Twenty Stallion Farms Contributed to the TAA in 2015
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) received funding from 20 farms in 2015 through stud fees from 119 Thoroughbred stallions. The stallions’ connections pledged to donate 25 percent or more of the advertised stud fee for each horse. The participating stallion farms were: Adena Springs Airdrie Stud Castleton Lyons Claiborne Farm Darby Dan Farm Darley America Gainesway Farm Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms Lane’s End Farm Millennium Farms Ocala Stud Pin Oak Stud Ramsey Farm Sequel Stallions New York Shadwell Farm Taylor Made Stallions Three Chimneys Farm Unusual Heat Syndicate Walmac Farm WinStar Farm “WinStar is involved at every level of the Thoroughbred industry, which includes aftercare,” stated Elliott Walden, president and CEO of WinStar Farm. “We feel it is our responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of the core of our business, the Thoroughbred. WinStar is proud to contribute to an organization dedicated to supporting nationwide aftercare and shining a positive light on the sport.” “As one of the cornerstones of our Alliance, these stallion farms continue to provide funds, leadership, and an overall awareness of how important the TAA is to our industry,” stated Jimmy Bell, president of the TAA and Darley America. For information on participating with your stallion in 2016, contact Ashton Moynihan with the TAA at (859) 224-2772 or amoynihan@thoroughbredaftercare.org. 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.
Tampa Bay Downs Signs On with the TAA
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today that Tampa Bay Downs has joined the TAA community. The track, located in Tampa, Fla., has signed on to provide a per start matching donation to the TAA beginning with its current 2015-2016 race meet. Horse owners have the opportunity to contribute $5 per start to the TAA through their Horseman’s Bookkeeper Account for each horse that starts in a race at Tampa Bay Downs. The track will then match the contributions made by owners. “We are delighted to join the growing number of racetracks that share the TAA’s mission to treat Thoroughbred athletes with the respect and compassion they deserve after their racing careers end,” stated Peter Berube, Tampa Bay Downs vice president and general manager. “Tampa Bay Downs is dedicated to providing each horse a safe retirement home and the opportunity to transition to a new career after they leave the track.” “Tampa Bay Downs has demonstrated their deep commitment to Thoroughbred aftercare through this great initiative and should be highly commended for doing so,” said Jimmy Bell, TAA and Darley America president. “We are very grateful to the owners who will be making the $5-per-start donation and to Tampa Bay Downs for matching those donations. We hope more horsemen and racetracks throughout the country will continue to follow the example set by Tampa Bay Downs along with Churchill Downs, Ellis Park, Keeneland, and Turfway Park who signed on earlier this year.” 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.
THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE ALLIANCE GRANTS $2.48 MILLION TO ACCREDITED ORGANIZATIONS
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today that $2.48 million in grants will be awarded to its 56 accredited aftercare organizations. The financial grants are provided to support the ongoing care of the Thoroughbreds that the organizations work to retire, retrain, and rehome. Each organization accredited by the TAA has undergone a thorough application, inspection, and review process to ensure they meet the TAA’s code of standards. The 56 currently accredited organizations have all met or exceeded the standards set forth in the categories of operations, education, horse health care management, facility standards and services, and adoption policies and protocols. “We are thrilled to have received accreditation for our aftercare program and to join the ranks of so many other organizations that share our desire to help transition former racehorses to new, productive and loving lives,” stated Christopher Oldham, vice president of After The Homestretch-Arizona, a newly accredited organization. “One of our top priorities for 2015 was to expand awareness of the TAA. The jump from 42 accredited organizations supporting 130 facilities to 56 accredited organizations supporting more than 180 facilities is evidence that we achieved that goal,” stated Jimmy Bell, TAA and Darley America president. “The demand continues; the awareness continues; the sustainable funding is now a blinking light as the growth in that department is not keeping pace with demand and awareness. As an organization and an industry we must continue to develop and evolve. We are making great strides thanks to all of the support we have received to date. Obviously, we need to do more.” Accreditation is effective for two years, after which organizations must reapply. Periodic site inspections are conducted to ensure each organization maintains the TAA standards. 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.
CHURCHILL DOWNS, KENTUCKY HBPA CONTRIBUTE $28,410 TO THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE ALLIANCE
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015) – Churchill Downs Racetrack and the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (“HBPA”) presented a $28,410 check to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (“TAA”) between races Sunday – closing day Churchill Downs’ 21-day Fall Meet. A partnership agreement signed earlier this year called for Kentucky HBPA member owners to contribute $5 to the TAA for each of their horses that start in races at the historic Louisville racetrack, and Churchill Downs Racetrack would match each contribution. The $28,410 donation will directly benefit the TAA, a non-profit organization that serves as both an accrediting body for facilities that care for Thoroughbreds at the conclusion of their racing careers and a fundraising engine to support aftercare facilities approved by the alliance. “We hope this is just the first of many contributions to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance,” Churchill Downs Racetrack President Kevin Flanery said. “This collaborative fundraising effort has been extremely gratifying and we hope to continue build awareness and grow funding for the TAA, which does tremendous work to benefit the horse.” Participation in the ongoing partnership by Thoroughbred owners is voluntary. Owners who wish to opt-out of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance funding partnership can do so by contacting the Horseman’s Bookkeepers at the tracks. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, a Lexington, Ky.-based 501(c) (3) non-profit organization created in 2012, awarded more than $2.4 million in grants to 42 accredited agencies in 2014. Based in Lexington, Ky., the TAA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to serve as both an accrediting body for aftercare facilities that care for Thoroughbreds following the conclusion of their racing careers, and a fundraising body to support these approved facilities. Funded initially by seed money from Breeders’ Cup, Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is comprised of and supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals and other industry groups. In 2013, TAA awarded $1,000,000 to 23 accredited organizations and gave out an additional $2,400,000 to 42 accredited organizations in 2014.
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announces Holiday Giving Campaign
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) launched today a holiday giving campaign that enables supporters to donate to aftercare while sharing a beautiful holiday e-card with their clients, colleagues, friends, and family. Interested individuals can visit the TAA Holiday Giving Donation Page to participate in this season of giving. The holiday e-card features a stunning photo of a Thoroughbred in the snow taken by renowned equine photographer Barbara D. Livingston. Donations from the holiday cards will be directed toward the care of Thoroughbreds at the TAA’s 56 accredited organizations across the United States and Canada. “The holiday season is a time to reflect upon and appreciate all that we have,” stated Stacie Clark Rogers, TAA operations consultant. “We wanted to provide our supporters with a way they could contribute to aftercare while also sharing the holiday spirit with their loved ones.” The holiday giving campaign will run from now through the beginning of the New Year. 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.
Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Announces Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance As Official Charity
Lexington, KY – November 12, 2015 – Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), a Lexington-based, non-profit organization that accredits, inspects and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retire, retrain and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding, has been named the official charity of the 2016 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Land Rover. Rolex Kentucky is donating $10,000 to TAA in support of its work. Known as the “Best Weekend All Year,” the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event will return to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, April 28- May 1, 2016. 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. “The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event has a long-standing policy of supporting the local community and we consider it very important for us to give back and assist non-profit organizations,” said Stewart Perry, President of Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), organizer of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. “This partnership with TAA is especially exciting for us because it allows us to support many equine organizations, not only in Kentucky, but across the entire country.” The TAA supports 501(c)(3) charitable organizations across the country that retire, retrain and re-home Thoroughbreds. TAA has awarded over $3,400,000 to accredited organizations in the past two years and currently supports 56 accredited organizations across 180 facilities in the United States. Retired racehorses from TAA accredited organizations are re-homed every day and are retrained to be successful in Show Jumping, Dressage, Eventing, Combined Driving, Endurance and Polo, as well as Western disciplines, affording each of them the opportunity to have a second career. “The generosity of EEI’s support of the TAA further highlights the significance and importance of what the TAA initiative is all about,” said Jimmy Bell, Darley America and TAA President. “What better way to continue raising national awareness of the TAA than through one of Lexington’s premier events, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.” Accredited organizations supported by TAA include Kentucky organizations CANTER Kentucky, Kentucky Equine Humane Center, Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement, Our Mims Retirement Haven, Second Stride Inc., and The Exceller Fund, Inc. Each accredited organization is inspected by TAA and a team of veterinarians, and all must meet or exceed the requirements of operation, education, horse care management, facility standards, and services and adoption policies and protocol. 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. Tickets are now on sale and can be ordered online or over the phone (859-254-8123). Options include four-day, three-day and single-day general admissions, as well as group sales and reserved grandstand seating. More than 75,000 spectators are expected to be on hand to cheer on the competition, so everyone is encouraged to purchase tickets as early as possible. For more information about the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, please visit www.thoroughbredaftercare.org or call 859-224-2756. For more information on the 2016 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Land Rover, please visit the Rolex Kentucky website at www.RK3DE.org or call 859-233-2362.
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Unveils New Website
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today that an exciting new website has been created in partnership with PM Advertising. The new website (www.thoroughbredaftercare.org) utilizes a user-friendly design to enable fans and stakeholders to engage in the TAA mission, stay up-to-date with TAA news, and share in aftercare successes. Additionally, a new donation platform allows individuals to contribute with ease. PM Advertising, an award-winning marketing and advertising agency based in Central Kentucky, specializes in racing and equestrian marketing and has designed the websites of many top equine organizations, such as WinStar Farm and Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. The agency contributed its talents to build an interactive and informative website which will enable the TAA to continue to expand its reach and raise more awareness for Thoroughbred aftercare. “We are excited to launch the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s new website,” said Jon Siegel of PM Advertising. “My wife, Christine, and I are committed to making sure retired Thoroughbreds find good homes, so partnering with TAA was a perfect fit. The work that the TAA does on behalf of retired Thoroughbreds is of significant importance, and it is our sincere hope that the new website helps raise awareness while also highlighting the accredited organizations’ many success stories. We are proud to be counted among the TAA’s industry-wide community of supporters.” “The PM Advertising team provided the expertise needed to make our website everything we envisioned,” stated Stacie Clark Rogers, TAA operations consultant. “We are excited to be able to use the website as another tool to help us increase our ability to communicate and facilitate the TAA mission.” 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.
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Accredits Additional Organizations
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance announced today that 37 aftercare organizations have earned accreditation in 2015, of which 21 were re-accredited and 16 earned accreditation for the first time. This increases the Alliance’s total to 56 accredited aftercare organizations using more than 180 facilities across the United States and Canada. The 37 organizations accredited this year are After The Homestretch – Arizona; Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue; Beyond The Roses Equine Rescue & Retirement; Brook Hill Retirement Center for Horses, Inc.; CANTER California; CANTER Colorado; CANTER Kentucky; CANTER Ohio; Days End Farm Horse Rescue; Equine Encore Foundation; Equine Rescue of Aiken; Florida Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoptive Care Program; Glen Ellen Vocational Academy, Inc. (GEVA); Horse Power Sanctuaries dba Redwings Horse Sanctuary; Humanity for Horses; Kentucky Equine Humane Center; LoneStar Outreach to Place Ex-Racers (LOPE); LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society; Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue; Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center; MidAtlantic Horse Rescue Inc.; Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement, Inc.; Neigh Savers Foundation, Inc.; New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society; New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program; Old Friends; ReRun, Inc.; South Florida S.P.C.A.; South Jersey Thoroughbred Rescue; Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue; The Exceller Fund, Inc.; Thoroughbred Placement Resources, Inc.; Thoroughbred Rehab Center; Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation; Thoroughbred Retirement of Tampa, Inc.; TROTT (Training Racehorse Off the Track); United Pegasus Foundation. “These organizations have gone through a rigorous accreditation process and have met or exceeded our Code of Standards,” praised Jimmy Bell, TAA president. “Our donors should feel confident that their investments in the TAA are going to organizations that provide the best care possible to our retired equine athletes.” To earn accreditation, organizations are evaluated upon their submitted application covering five key areas: operations, education, horse health care management, facility standards and services, and adoption policies and protocols. In addition to an extensive application review, all organizations are subject to site inspections of all facilities housing their horses. Accreditation is effective for two years, after which organizations must reapply for accreditation. Accredited aftercare organizations are eligible to receive grants from the TAA to support their operations. 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, 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.
VETERINARY PRACTICE SIGNS ON TO DONATE SERVICES AS SITE INSPECTORS
The veterinary practice of Teigland, Franklin, and Brokken, DVM’s, P.A. has partnered with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) to donate the services of its team of veterinarians as accreditation site inspectors. The practice is the first to step forward and offer to volunteer its services in this manner. Scott Hay, DVM, and his colleagues approached the TAA team while in Saratoga for the race meet and offered the services of their practice as site inspectors. “We wanted to give back to the Thoroughbreds who have been so good to us and one of the places we determined we could help was to dedicate donated time to aftercare,” indicated Dr. Hay. Site inspections are an essential component of the TAA accreditation process and knowledgeable, experienced inspectors are vital to ensuring that all accredited organizations meet the TAA Code of Standards. The multi-doctor practice of Teigland, Franklin, and Brokken, based in South Florida, focuses exclusively on the care of racing Thoroughbreds with veterinarians practicing at tracks extending from Saratoga to Gulfstream. The reach of the practice enables it to provide site inspection services all along the East Coast. The partnership was effective immediately with veterinarians from the practice already having completed multiple inspections this summer. “It was a pleasure to help, and I had a great experience inspecting the farm and meeting the people,” Heather Tillson, DVM, said of her experience as a site inspector. “It was an inspiring and uplifting experience to see happy horses and happy caregivers,” added Tom Brokken, DVM, one of the practice’s founding partners who also completed an inspection. “It was a welcome addition to our supporters when Dr. Hay and his colleagues reached out to us to volunteer their services as site inspectors. This is the perfect way for veterinarians to contribute to the TAA and we look forward to others following this example,” said Stacie Clark Rogers, operations consultant for the 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, the TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals and other industry groups. To date, 42 aftercare organizations supporting 130 facilities across the U.S. and Canada have been granted accreditation and received funding from the TAA. To learn more about the TAA, visit www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/.
Papa John’s Pizza Teams Up with Breeders’ Cup and the TAA to Support Thoroughbred Aftercare
In advance of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, to be held October 30-31, 2015 at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky., Papa John’s Pizza yesterday announced a partnership with Breeders’ Cup and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) to support Thoroughbred aftercare. This unique partnership was announced at Old Friends Farm in Georgetown, Ky., a TAA-accredited Thoroughbred aftercare organization and home to numerous equine celebrities such as 1997 Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm and Breeders’ Cup Champions Gulch, Eldaafer, and Amazombie. Executives from Papa John’s, Breeders’ Cup and the TAA were joined by Michael Blowen, founder of Old Friends, and Hall of Fame jockey and nine-time Breeders’ Cup winner Chris McCarron, to make the announcement. “I hope the TAA gets as much publicity from this promotion as possible so it snowballs and other companies step up to the plate to help this wonderful cause”, explained Chris McCarron. “Papa John’s is honored to partner with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance by offering a fundraising special during the Breeder’s Cup Championship season. We visited Old Friends Farm and saw firsthand the great work they do. They take great strides in ensuring that the horses are well taken care of and enjoy their retirement years” recounted Lynn McQuillen, operations vice president of Papa John’s. Jimmy Bell, president of the TAA, also spoke during the conference saying, “The entire aftercare community, including the TAA, is excited for the opportunity to partner with Papa John’s and Breeders’ Cup. This special enables the Bluegrass community to come together to support these great athletes.” Beginning October 1st, go to PapaJohns.com and enter promo code TAA13 to receive One Large Two-Topping Pizza and Garlic or Cinnamon Knots for just $13 with $1 from each Breeders’ Cup Special donated to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. This offer is valid online only at all participating Lexington & Louisville locations until 11/01/15. Papa John’s is a proud sponsor of the 2015 Breeders’ Cup World Championships and Thoroughbred aftercare. 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, the TAA is comprised of and supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals and other industry groups. To date, 42 aftercare organizations supporting 130 facilities across the U.S. and Canada have been granted accreditation and received funding from the TAA. To learn more about the TAA, visit www.thoroughbredaftercare.org.