process. The distilling team blends two different straight rye whiskies – a high rye and a low rye – and then adds spring-fed water, from Kevin Plank’s Sagamore Farm, to create an 83 proof Maryland-style rye whiskey. Sagamore drives this water 22 miles from the limestone spring at Sagamore Farm to their bottling facility at City Garage in Port Covington. 100 percent of Sagamore Rye is cut to proof with this distinct water. “We are thrilled to be a part Preakness Day,” said Brian Treacy, President of Sagamore Spirit. “Together with Sagamore Racing, we are fortunate to be able to support the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and all that they do to help Thoroughbreds as they retire.” “We are honored and humbled at the generosity of Sagamore Spirit, Sagamore Farm and Kevin Plank,” said Jimmy Bell, President of the TAA. “Mr. Plank’s continued support of the TAA and the Thoroughbred industry is remarkable, and we’re extremely happy to be part of the Maryland Jockey Club’s historic Preakness Stakes.” “The Maryland Jockey Club is honored to partner with Sagamore Spirit as sponsor of the historic Sagamore Spirit Pimlico Special and Sagamore Spirit Maryland Sprint,” said Sal Sinatra, President and General Manager of the Maryland Jockey Club. “We’re looking forward to a great weekend of racing.” About Pimlico Race Course Historic Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness® Stakes, the middle jewel in horse racing’s famed Triple Crown, first opened its doors on October 25, 1870, and is the second oldest racetrack in the United States. Pimlico has played host to racing icons and Baltimoreans have seen the likes of legendary horses such as Man o’ War, Seabiscuit, Secretariat, Affirmed and Cigar thunder down the stretch in thrilling and memorable competition. For more information on Pimlico, visit www.pimlico.com. Pimlico Race Course is a Stronach Group company, North America’s leading Thoroughbred racetrack owner/operator. The Stronach Group racetracks include Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park & Casino, Golden Gate Fields, Portland Meadows, Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, home of the world-famous Preakness. The company owns and operates the Palm Meadows Training Center in Florida and is one of North America’s top race horse breeders through its award-winning Adena Springs operation. The Stronach Group is one of the world’s largest suppliers of pari-mutuel wagering systems, technologies and services. Its companies include AmTote, a global leader in wagering technology; Xpressbet, an Internet and telephone account wagering service; and Monarch Content Management, which acts as a simulcast purchase and sales agent of horseracing content for numerous North American racetracks and wagering outlets. The Stronach Group is also a leading producer of social media content for the horseracing industry. For more information contact David Joseph at david.joseph@marylandracing.com or call 954.457.6451.
TAA Named Honorary Postmaster Preakness Week
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, which accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations, has been named the honorary postmaster for the 141st Preakness Stakes (gr. I) at Pimlico Race Course. Since 1990, the United States Postal Service has opened a temporary post office station at Pimlico the week of the Preakness. Past honorary postmasters have included trainers Bob Baffert, Bud Delp, Nick Zito, D. Wayne Lukas, and William Boniface, as well as popular racehorses Cigar and Ben’s Cat. “We’re honored to be recognized by the Maryland Jockey Club and the Preakness Stakes,” said TAA president Jimmy Bell. “Aftercare is incredibly important to the Thoroughbred industry, and serving as honorary postmaster Preakness weekend will allow us to share with hundreds of thousands of fans the many opportunities now available for retired Thoroughbreds, while bringing continued strength to the entire concept.” The Alibi Breakfast, which began in the 1930s on the porch of the historic Pimlico Clubhouse, features a gathering of media, owners, trainers, jockeys, and horsemen to celebrate the Preakness, and solicit interesting race predictions.
TAA Partners with Grand Slam Social for Social Media Coverage at Rolex
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) has partnered with Grand Slam Social to expand the TAA’s social media presence at this year’s Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (RK3DE). The TAA is the official charity of Rolex Kentucky, taking place on April 28 – May 1, 2016. Grand Slam Social, a boutique social media company headed by Ashley Cline, Molly McGill, and Shona Rosenblum, will be managing the TAA’s coverage of the international equestrian event in order to expand the organization’s reach and following. The TAA will be on-site for all four days of the RK3DE, as well as in attendance for the many other events surrounding the equestrian competition that will benefit the TAA, including a 5K run, Hunter Hayes concert, and Maker’s Mark charity bottle auction. The TAA will also be promoting the many off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) competing at Rolex, including having meet-and-greets and autograph signings with top OTTB riders. “We are thrilled to be working with the TAA at the Rolex, #RK3DE, event this year,” stated Shona Rosenblum, Grand Slam Social co-founder. “We are passionate about supporting Thoroughbred aftercare and increasing awareness about this talented breed among the entire equestrian industry. Grand Slam Social will be taking over TAA social media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Periscope, to generate buzz for the TAA at this prestigious international equestrian event, and we encourage everyone to join the conversation!” “The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is the opportune event to bring together fans of both racing and eventing as they watch retired racehorses excel in new upper level careers,” state Jimmy Bell, president of the TAA and Darley America. “We are excited to partner with Grand Slam Social to elevate our social media presence and ensure we reach the maximum number of new fans and supporters possible.” Based in Lexington, Kentucky, the non-profit Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredits, inspects and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retire, retrain and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Funded initially by seed money from Breeders’ Cup Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association Inc., the TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals and other industry groups. To date, 56 aftercare organizations supporting more than 180 facilities across the U.S. and Canada have been granted accreditation and received funding from the TAA. To learn more about the TAA, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org. Grand Slam Social (GSS) is a boutique social media company that brings events to life across social platforms. The Grand Slam Social team brings a unique background of social media experience working with luxury brands, large events, and equestrian sports, including the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. By working with large events to plan and execute strategic social media campaigns, Grand Slam Social brings expertise that drives fan engagement, generates buzz, and grows overall social footprint. Learn more about GSS at grandslamsocial.com. The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is designated as a four-star eventing competition by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (International Equestrian Federation – FEI), a designation given only to the Olympic Games, World Championships, and six annual events around the world. Rolex Kentucky is the only four-star event in the Western Hemisphere. Each year, many of the world’s leading horses and riders compete at Rolex Kentucky for their share of $350,000 in prize money as well as a shot at the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing, which is awarded to the rider who wins the Rolex Kentucky, Mitsubishi Badminton, and Land Rover Burghley four-star events in succession. Learn more about the RK3DE at rk3de.org.
Hunter Hayes to perform during Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Proceeds to Benefit TAA
Lexington, KY – February 1, 2016 – The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Land Rover will feature a special concert – Hunter Hayes & Friends – following Saturday’s Cross-Country. Known as the “Best Weekend All Year,” Rolex Kentucky takes place April 28 – May 1 at the Kentucky Horse Park. Hayes, a 5-time GRAMMY nominee whose hits include his most recent single “21” and the No. 1 smashes “Wanted,” “Somebody’s Heartbreak” and “I Want Crazy,” will perform at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington after the completion of the Cross-Country phase on Saturday, April 30. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. and the first act will go on at 6:00 p.m. (EDT). To purchase tickets to the concert, please visit the official Hunter Hayes website at www.hunterhayes.com, click on the “Tour” section and select the April 30, 2016, concert date. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the official charity of the 2016 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA). The TAA is a Lexington-based, non-profit organization that accredits, inspects and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retire, retrain and rehome Thoroughbreds. Ticket proceeds will also benefit The USO, which is a nonprofit organization that provides programs, services and live entertainment to United States troops and their families, and the United States Equestrian Team Foundation in support of the U.S. teams competing in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. “Having Hunter Hayes perform during the 2016 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event adds a new element to the excitement of our event and supports not only the U.S. Eventing team, but all U.S. equestrian teams in their preparation for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro,” said Stewart Perry, President of Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), organizer of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is the nation’s premier Three-Day Event and one of the most prestigious equestrian competitions in the world. The Fédération Equestre Internationale (International Equestrian Federation – FEI), the world’s governing body of equestrian sports, has designated the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event as a ‘Four Star’ Eventing competition, the sport’s highest designation, which is given only to the Olympic Games, World Championships, and six annual events around the world. “Rolex Kentucky” is the only Four-Star event in the Western Hemisphere. Ticket sales to 2016 Rolex Kentucky are available at www.RK3DE.org, with options that include four-day, three-day (Fri-Sat-Sun) and single-day general admissions, group sales and tailgating. All grounds admission tickets include parking, admission to the Kentucky Horse Park and International Trade Fair. Tickets for the Hunter Hayes and Friends concert taking place on Saturday, April 30 beginning at 6 PM at the Alltech Arena may be purchased on Hunter Hayes’ website www.hunterhayes.com. Please go to the website and click on “Tour” at the top of the landing page, then click on the link to purchase tickets for the April 30, 2016 concert. TICKET TYPES AVAILABLE: $35 General Admission & $150 Taylor Harris Insurance Services VIP Access Package which includes: VIP Pit Pass (front of stage with full cash bar), VIP Lounge with full cash bar and food, invitation to the VIP After-Party and memorabilia signed by Hunter Hayes.” Equestrian Events, Inc. is a non-profit charitable Kentucky corporation that was established initially to produce the 1978 World Three-Day Event Championships at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the success of those championships, EEI established an annual event that evolved into the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Land Rover. For more information, or to purchase tickets to the 2016 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Land Rover, please visit the Rolex Kentucky website at www.RK3DE.org.
Third Annual Pre-Preakness Party, Sponsored by Sagamore Racing, will Benefit Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance
New York, NY — America’s Best Racing (ABR) and the Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) announced today that the third annual Pre-Preakness Party will be held Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at The Mt. Washington Tavern in Baltimore and that the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will be the beneficiary of a charity raffle at the event. The free party, sponsored for a second consecutive year by Sagamore Racing, will be held immediately following the post position draw for the 141st running of the Preakness Stakes. The middle jewel of Thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown will be contested Saturday, May 21, 2016. The Preakness kickoff party was held for the first time in 2014 and it is designed to bring racing fans face-to-face with industry personalities. The charity raffle benefitting TAA will feature an array of prizes, including exclusive signed racing memorabilia, items from Sagamore Racing and tickets to both Black-Eyed Susan Day and Preakness Day at Pimlico Race Course. Sagamore Racing, owned by Kevin A. Plank, the chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Under Armour, has been a supporter of ABR efforts since the fan development initiative was created in 2013. The farm has previously hosted Preakness week events that provided ABR guests with a “behind-the-scenes” look at the Thoroughbred breeding and racing industry. “Sagamore Racing is both proud and extremely excited the TAA has been designated as our event beneficiary,” said Sagamore President, Hunter Rankin. “Because of their innovative approach, ABR brings a new audience to the sport. Their audience, along with all fans of the Thoroughbred industry, need to be aware of the great work the TAA performs every day.” Based in Lexington, Kentucky, the non-profit TAA accredits, inspects and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retire, retrain and rehome Thoroughbreds. “The kickoff party has grown each year with our fans as well as our horsemen, and we’re delighted to help in raising awareness and funds for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance,” said Sal Sinatra, vice president and general manager of MJC. “I believe this event will be one of the highlights of Preakness Week.” “The TAA is thrilled to be the beneficiary of the charity raffle at this year’s event,” said TAA President, Jimmy Bell. “Sagamore Racing, the Maryland Jockey Club and America’s Best Racing have demonstrated their commitment to aftercare and this will undoubtedly help expand awareness and support of the TAA.” About America’s Best Racing: America’s Best Racing is a multi-media new fan development and awareness-building platform, initiated by The Jockey Club, designed to increase the profile and visibility of North America’s best Thoroughbred racing events, with a primary focus on the sport’s lifestyle and competition. You can follow America’s Best Racing at americasbestracing.net as well as on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, Google+, and Instagram. DETAILS: WHO: Open to all and free to attend. WHAT: America’s Best Racing 2016 Pre-Preakness Party, sponsored by Sagamore Racing to benefit the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. WHEN: Wednesday, May 18, 2016. 7:00 pm. WHERE: The Mt. Washington Tavern (5700 Newbury St, Baltimore, MD 21209)
TAA Named Beneficiary of 2016 Fillies & Lilies Party
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) has been named the charitable recipient of the 2016 Fillies & Lilies Party, to be held after the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 6, 2016. The party, hosted by QuintEvents’ Derby Experiences, takes place at the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the TAA. Tickets for the Fillies & Lilies Party can be purchased on the Derby Experiences website. The Fillies & Lilies event will feature a performance by country music star Vince Gill and appearances by racing analyst Jill Byrne and other prominent personalities from the world of Thoroughbred racing. “We are pleased to support such a worthy organization like the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as the charitable recipient of our annual Fillies & Lilies Party,” stated Brian Learst, QuintEvents CEO. “We appreciate their dedication to retraining and rehoming these horses that spend their life competing in events like the world-renowned Kentucky Derby, and the funds and recognition from this event will help to keep TAA’s initiative moving forward.” “I’m honored to be involved with the TAA,” stated Jill Byrne. “Having grown up in the horse racing industry and worked with Thoroughbreds in so many different facets, it is comforting for me to know that there is an organization which makes sure that where these incredible animals go after they leave the racetrack, they will be provided the highest quality of care and given the opportunity to enjoy a new career or retirement and have a happy and safe home which is not only deserved but owed to them.” About TAA Based in Lexington, Kentucky, the non-profit Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredits, inspects and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retire, retrain and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Funded initially by seed money from Breeders’ Cup Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, Inc., the TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals and other industry groups. To date, 56 aftercare organizations supporting more than 180 facilities across the U.S. and Canada have been granted accreditation and received funding from the TAA. To learn more about the TAA, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org. About QuintEvents QuintEvents delivers high impact official experience packages with unmatched access and exclusive perks to over 65 events around the world. QuintEvents is the only event company with official relationships with some of the world’s most prestigious event organizers, including the NBA, Kentucky Derby®, Breeders’ Cup®, Belmont Stakes, Pro Football Hall of Fame, Circuit of The Americas™, Formula One Paddock Club™, MotoGP VIP Village™, UFC®, College Football Playoff, Barrett-Jackson, Gran Premio de México, Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, America’s Cup World Series New York, The Players® Championship and more. To see the QuintEvents experience, watch this video. About Derby Experiences QuintEvents has partnered with Churchill Downs®, creating Derby Experiences. QuintEvents’ Derby Experiences is proud to be The Official Experience Package Provider to Churchill Downs® for the Kentucky Oaks® and the Kentucky Derby®. Derby Experiences is a full-service travel company that provides exclusive benefits and unparalleled access to the Kentucky Oaks® and the Kentucky Derby®. Official Kentucky Derby® Ticket Packages come direct from Churchill Downs®, via Derby Experiences, and offer access that no other company can provide. More information is available at www.DerbyExperiences.com. About Churchill Downs Racetrack Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 142st running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands on May 7, 2016. The track has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships eight times. Information is available at www.ChurchillDowns.com.
Medaglia d’Oro Season Added to Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale
Fasig-Tipton has added a no-guarantee season to leading sire MEDAGLIA D’ORO to its upcoming Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale. The season will be offered after hip 480, just before the beginning of the supplemental catalogue, during the sale’s second session this Tuesday, February 9. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the season will be donated to charities that include the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “We’re thrilled that part of the proceeds of this Medaglia d’Oro season will be shared with charitable organizations such as the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. This season is an exciting addition to this year’s sale, especially after the tremendous day Medaglia d’Oro had on Saturday with two brilliant Grade 1 winners in SONGBIRD and MSHAWISH. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a non-profit organization that accredits, inspects and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retire, retrain, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Currently the TAA provides grants to over 50 accredited Thoroughbred aftercare organizations supporting over 180 facilities across the United States and Canada. These accredited organizations have gone through a rigorous accreditation process which included inspections of all facilities housing their horses.
NYRA to Match Contributions in Support of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – The New York Racing Association (NYRA) will be matching contributions to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) in 2016, further reflecting the racing leader’s historic support for community and industry-themed non-profits supporting New York racing at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. According to Martin Panza, Senior Vice President for Racing Operations, the New York Racing Association is currently matching the contributions of owners to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) on a per-start basis. In 2015, NYRA recorded 17,276 starts occurring at its three tracks. Owners competing on NYRA tracks contribute $5 per start to the TAA. “It’s about giving back to the horses and supporting their aftercare long after they have exited the stage,” said Panza. “These athletes have given so much to our sport and provided joy and excitement for fans in New York and beyond. In that spirit, we continue to support the good work of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance on behalf of our retired athletes.” A non-profit organization, the TAA accredits, inspects and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retire, retrain and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Founded in 2012 with seed money from Breeders’ Cup Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association Inc,, the TAA works with stallion farms, racetracks, sales companies, horsemen’s groups, trainers, owners, Triple Crown winners, veterinarians, media outlets, and many more united with a common goal: to create sustainable funding for accredited Thoroughbred aftercare organizations. Currently, the TAA provides grants to 56 accredited Thoroughbred aftercare organizations supporting over 180 facilities across the United States and Canada. These accredited organizations have gone through a rigorous accreditation process which included inspections of all facilities housing their horses. “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance thanks the New York Racing Association for their partnership, and for their strong support for our retired equine athletes”, stated President Jimmy Bell. “All of us at the TAA are committed to setting the standard for quality, result-driven aftercare for retired thoroughbreds, and the New York Racing Association’s financial support will help do just that. We thank Chris Kay, Martin Panza and the entire NYRA family for their commitment to these important efforts, and look forward to working with NYRA in the months and years to come.” The Community Relations Division of the New York Racing Association’s Department of Communications and Public Affairs supports a number of non-profits within the local communities surrounding NYRA’s three tracks, in addition to supporting important, industry-specific organizations. These include the Backstretch Employee Assistance Team (B.E.S.T.), Belmont Child Care Association (BCCA), Racetrack Chaplaincy of America – New York, the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, the Racing Medication & Testing Consortium, and many others. For more information on the New York Racing Association, visit NYRA.com
CHURCHILL DOWNS AND QUINTEVENTS EXTEND PARTNERSHIP, EXPAND PREMIUM OFFERINGS
Louisville, KY, (January 25, 2016) – Churchill Downs Racetrack and QuintEvents today announced a new multi-year partnership agreement and the addition of eight new official Derby Experiences packages in premium locations for the 142nd running of the Longines Kentucky Oaks® and the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands® on May 6-7 in Louisville, KY. The new Derby Experiences packages are available at www.DerbyExperiences.com or by calling (888) 384-7088. The new multi-year agreement extends the Churchill Downs Racetrack and QuintEvents partnership and makes new Derby Experiences packages available in the newly renovated Finish Line Suites Balcony, Stakes Room, Turf Club and Courtyard. The demand for the Derby Experiences program has increased each year since it began in 2007. While it has always offered tiered customized packages that include tickets, travel, hotel accommodations, VIP hospitality options and a variety of other amenities, the premium products have only constituted a small percentage of the offerings and are historically sold out long before the event takes place. “The renovations were an important part of continuing to grow the Derby Experiences program and offer additional premium experiences at Churchill Downs,” said Sarah Contardo, Vice President of Ticketing Strategy for Churchill Downs Racetrack. “We’re excited about the new renovations and how they will enhance Derby weekend for our fans.” The program meets the high demand among businesses for private settings that facilitate networking, exclusive seating with hospitality and prime viewing. The new packages offer businesses a broader and more elegant selection of locations to entertain top clients and employees. “Historically, these premium venues sell out long before the event, removing the opportunity for VIP guests and corporate groups looking for a premium experience to indulge in these coveted areas,” said QuintEvents’ C.E.O. Brian Learst. “These new packages will help meet that demand, and we will monitor the need for increased capacity.” Renderings and layouts for these new seating areas, from the fifth floor to the first floor, are now available on www.DerbyExperiences.com. The stunning Finish Line Suites Balcony boasts the best view of Churchill Downs and the racetrack. The fifth-floor covered terrace offers unobstructed views of the amazing photo finish and views of the Paddock area, where guests can watch the horses, jockeys and trainers prepare for the races. The fourth-floor seating and hospitality in the Stakes Room and Stakes Room Balcony pays homage to the rich traditions of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby and offers guests another rare vantage point that stretches from the Paddock to the racetrack. The new and enlarged Stakes Room on the fourth floor is a spectacular open space that features gourmet food stations, premium open bar and wagering stations. Stakes Room guests will also have access to the Stakes Room Balcony with views that span the entire length of the room and overlook the finish line. The Balcony also offers a dedicated premium open bar, gourmet food stations, access to the Stakes Room wagering stations and much more. The third floor Turf Club, which is famous for celebrity guests, offers four new seating options. They include two indoor seating options in the new Roses Lounge, and banquette seating in the front of the Turf Club and outdoor seats on the Turf Club Balcony and Roses Terrace. The newly designed Roses Terrace overlooks the finish line and boasts one of the few outdoor seating options in the Turf Club area. The Roses Lounge, an indoor hospitality area in the Turf Club with banquette seating, is located behind the Roses Terrace. Both areas provide views of the finish-line and access to a premium open bar and private wagering stations. Adjacent to the Roses Lounge is new indoor seating in Row B of the Turf Club, where celebrities and dignitaries are drawn to the more intimate and private setting with simulcast TVs and bay windows for optimal race viewing. The final new area in the Turf Club is the outdoor Balcony, which features new booth and table seating beneath a canopy and offers coveted views of the Paddock, and the famed ‘Riders Up’. The new seating in the Turf Club’s Row B, the Roses Lounge and the Balcony include all Turf Club amenities familiar to the Derby Experiences’ Turf Club package, including a gourmet plated meal, premium open bar and access to private wagering stations on both Oaks and Derby days. For closer heart-pounding action, the first floor Courtyard is as close as it gets. Guests will be able to view the Champion racehorses as they parade to the track from the Paddock and on their return following the triumphant victory presentation in the Winner’s Circle just feet away. Home to horse owners and trainers, this all-inclusive area will also offer a premium open bar, gourmet food buffets and private wagering stations. In addition to premium seating and hospitality, all Derby Experiences packages can be customized to include accommodations in downtown or suburban areas, transportation to and from the racetrack and access to the most exclusive tours and parties. Exclusive to the Derby Experiences program is the annual Fillies & Lilies Party, entering its third year and now a staple during Derby Week. From the exclusive Bourbon Lounge to the gourmet hors d’oeuvres, premium open bars and headliners that have ranged from Wynonna Judd to Sara Evans, Derby and Country-music fans clamor for tickets to this Derby-eve party, accessible to Derby Experience clients and the general public. This year, Country Music Hall of Famer, Vince Gill, will headline the entertainment, proving once again the star-power draw that this party is known for. The 2016 Fillies & Lilies charity beneficiary is the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, which accredits, inspects and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retire, retrain and rehome Thoroughbreds. With the 2016 additions, Derby Experiences now offers over 30 different types of packages, at different price levels and access, some already inclusive of the Fillies & Lilies party, to service a wide range of clients’ desires. For more information on the Derby Experiences program, and a full listing of packages,
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Accreditation Application Available Online
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today that the 2016 Accreditation Application is now available online for Thoroughbred aftercare organizations to apply for TAA accreditation. Applications must be submitted by April 15, 2016. The application can be accessed by visiting the TAA website at: www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/accreditation. Organizations must meet certain minimum requirements to be eligible for accreditation: Organization must have a current status as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization with the Internal Revenue Service or must be a registered charity in Canada. Organization must have been operational for a minimum of three years. Organization must house a minimum of five Thoroughbreds. Organization must have an official euthanasia policy consistent with the AAEP. Principals of the organization must have never been convicted of killing, abandoning, mistreating, neglecting, abusing or otherwise committing an act of cruelty to a horse. There must be no legal proceedings pending against the organization, or a principal of the organization, and related to the organization. Submitted applications are evaluated upon five key areas: operations, education, horse health care management, facility standards and services, adoption policies and protocols. Organizations passing the application review will be subject to site inspections of all facilities housing their horses. Organizations that receive accreditation are eligible to receive financial grants from the TAA. “Our number of accredited organizations has grown steadily over the three years since the TAA began, from 23 organizations our first year to our current 56,” stated Kristin Werner Leshney, chair of the TAA accreditation committee. “We look forward to reviewing the new organizations that apply this year and hope to add more partners to our alliance to assist Thoroughbreds as they transition from their racing careers to the next phase of their lives.” Based in Lexington, Kentucky, the non-profit Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredits, inspects and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retire, retrain and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Funded initially by seed money from Breeders’ Cup Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, Inc., the TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals and other industry groups. To date, 56 aftercare organizations supporting more than 180 facilities across the U.S. and Canada have been granted accreditation and received funding from the TAA. To learn more about the TAA, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org.