Ellis Park and Turfway Park Join the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Community of Supporters
Following the example of Churchill Downs and Keeneland, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is pleased to announce that our community of supporters has again grown by two additional racetracks. Ellis Park, in Henderson, Ky., and Turfway Park, in Florence, Ky., have both signed on to match contributions made by owners at each track. Owners are able to contribute $1 per start to the TAA for each horse that starts in a race at either track. Ellis and Turfway will then match the contributions made by owners during the race meets at their respective tracks. “Turfway has been a longtime supporter of Thoroughbred aftercare and is happy to join the TAA community,” stated Turfway Park’s general manager, Chip Bach. “We are always in support of our Thoroughbred athletes,” said Dan Bork, director of racing as well as racing secretary at Ellis Park. “We always want to put the horses first and that doesn’t end when they leave the track. We are thrilled to partner with this great organization that has made such impressive strides in a short amount of time.” “We are greatly appreciative of both Ellis and Turfway for choosing to step up to support Thoroughbred aftercare with their matching donations, and to the owners who will be participating at both tracks,” stated Jimmy Bell, president of both the TAA and Darley America. 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.
Breeders’ Cup and Maker’s Mark® Announce Multi-Year Partnership
LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 22, 2015) – The Breeders’ Cup, Thoroughbred racing’s most prestigious international event, and Maker’s Mark®, the original premium bourbon, have announced a new partnership that will aim to raise $1 million for charity over the next three years. Beginning with the 32nd Breeders’ Cup World Championships taking place October 30 and 31 at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky., the two iconic brands will collaborate on a limited-edition collection of Maker’s Mark bottles, each of which will feature a previous Breeders’ Cup champion. The proceeds from these bottles will be donated to various local and thoroughbred-industry charities through Breeders’ Cup Charities, the official charity outreach program of Breeders’ Cup. In addition to the special bottles being created, Maker’s Mark will also be featured in a signature cocktail at the racecourse and for all of the major Breeders’ Cup parties and hospitality events throughout the week, including Taste of the World and the Finish Line Celebration Party. “We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership with Maker’s Mark,” said Craig Fravel, President and CEO of the Breeders’ Cup. “We reached out to Maker’s Mark on the very day we announced this year’s World Championships would be at Keeneland because of the brand’s roots here and the esteem in which Maker’s Mark is held all over the world. That makes them a perfect partner, and it’s a milestone for the Breeders’ Cup, illustrating the evolution of the event.” The five limited-edition Maker’s Mark bottles will represent AP Indy, Cigar, Lure, Personal Ensign and Zenyatta and be colored in the silks their respective jockeys wore during their illustrious careers. Three of the bottles, AP Indy, Lure and Personal Ensign, will be released this fall, just before the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at a ticketed event held at Keeneland on Thursday, October 29. The event, titled Champions for Charity, will be held in the VIP Maker’s Mark Bourbon Lounge at Keeneland, an upscale area designed to be the go-to, on-site social locale at the track during the week. Attendees at the event will have the opportunity to bid on the bottles through a silent auction, with 100% of the donations going to the following organizations through Breeders’ Cup Charities: Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, The Lexington Cancer Foundation, Inc.®, The Race for Education, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and University of Kentucky® Markey Cancer Center Foundation. The fourth bottle featuring Zenyatta will then be released in 2016, and the fifth featuring Cigar in 2017. To further personalize the bottles, connections to the five champions will pre-sign each of their respective bottles. To attend the party with the auction of the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup-themed bottles, please visit www.BreedersCup.com/ChampionsForCharity or contact (859) 514-9428. “This is a great partnership all around for us,” said Maker’s Mark Chief Operating Officer Rob Samuels. “When my grandparents created Maker’s Mark, Keeneland was their first customer and many of their friends were in the thoroughbred industry. So we’ve always had a soft spot for charities connected with the sport. And what an honor to be part of such a prestigious event as the first Breeders’ Cup ever to take place at Keeneland.” Beyond the fundraising bottle event and being involved with all the week’s activities, Maker’s Mark will also be promoting the Breeders’ Cup in various off-premise market locations. As part of the multi-year partnership, Maker’s Mark also will be closely involved with the World Championships when it returns to Santa Anita in 2016 and for its debut at Del Mar in 2017. About Breeders’ Cup The Breeders’ Cup administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships. The Breeders’ Cup also administers the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. The 2015 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 13 Grade 1 races and purses totaling $26 million, will be held October 30-31 at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky., and will be televised live by the NBC Sports Group. Breeders’ Cup press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup Web site, www.breederscup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media platforms, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. About Maker’s Mark® Bourbon In 1954, at a small Victorian distillery in Loretto, Kentucky, Bill Samuels, Sr. fulfilled his dream to create a pioneering handmade bourbon that, for the first time, would appeal both to bourbon and to non-bourbon drinkers alike, that tasted good and exemplified good taste, and wouldn’t “blow your ears off,” which was the measure by which bourbons were judged at the time. He decided to make his whisky in small-batches of 19 barrels, developed a proprietary barrel char to enhance the softness and sweetness of his whisky, and then rotated each barrel by hand to ensure exposure to consistent temperatures throughout the warehouse, and, ultimately, he aged each barrel to taste. Bill Samuels, Sr. unknowingly and unintentionally, fired the shot that started the Bourbon Revolution, and transformed bourbon from a “commodity” into a premium handcrafted spirit, giving rise to the modern era of bourbon. Today, Maker’s Mark® continues to make its bourbon the same way Bill Samuels, Sr., did 60 years ago, in small batches by craftsmen who hand-dip each bottle. In 2010, in tribute to his father’s spirit of innovation, Bill Samuels, Jr. unveiled Maker’s 46®, a totally new bourbon that reflects the distinct character of Maker’s Mark® but has a bigger, bolder and complex taste without any hint of bitterness. Maker’s Mark® Bourbon (45% alc./vol.) and Maker’s 46® (47% alc./vol.) are distilled, aged and bottled by the Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc., in Loretto, Kentucky. In 1980, the distillery was designated a National Historic Landmark, becoming the first distillery in America to be so recognized, and has also been decreed as the “world’s oldest operating bourbon whisky distillery” by Guinness World Records®. The Maker’s Mark Distillery is one of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. For more information, please visit the Maker’s Mark® website.
BAFFERTS’ GENEROUS DONATION SETS A THOROUGHBRED INDUSTRY MILESTONE
Shortly after making history by becoming the first trainer in 37 years to win the Triple Crown, Bob and Jill Baffert announced that they were eager to give back to the athletes who helped achieve this pinnacle accomplishment. The result of this is a donation of $50,000 to four Thoroughbred charities: the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA), Old Friends Farm and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF). “I want to share this. I want to make sure that those horses that we really love, we have to take care of them,” Baffert said to the media after American Pharoah clinched the Triple Crown with his win in the Belmont Stakes. “Win, lose or draw, I was going to do it.” “The TAA is proud that the Bafferts chose worthy organizations to receive this generous funding,” said Stacie Clark Rogers, Operations Consultant for the TAA. “Caring for our equine athletes after their racing careers are finished takes not only money, but initiative and leadership. We are happy to have this donation and Jill’s support on our Advisory Board. The Bafferts are setting a stellar example for our industry in making these donations and showing their commitment to helping the many horses in their stable and others whose careers won’t be as profound as American Pharoah’s.” CARMA provides funding for the rehabilitation, retraining and/or retirement of Thoroughbreds who have raced in California, where Baffert’s stable is based. Old Friends Farm’s mission is to bring a dignified retirement to Thoroughbreds retired from racing or breeding. They are a TAA accredited organization who recently added to their roster previous Baffert trainees Kentucky Derby and Dubai World Cup winner Silver Charm and Breeders’ Cup winner Game On Dude. The PDJF provides financial assistance to jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries, many of whom have permanent paralysis or brain damage. “The fact that Bob and Jill chose the platform of winning the Triple Crown to show their commitment to the importance of aftercare speaks volumes,” said Jimmy Bell, president of the TAA. “The TAA is so honored and grateful for their generosity and support.” Based in Lexington, Kentucky, the TAA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to serve as both an accrediting body for aftercare organizations that retire, retrain and rehome Thoroughbreds following the conclusion of their racing careers, and a fundraising body to support these approved organizations. 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, the TAA awarded $1,000,000 to 23 accredited organizations and gave out an additional $2,400,000 to 42 accredited organizations in 2014. To learn more about the TAA, visit www.ThoroughbredAftercare.org.
PREAKNESS HELPS RAISE MORE THAN $65,000 FOR THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE ALLIANCE
BALTIMORE – The Maryland Jockey Club announced today that a community-wide fundraising effort helped raise more than $65,000 for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) during the Preakness Meet at Pimlico Race Course. Events and fundraising included Canter for the Cause, an All-Female Handicapper Challenge, the raffle of a John Deere Gator, and Karaoke for the Cause. In addition to being named the sponsor of the $300,000 Pimlico Special (G3), Sagamore Racing donated $30,000 to the TAA. “The fundraising for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance that was conducted in Maryland for the Preakness was a huge success, having raised more than $65,000,” said Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance President Jimmy Bell. “Our special thanks go to Kevin Plank’s Sagamore Racing and The Stronach Group along with the women who participated in the Handicapper Challenge, who donated their handicap competition winnings, and pulled together to help such a worthy cause. Through their collective efforts, the TAA continues to gain national awareness and significance throughout the thoroughbred industry.” Said Sal Sinatra, President and General Manager of the Maryland Jockey Club; “Aftercare has always been a priority with our Chairman Frank Stronach, his family, and everyone at The Stronach Group. We’re happy with the efforts by all of those who helped in raising awareness and funds for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance during this year’s Preakness. Our hope is to continue to partner with the TAA during the Preakness and the rest of the year and build on this year’s success.” 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, American Pharoah 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. About Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance 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.
BREEDERS’ CUP ADDS NEW “MEDIA CHALLENGE” FEATURE TO ITS MILLION DOLLAR FINISH GAME
LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 4, 2015) – With great anticipation building for American Pharoah’s attempt at the coveted Triple Crown title this Saturday, Breeders’ Cup has launched a new Media Challenge program surrounding its Million Dollar Finish fantasy game. For each of the 10 Million Dollar Finish races featured on the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series “Win & You’re In” on NBC and NBCSN, Breeders’ Cup will donate $1,000 to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in the name of the racing personality who scores the most fantasy points. The roster of horse-racing personalities competing in the Media Challenge includes Matt Bernier, Jill Byrne, Tom Leach, Eddie Olczyk and Ray Paulick. Saturday’s Belmont Stakes is the first chance to play and win with Million Dollar Finish and to follow along with the Media Challenge. The media picks for the final leg of the Triple Crown, and all Million Dollar Finish races, will be posted online at: http://www.milliondollarfinish.com/. Offering more prizes this year than ever before, the Million Dollar Finish game will award the fantasy player with the highest score for each of the 10 designated races a once-in-a-lifetime VIP trip for two to the sold-out 2015 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Keeneland Race Course. Million Dollar Finish players will also have the chance to win $1 million during the Breeders’ Cup Classic race at the World Championships on October 31, 2015. The panel of experts for the Media Challenge will include: Matt Bernier (@bernier_matt) – Player Development Handicapper for Daily Racing Form Paul Bessire (@predictmachine) – General Manager and Co-founder of Predicteform.com and PredictionMachine.com Michael Beychok (@beychockracing) – 2012 Handicapper of the year Jason Blewitt (@jasonblewitt30) – NYRA Racing Analyst and host of NYRA’s National Racing Report and Belmont Insider Steve Byk (@Steve_Byk) – Host of “At the Races” on SIRIUS 220, SM 206, Online 962 Jill Byrne (@betonbyrne) – Director of Programming at Churchill Downs Jose Contrreas (@Losponies) – America’s Best Racing Ambassador Acacia Courtney (@missct2014) – Columnist for America’s Best Racing Kevin Cox (@brooklyncowboy1) – Handicapper for Saratoga Bets Michael Dempsey (@TurfnSport) – Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report and turfnsport.com Katie Gensler (@katiegensler) – Handicapper from Keeneland Race Course Victoria Garofalo (@itsmevictoriag) – America’s Best Racing Ambassador Tom Leach (@tomleachKY) – Voice of the Kentucky Wildcats and host of The Leach Report Eddie Olczyk (@EddieOlczyk) – Member of NBC’s Horse Racing coverage Ray Paulick (@raypaulick) – Publisher of Paulick Report Mike Penna (@HRRNBaron) – Host of Horse Racing Radio Network (HRRN) Peter Rotondo, Jr. (@retro411) – Swiss Army Knife, Vice President of Breeders’ Cup Team Rotondo – Stars of Esquire Network’s HORSEPLAYERS featuring Lee Davis (@leedavis303) and Peter Rotondo, Sr. (@PETERFROTONDO) Ellis Starr (@Ubercapper) – National Racing Analyst at Equibase Dan Tordjman (@DanonymousMan) – America’s Best Racing Ambassador Dave Tuley (@ViewFromVegas) – Writer for ESPN.com and ViewFromVegas.com Michelle Yu (@themichelleyu) – Handicapper for Santa Anita “The Media Challenge provides a fun way for fans at home to play along with our media personalities and experts all summer long,” said Justin McDonald, Breeders’ Cup Vice President of Marketing & Digital Media. “Between the Media Challenge, 10 VIP trips to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in Kentucky and the $1 million grand prize in October, we are excited to provide our fans new ways to win and engage each week during the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series races.” One of horseracing’s only fantasy games, Million Dollar Finish is free to enter and play, and fans can register and submit their picks for each race online at: http://www.milliondollarfinish.com/. About Breeders’ Cup The Breeders’ Cup administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships. The Breeders’ Cup also administers the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. The 2015 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 13 Grade 1 races and purses totaling $26 million, will be held October 30-31 at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky., and will be televised live by the NBC Sports Group. Breeders’ Cup press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup Web site, www.breederscup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media platforms, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. About Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, the TAA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to serve as both an accrediting body for aftercare organizations that retire, retrain and rehome Thoroughbreds following the conclusion of their racing careers, and a fundraising body to support these approved organizations. 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. To learn more about TAA, visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org. No purchase necessary to enter or win. The Promotion registration period begins on or about April 28, 2015 at 12:01 a.m. ET and ends on October 31, 2015 at 5:40 p.m. ET. Promotion is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States & D.C., who are 18 years of age or older. See Official Rules at www.MillionDollarFinish.com/rules for exact registration times for each race, additional eligibility restrictions, prize descriptions/restrictions/ARVs and complete details. Void where prohibited. PROMOTION IS DEVISED AS A NON-GAMBLING PROMOTION and is intended solely for entertainment purposes. Promotion is sponsored by Breeders’ Cup Limited. Breeders’ Cup Limited is the sole sponsor of the Promotion. NBC Sports and NBCUniversal Media, LLC are not sponsors of the Promotion and are not associated with the administration of the Promotion in any way. Entrants are providing information to sponsors and not to NBC Sports and NBCUniversal Media, LLC.
SAGAMORE RACING TO SPONSOR PIMLICO SPECIAL (G3)
Sponsorship Includes $30,000 Donation to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance BALTIMORE – The Maryland Jockey Club announced today that Sagamore Racing will be the named sponsor of the $300,000 Pimlico Special Friday, May 15. The Sagamore Racing Pimlico Special, contested May 15 for the 45th time, is for 3-year-olds and up at 1 3/16 miles. The race has a rich history of attracting some of Thoroughbred racing’s biggest names, including Seabiscuit, Cigar, War Admiral, Invasor, Real Quiet, Skip Away, Criminal Type, Assault and Mineshaft. In addition to sponsoring the Pimlico Special, Sagamore Racing will present a check to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in the winner’s circle after the race in the amount of $30,000. Located in Glyndon, Maryland, Sagamore is owned by Kevin Plank and is recognized as a premier breeding and training facility and the breeder of multiple graded-stakes winner Daring Dancer and the owner of graded-stakes winners Humble and Hungry and Millionreasonswhy and 2010 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf winner Shared Account. “It only seems fitting that Sagamore Racing, with its rich tradition, partner with the Maryland Jockey Club and Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to sponsor the Pimlico Special, one of North America’s most celebrated races,” said Maryland Jockey Club’s Vice President and General Manager Sal Sinatra. “Kevin Plank’s generosity and initiative toward the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance shows his commitment to racing and the Maryland community.” “We are pleased and honored to be part of such an incredible weekend for the state of Maryland as we continue our goal of promoting this great city of Baltimore through horse racing,” said Hunter Rankin, President of Sagamore Racing. “The Maryland Jockey Club and the TAA share our commitment to these beautiful athletes and we are proud to partner with them for the historic Pimlico Special race.” Said Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance President Jimmy Bell: “What better way to continue raising national awareness and education than through Kevin Plank’s Sagamore Racing sponsoring one of America’s oldest and most prestigious races, the Pimlico Special. The leadership and true generosity from Kevin highlights the significance and importance of what the TAA initiative is all about. What an amazing partnership between Sagamore, Pimlico and the TAA. Hopefully this can become a model for even greater things to come.” 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. About Sagamore Racing Sagamore Racing is a professional horse racing team based at historic Sagamore Farm in Glyndon, Md. Once owned by Alfred G. Vanderbilt, Jr., Sagamore Farm was developed into a world-renowned racing and breeding operation from 1933 – 1986. During that time, Sagamore became home and the eventual resting place of Hall of Fame horses Native Dancer, Bed o’Roses and Discovery. In 2007, Under Armour founder and CEO Kevin Plank, a Maryland native, purchased the 530-acre farm implementing a long-term restoration plan with the mission to breed, raise and race Thoroughbreds at the sport’s highest level, while preserving its storied and rich tradition. About Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance 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.
DAILY RACING FORM ANNOUNCES THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE ALLIANCE MAGAZINE
Custom Publication with 100% of costs underwritten by sponsor and donor support New York, NY (April 29, 2015) Daily Racing Form in conjunction with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will be publishing a new annual Magazine to increase awareness of the TAA’s mission and its ongoing efforts to support Thoroughbred Aftercare on a national level and in Canada. The inaugural Magazine will be published on October 15, 2015, and distributed throughout Lexington, Ky., in advance of the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland Race Course. 100% of costs will be underwritten by sponsor support. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Magazine, produced by Daily Racing Form, will be approximately 80 color pages and highlight each of the TAA-Accredited organizations. There are currently 42 accredited organizations and over 20 more have recently submitted applications for acceptance. The magazine will include articles on the TAA, its mission, and how it is funded by multiple sources with a low general and administrative overhead of only 7.2% of the annual budget. It will recognize the many industry contributors that are sharing the responsibility of providing safe landing spots for these retired athletes. Readers will be treated to several off-the-track Thoroughbred success stories from around the nation – from sanctuary horses to rehabbed horses that have been re-homed and have had a successful second career. Potential adopters will also learn about retraining an OTTB by a panel of equestrian experts. “Part of our mission for 2015 is to get the message out on what we are doing at the TAA,” said Jimmy Bell, President of the TAA. “What better way to inform, share and educate the public than to collaborate with the Daily Racing Form to give real insight into what we are accomplishing. There are so many great success stories that need to be shared and so many initiatives that need to highlighted and supported. This new communication platform will be of great benefit to us all.” “We are proud to support the TAA in such a meaningful way,” said John J. Hartig, CEO, Daily Racing Form. “The TAA is tackling an important issue, to make sure that the Thoroughbreds that race for our entertainment and livelihoods are provided a safe and comfortable place to continue their lives after their racing days end. We salute those on the front lines at each of the TAA-accredited organizations and are happy to provide this marketing tool that will showcase the great progress being made every day.” To secure a full page advertisement in this publication, please contact Daily Racing Form’s VP of Advertising, Jeff Burch at jburch@drf.com or 212-366-7650 or TAA’s Danielle Nichter, at dnichter@thoroughbredaftercare.org or (859) 224-2743. ABOUT DAILY RACING FORM Daily Racing Form, “America’s Turf Authority since 1894″ for Thoroughbred racing horseplayers and professionals throughout North America is the Thoroughbred industry’s dominant multi-channel media company. Launched in 1894, Daily Racing Form is the only daily newspaper in the U.S. dedicated solely to the coverage of a single sport, publishing up to 2,000 unique pages of statistical and editorial copy every day, in as many as 20 daily editions, 364 days a year. Its companion website, www.DRF.com is the most heavily-trafficked horseracing destination, providing players with the most extensive news coverage in racing, interactive past performances, exclusive handicapping tools, and access to DRF Bets™, America’s fastest growing online and mobile wagering platform. Additionally, Daily Racing Form publishes DRF Harness Eye, the daily newspaper and digital content for Standardbred racing since 1964, offering news, handicapping products, and online wagering functionality specifically for Harness players. In 2012, Daily Racing Form introduced DRF Breeding, a business dedicated to serving the Breeding industry, bringing expanded coverage and tools to horseplayer and breeding enthusiasts alike. ABOUT Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance 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. To learn more about TAA, visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org.
PARTNERSHIP OF KENTUCKY HBPA, KEENELAND AND CHURCHILL DOWNS TO FUND WORK OF TAA
Consenting Owners Will Donate $5 to TAA When Their Horses Start, Tracks Will Match Each Donation LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Wednesday, April 1, 2015) – The Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (“HBPA”), Keeneland Racecourse and Churchill Downs Racetrack (“CDRT”) have will join in a unique partnership designed to generate funds for the work of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (“TAA”), the 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. A partnership agreement signed by leaders of the three organizations calls for Kentucky HBPA member owners to contribute $5 to the TAA for each of their horses that start in races at the two tracks. Churchill Downs and Keeneland would then match each contribution generated in their respective races. The owner contribution and matching racetrack donations will begin on the opening day of each track’s spring racing sessions. Keeneland is set to open its 15-day Spring Meet on Friday, April 3, and the first of 38 days of Spring Meet racing at Churchill Downs is set for Saturday, April 25. Participation in the 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. “Churchill Downs, Keeneland and the Kentucky HBPA have all demonstrated their deep commitment to Thoroughbred aftercare through this initiative and they are to be commended for doing so,” said Jimmy Bell, president of both Darley America and the TAA. “We are immensely grateful to the owners who will be paying the $5-per-start fee and sincerely appreciate Churchill Downs and Keeneland matching those donations. We hope horsemen and racetracks in other parts of the country follow their example.” “A quality life for all of our horses at the end of their racing days is an important issue for all horsemen, and the Kentucky HBPA believes this opportunity to provide vital funding for the work of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be embraced by our members,” said Marty Maline, Executive Director of the Kentucky HPBA. “The effort to create this partnership that links our members, Keeneland, Churchill Downs and the TAA has been very gratifying. This is a voluntary funding mechanism that will work for horsemen and tracks at every level of competition, and our members look forward to working with the TAA as its work continues to grow and thrive.” “First and foremost, we must always do what is in the best interest of our horses; they are our No. 1 priority,” Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said. “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is providing a critical service to our industry, and Keeneland is proud to support their important work.” “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has done remarkable work in its very brief existence and Churchill Downs is excited to be a part of this partnership that will create important new funding for this non-profit organization,” said Kevin Flanery, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “This fundraising partnership provides a wonderful opportunity for our organizations to work together to help move the necessary work of the still very young Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance forward.” The Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (“HPBA”), established in 1940, is an organization of Owners and Trainers, approximately 40,000 nationally in 23 states and Canada, and over 6,000 in Kentucky. The association is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of Owners and Trainers volunteering their time and elected by the membership every three years. The HBPA is committed to working for the betterment of racing on all levels. The HBPA is at the forefront on issues involving Horsemen’s interests with regards to Interstate Simulcasting, Proprietary Rights, Therapeutic Medication and many other areas of concern to Horsemen. Become an active participant and one of the “HORSEMEN HELPING HORSEMEN”. For more information, please visit our website at www.kyhbpa.org and click on “How to Join”. 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. For more than 75 years, the Keeneland Association has devoted itself to the health and vibrancy of the Thoroughbred industry. As the world’s largest Thoroughbred auction company, Keeneland conducts sales every January, September and November. Its sales graduates dominate racing across the globe at every level. In April and October, Keeneland offers some of the highest caliber and richest Thoroughbred racing in the world. In 2015, Keeneland will host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships on Oct. 30-31. Uniquely structured, Keeneland is a private, for-profit corporation that returns its earnings to the industry and the community in the form of higher purses, and it has donated millions of dollars in charitable contributions for education, research and health and human services throughout Central Kentucky. To learn more about Keeneland, visit www.Keeneland.com. 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), which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands on May 2, 2015. The track’s 2015 Spring Meet is scheduled for April 25-June 27. The track has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships a record eight times. Information about Churchill
STALLION FARMS STEP UP TO SUPPORT TAA
Twenty commercial breeding farms from across the country have signed on to support the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) by donating a portion of their stud fees to support Thoroughbred aftercare in 2015. They are: Adena Springs, Airdrie Stud, Castleton Lyons, Claiborne, Darby Dan, Darley America, Gainesway Farm, Hill ‘n’ Dale, Lane’s End, Millennium Farms, Ocala Stud, Pin Oak Stud, Ramsey Farm, Sequel Stallions, Shadwell Farm, Taylor Made Stallions, Three Chimneys Farm, Unusual Heat Syndicate, Walmac Farm and WinStar. Participating farms agreed to donate 25 percent or more of the advertised stud fee for each stallion on their roster. “Caring for our horses following the end of their racing careers should be a priority to all participants in the Thoroughbred industry,” said Antony Beck of Gainesway Farm. “The TAA helps to join everyone together in this endeavor to support a common cause.” As the TAA continues to gain prominence and support, more farms and individual stallion syndicates are expected to participate. “As the president of the TAA, I want to thank my colleagues for showing their support for and commitment to aftercare through these stallion pledges,” said Jimmy Bell, president of both Darley America and the TAA. “While still in our early days, these stud farms have been instrumental in establishing a financial vehicle to further the TAA’s mission.” “The TAA wouldn’t be where we are without them,” added Jack Wolf, president of Starlight Stables and founder of the TAA. If you would like to support the TAA with your farm and/or a stallion please contact Ashton Moynihan at (859) 224- 2772 or amoynihan@thoroughbredaftercare.org to obtain additional information. 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.
PAULICK REPORT: THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE ALLIANCE THANKS DONORS, STALLION FARMS
Click here to read the recent press release highlighting the TAA Stallion Farm Luncheon, presented by Repole Stables that was held on April 21st.