PIMLICO’S BLACK-EYED SUSAN DAY TO BENEFIT TAA
Read more here to learn about TAA’s exciting partnership with Pimlico’s Black Eyed Susan Day.
TRAINERS SHOW THEIR SUPPORT TO TAA
For the second consecutive year trainers from across the country will be stepping up to support retired racehorses by donating to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA). Trainers Thomas Albertrani, Tom Amoss, Bob Baffert, Chad Brown, Mark Casse, Gary Contessa, Henry Dominguez, Anthony Dutrow, Michael Hushion, Mike Maker, Kiaran McLaughlin, Graham Motion, Doug O’Neill, Todd Pletcher, and Michael Trombetta all contributed funds from their stables in 2014. ‘One of the goals of the TAA is to secure reliable, long-term funding for Thoroughbred aftercare,’ said TAA Operations Consultant Stacie Clark Rogers. ‘While many trainers have provided generous one-time donations, it’s important to develop continuing support for our equine retirees and we hope additional trainers will participate in this program.’ The TAA plans to unveil a coast-to-coast challenge among trainers this spring spearheaded by TAA former jockey and TAA board member Donna Barton Brothers. ‘For anyone who makes a living off of Thoroughbred racing, funding their aftercare is simply the right thing to do,’ said Brothers. ‘The TAA is just making it easier for everyone to meet this obligation.’ The TAA, a non-profit organization that serves as both the 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, has been working to solicit donations from trainers based on their stable’s earnings. Trainers can be invoiced annually, quarterly, or monthly for the scheduled donation program. 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.
BELL ELECTED PRESIDENT OF TAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today that James G. ‘Jimmy’ Bell, president and racing manager of Darley America, has been elected as the new President of the organization. He succeeds TAA founder Jack Wolf, managing partner of Starlight Stables, who is stepping down from the leadership role, but will remain an active board member for the organization. ‘I think that it is important that our organization gets fresh leadership going forward,’ said Wolf. ‘Jimmy has been very instrumental in the success of the TAA and his knowledge, experience and commitment to aftercare make him the ideal person to fill this role.. As I step down, I want to thank all of our Industry leaders for making the TAA the success that it is and ask for continued support in the years to come.’ Started in 2012, the TAA was launched by Wolf with initial seed funding from The Jockey Club, the Breeders’ Cup, and Keeneland Association. The goal of the organization was and still is to unite those who work with and on behalf of Thoroughbred racehorses ‘ owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, jockeys, aftercare professionals, industry groups and others ‘ to raise funding for the responsible retirement of Thoroughbred racehorses once their careers are over, and to set a uniform Code of Standards by which to accredit aftercare facilities eligible for such funding. Bell, who has served on the TAA Board of Directors since the organization was created, has served at the helm of Darley America since 2001, when Sheikh Mohammed acquired his family’s Jonabell Farm. Bell is the past President of the Thoroughbred Club of America and the past Vice President of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders. He currently serves on the boards of The Jockey Club, Keeneland Association, Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders, and Fayette Alliance. ‘The launch of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, awarding over $3 million in grants during its infancy stages, has been nothing short of exceptional,’ Bell said. ‘With this momentum and with this staff, board members and commitment, we are well positioned to build on this trajectory whereby the TAA reaffirms its place as a meaningful entity in the Thoroughbred industry.’ The TAA recently announced the accreditation of 19 new aftercare facilities, bringing the number of accredited equine aftercare organizations to 42. These 42 facilities received 2014 grants from the TAA totaling $2.4 million. To receive funding from the TAA, aftercare organizations must complete a rigorous accreditation process and on-site inspection, which includes a complete review of the following areas: operations; education; horse health care management; facility standards and services; and adoption policies and protocols. Organizations must also have a current status as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and must house a minimum of five Thoroughbreds, or 50% of their herd, among other criteria. To see a list of all accreditation requirements, click here: http://www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/default.asp?page=10. 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 is on track to give out an additional $2,400,000 to 42 organizations in 2014.
TAA AWARDS $2,400,000 IN GRANTS TO 42 ORGANIZATIONS IN 2014
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today that it will award $2.4 million in grants to its 42 accredited facilities for 2014. The grant money will be used by these organizations to assist with the management, rehabilitation, and/or adoption of former racehorses in their care. The TAA was created in 2012 and in 2013, it awarded $1 million in grants to its 23 facilities that had been accredited. ‘It’s great for the TAA to support so many worthy organizations across North America with funding that goes directly to retired racehorses,’ said Operations Consultant Stacie Clark Rogers. ‘The TAA’s base of funding and support has grown tremendously in 2014, with more and more people and businesses pledging their support. With 2015 on the horizon, I am hopeful and confident that the new year will bring additional support from others throughout the Thoroughbred industry.’ A list of the 42 accredited organizations receiving 2014 grants from the TAA can be found here: http://www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/default.asp?page=18. To receive funding from the TAA, aftercare organizations must complete a rigorous accreditation process and on-site inspection, which includes a complete review of the following areas: operations; education; horse health care management; facility standards and services; and adoption policies and protocols. Organizations must also have a current status as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and must house a minimum of five Thoroughbreds, or 50% of their herd, among other criteria. To see a list of all accreditation requirements, click here: http://www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/default.asp?page=10. Unaccredited equine aftercare organizations are encouraged to apply for TAA accreditation, beginning in January, to be eligible for 2015 grant distribution. 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.
TAA TO PARTICIPATE AT AAEP CONFERENCE AND WILL INTRODUCE ‘VET CHALLENGE’
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today that they will participate in the upcoming American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention and Trade Show in Salt Lake City, UT on December 6-10. In an effort to further engage the veterinary community, Dr. Foster Northrop has donated $5,000 to the TAA with the hope that his colleagues will seek out representatives from the organization at the convention and become involved. ‘My entire career I’ve taken in horses from the communities I’ve worked in who had nowhere else to go, and tried to find new careers and new homes for them,’ said equine veterinarian Foster Northrop. ‘These horses give their all for us. I want to make sure they have a place to go when their careers are over, and I hope all equine vets feel the same.’ Veterinarians can take part in the TAA’s ‘Vet Challenge,’ by visiting Booth #406 to make a donation on-site through donation pledge cards, and via PayPal. Those who take part in the challenge will be listed on the ‘Challenge Board’ to showcase the efforts of the veterinary community. All attendees will be invited to learn more about the TAA’s accreditation process and lend their services as site inspectors to help accredit new organizations. ‘Veterinarians play an essential role in aftercare, from treating horses at our accredited facilities and assisting with site inspections to helping us convey our mission to the masses,” said Stacie Rogers Clark, who is a founding board member of the TAA. She recently stepped away from the TAA board so she could accept the new leadership role as an Operations Consultant. Stacie has served in every aspect of the formation of TAA, including chair of the Accreditation Committee. She will now be responsible for the complete day to day operations of the TAA. ‘I have been fortunate enough to work in horse racing my entire life, and working in aftercare has given me a uniquely informed perspective of the industry as a whole. As one of the founding board members I worked alongside many others to make sure the TAA became a reality, and the veterinary community has played a paramount role in that. I am proud to be leading the organization and its mission and determined that we will continue to make progress on behalf of both the horses and our industry,’ Clark further stated. For more information about the booth or ways to be involved with the ‘Vet Challenge’, please contact Danielle Nichter, Marketing and Fundraising Coordinator, or visit her at the TAA Booth #406. Based in Lexington, Kentucky, 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 The Breeders’ Cup, Ltd, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is comprised of and supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, jockeys, aftercare professionals and other industry groups.
TAA ACCREDITS NINETEEN AFTERCARE ORGANIZATIONS
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today that it has awarded accreditation to nineteen equine aftercare organizations, bringing the total number of accredited organizations to 42, with more than 120 facilities throughout North America. Accredited organizations may apply for grants annually from the TAA to go toward the ongoing care of retired Thoroughbreds. Individual grant amounts are based on a comprehensive review and allocation process by the TAA Grants Committee and require approval from the TAA Board of Directors. An announcement regarding 2015 grants will be made in December. ‘In a relatively short period of time, the TAA has built a strong program and the industry has shown great action and momentum in getting behind it,’ said Stacie Clark, Operations Consultant for TAA. ‘This year alone, the TAA will have accredited 19 new facilities, bringing the total number of accredited organizations to 42 in just two years, and these organizations will receive approximately $2.5 million in grants.’ The newly-accredited organizations include: Biszantz Memorial (dba Tranquility Farm), Bright Futures Farm, Inc., CANTER Michigan, Equestrian Inc., Equine Advocates Incorporated, Final Furlong, Inc., Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program, Inc., Friends of Ferdinand Indiana, Inc., Harmony and Hope, Heaven Can Wait, Inc., Illinois Equine Humane Center, NFP, Los Angeles Pet Rescue/Farralone Farms, Oklahoma Thoroughbred Retirement Program, Ltd., Our Mims Retirement Haven, R. A. C. E Fund, Inc., Racehorse Remember Me Rescue Foundation, Second Stride, Inc., Square Peg Foundation, and Thoroughbred Athletes, Inc. To hold TAA accreditation, an organization must complete a thorough application process and meet the TAA Code of Standards, both of which have been reviewed and approved by the American Humane Association and the American Association of Equine Practitioners. The application process includes a review of their operations, education, horse healthcare management, facility standards and services and adoption policies and protocols, and an on-site inspection of their facilities by TAA representatives. Based in Lexington, Kentucky, 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 The Breeders’ Cup, Ltd, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is comprised of and supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, jockeys, aftercare professionals and other industry groups. To learn more about the TAA, please visit thoroughbredaftercare.org or call 859-224-2756.
DAILY RACING FORM DONATES $61,000 TO THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE ALLIANCE
New York, NY (Nov. 5, 2014) Daily Racing Form (DRF) will donate $61,000 to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) as a result of DRF handicapper Matt Bernier’s 6th-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge. The 2014 BCBC set a record for total participants at 287 players, which represents an increase of 58% over last year. In 2013, Daily Racing Form became the online Tournament’s exclusive operator at BCQualify.com, and as a result sent 74 players to this year’s event, a 68% increase, breaking last year’s record participation. ‘We couldn’t be more proud of Matt Bernier’s performance in the BCBC,’ said John Hartig, Chairman and CEO, Daily Racing Form. ‘DRF is excited to contribute to the robust growth of the BC Betting Challenge and as a result of Bernier’s outstanding handicapping, make a meaningful contribution to the TAA in support of the accredited organizations that place retired Thoroughbreds.’ ‘Wow, geez,’ said Jack Wolf, President of the TAA and President/Founder of Starlight Racing when told of the donation. ‘We can’t thank Daily Racing Form enough for naming the TAA as the recipient of Matt’s fabulous tournament play. At the end of the day, the Thoroughbreds are the real winners here.’ Matt Bernier began playing tournaments in 2012 and, at 23 years old, was the youngest qualifier at that time to gain entry into the 2013 Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship. Shortly thereafter, Bernier’s horseplaying captured Esquire Network’s attention and he was hired as the cast’s youngest handicapper for the new show ‘Horseplayers.’ While the show was not renewed for a second season, Bernier landed a full-time position in the newly-created role of Player Development Handicapper with DRF in June 2014. Bernier expanded his role with DRF this summer when becoming an on-air contributor for NBC Sports Network. When it came time to start programming the 7.5 hours of Breeders’ Cup telecasts over two days, the idea was created to have Bernier play in the BCBC for charity. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, a designated Breeders’ Cup charity, will receive a check for $61,000, representing the winnings from Bernier’s play less registration and expenses. ‘We are happy for both the TAA and Matt Bernier,’ said Peter Rotondo, VP, Media & Entertainment, Breeders’ Cup. ‘Bernier was leading the tournament going into the BC Mile and that made for exciting live television. This was the first year that tournament play was incorporated into the telecast and we couldn’t be more pleased.’ 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.
TAA GEARS UP FOR BREEDERS’ CUP 2014 WITH GREEN SCREEN PHOTO BOOTH & ‘ALL ABOUT THE HORSE’ VIDEO
Lexington, Ky. ‘ October 27, 2014 ‘ The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), an official Breeders’ Cup charity, is pleased to announce two exciting fan experiences to promote Thoroughbred Aftercare at the upcoming Breeders’ Cup World Championships, to be held October 31-November 1, 2014 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif. On Saturday, November 1, racing fans at Santa Anita Park can visit a special Green Screen photo booth on the first floor grandstand breezeway (next to the John Henry statue) and get the chance to ‘ride’ a Breeders’ Cup contender. For a $10 contribution supporting the retirement, retraining and adoption of former racehorses across North America, fans can have their picture superimposed onto a racing photograph of California Chrome, Shared Belief, past Breeders’ Cup contender Game on Dude, or they may choose a Breeders’ Cup Red Carpet background. Tagged images can be immediately uploaded to social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, or email) and fans will receive a souvenir ‘4 x 6′ photograph. The booth is sponsored by Breeders’ Cup, Daily Racing Form (DRF), Bourbon Lane Stable and Equine Medical Center (Dr. Vincent Baker and Associates) and 100% of the proceeds will go to Thoroughbred aftercare. Credentialed media to receive complimentary photographs. If you are attending the Breeders’ Cup and would like more information about the TAA mission or have specific questions for one of our TAA representative, please visit our booth. “Since TAA’s inception, we’ve been there to offer support as we must make sure our horses are taken care of after their running days are over. The TAA Green Screen Breeders’ Cup event is a fun, interactive way to raise awareness and funds. We are certainly looking forward to it,” said Peter Rotondo, Vice-President of Media and Entertainment, Breeders’ Cup Limited. Additionally, at 11:00 AM today the TAA is launching a video via social media entitled ‘All About the Horse.’ This fun, lighthearted parody video is based off the hit song ‘All About That Bass’ and it’s purpose is to bring to life how donations to the TAA can help retired racehorses. The video was a collaborative effort by TAA staff, volunteers and industry professionals from coast to coast. Shea Leparoux who recorded the vocals for the video said, ‘I was happy to be a part of this project to help show the need for second careers for retired race horses in a way that could reach a broad viewing audience.’ The video may be viewed on the TAA’s Twitter (@TBaftercare), Facebook and YouTube pages. Fans are encouraged to share the video using the hashtag #Allaboutthehorse. The Maryland Jockey Club has pledged $1,000 for the first 1,000 views to help drive views and donations to the TAA. 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, jockeys, aftercare professionals and other industry groups. The American Humane Association and American Association of Equine Practitioners have approved TAA’s Code of Standards and accreditation process. For more information, please visit thoroughbredaftercare.org or call 859-224-2756. 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 2014 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 13 (grade I) races and purses totaling $26 million, will be held Oct. 31-Nov. 1 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., 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.
THE TAA SUMMER NEWSLETTER NOW AVAILABLE
Click here to see the Summer issue of our newsletter.
MORE BUYERS AND CONSIGNORS SUPPORTING AFTERCARE IN FIRST HALF OF 2014
Lexington, KY, July 31, 2014 ‘ The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) is pleased to announce the significant and growing support it is receiving from the sales sector. While participation varies from sale to sale, comparing 2013 to 2014, the average Buyer participation at all sales has increased by 2.9% (49.5 to 52.4) with over half of Buyers now participating. Consignor participation at all sales grew 5.3% (72.5 to 77.8) with nearly 80% of Consignors getting behind TAA. During January this year through the end of June, Buyers have contributed $61,996.04; Consignors have contributed $81,789.95 and the Sales Companies have invested $106,625.45 in TAA’s mission to ensure industry-wide funding for accredited organizations that care for retired Thoroughbreds. As of the end of June 2014, this has meant another $250,411.44 for TAA’s accredited aftercare partners, so far (billing can continue up to 90 days). Last year, the TAA began benefiting from a joint decision made by competing sales companies to come together for a common cause. Buyers and Consignors at Fasig-Tipton, Keeneland, the Ocala Breeders’ Sale Co., and Barretts Equine Limited have the opportunity to automatically contribute $.50 for every $1,000 transaction, or $25 to TAA for every $50,000 Thoroughbred that is bought or sold. Additionally, sales companies donate another .05% of gross sales to TAA. ‘Taylor Made, Eaton Sales, Summerfield Sales Agency, Select Sales Agency and many other sale participants have told me how proud they are to be a critical part of what TAA is doing to raise the industry standard for aftercare,’ said James Hastie, executive director of TAA. ‘We are grateful to see a growing number of Buyers and Consignors equally invested in promoting and supporting our mission.’ Look for TAA bookmarks at the upcoming sales. These useful tools not only mark pages in sale catalogues, but also summarize the TAA’s impact: One tax-deductible gift to TAA supports accredited aftercare organizations across USA and Canada; After one full year of operations, in 2013 TAA awarded $1,000,000 to 23 aftercare organizations managing 80 facilities across North America; Within the first 18 months of accreditation, TAA partners placed 960 Thoroughbreds and permanently retired 380; In 2014, another 29 organizations with 72 facilities applied for accreditation before the May 15th deadline (not all will be accredited and new TAA partners will be announced in November); TAA’s Code of Standards have been approved by the American Humane Association and American Association of Equine Practitioners. Sales revenue is one element of TAA’s goal to establish a broad-based, automatic funding mechanism at every touch point in a Thoroughbred’s life. All but 26 of the top 100 stallions are currently donating 25% of one advertised season and for every foal that is registered, The Jockey Club is contributing $25 to support TAA’s accredited aftercare partners. Besides sales participants and 24 of the leading stallion farms (listed on thoroughbredaftercare.org), TAA’s executive board is reaching out to trainers, jockeys, race tracks, service providers and racing fans. Requesting small amounts across multiple touch points of a Thoroughbred’s life limits the burden placed on any one group. TAA believes to provide an industry-wide solution for aftercare, everyone benefiting from or enjoying Thoroughbred racing needs to share in the responsibility. 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, jockeys, aftercare professionals and other industry groups. The American Humane Association and American Association of Equine Practitioners have approved TAA’s Code of Standards and accreditation process. For more information, please visit thoroughbredaftercare.org or call 859-224-2756.