TAA GETS $100,000 GIFT FROM GULFSTREAM PARK
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will receive $100,000 from the Thoroughbred Aftercare Program at Gulfstream Park. The donation, announced June 18, will be distributed to accredited aftercare facilities, including Florida Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoptive Care. Gulfstream’s eight-decade commitment to giving back to the Thoroughbred community through philanthropic partnerships, donations, and outreach programs endures at the local and national levels. More than $250,000 has been raised the past two years through charitable events to support Thoroughbred aftercare organizations and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Released by Bloodhorse.com
FANS HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO ‘RIDE’ CALIFORNIA CHROME AT BELMONT STAKES
Lexington, KY (June 3, 2014) ‘ Racing fans at Belmont Park looking for a timely keepsake of California Chrome’s bid for a Triple Crown can visit a special Green Screen photo booth on the first floor grandstand (near the winner’s circle) on Belmont Stakes Day, Saturday, June 7th to promote the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA). Fans can support the retirement, retraining and adoption of former racehorses across North America with a $10 contribution and have their picture superimposed onto a racing photograph of California Chrome. 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 Daily Racing Form (DRF), and 100% of the proceeds will go to Thoroughbred aftercare. “Sherman Racing is proud to do all we can for The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. It is important what they do, so bringing attention to that is important to us,” said Alan Sherman, assistant trainer of California Chrome, whose connections graciously granted permission to the TAA initiative. “Every now and then the stars align and afford superior opportunities to promote our sport, celebrate an incredible race horse, engage a broad spectrum of fans and partner with the finest racing operation all while providing important support for our retired racing stars,” said John Hartig, Chairman and CEO, Daily Racing Form. “California Chrome, Belmont Park, DRF and the TAA teaming up for the good of our sport is one of those great opportunities and we certainly are proud to be a part of this effort.” ‘DRF and Sherman Racing have given TAA an unparalleled opportunity to reach out to a broader audience during an extremely special time for the Thoroughbred racing community,’ said TAA Executive Director James Hastie. ‘Given the crowd anticipated to be on hand for a potential Triple Crown victory ‘ our volunteers and I are going to try and raise $25,000 to support the outstanding work being done by our accredited partners for the Thoroughbreds under their care.’ Credentialed media to receive complimentary photographs. TAA board members will be available at the TAA/DRF booth for interviews. Please contact James Hastie to make arrangements at (315) 263-5326. 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 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. In 2012, Daily Racing Form introduced DRF Breeding, a business dedicated to serving the Breeding industry, bringing expanded coverage/tools to horseplayer and breeding enthusiasts alike.
THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE ALLIANCE FOUNDATION DISTRIBUTES SECOND HALF OF 2013-2014 GRANTS
Lexington, KY. ‘ May 7, 2014 ‘ Madeline Auerbach, vice president of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Foundation (TAA) board of directors, announced today that the TAA has distributed the second half of $1,000,000 in grants awarded to 23 accredited aftercare organizations. TAA’s first round of funding was announced in December 2013. TAA grants are distributed in two equal payments, six months apart to give the TAA accreditation committee time to monitor each organization’s progress and ability to maintain TAA’s Code of Standards. Grant awards are based on a comprehensive review by the TAA Grants Committee and board. TAA grants are designated to support the direct care TAA’s aftercare partners provide to the Thoroughbreds they retire, retrain and place into new homes. ‘We’ve made great progress in a short period of time,’ said Auerbach. ‘Thanks to seed funding provided in 2012 by Breeders’ Cup, Ltd., The Jockey Club, Keeneland Association, and all of our donors ‘ from stallion farms, sales companies and racetracks to owners, breeders and fans: your support made these grants possible.’ ‘We’re very pleased to provide this funding to our accredited partners in recognition and support of their extraordinary efforts to care for our retired Thoroughbred athletes,’ stated Jack Wolf, TAA board president and Thoroughbred owner. ‘The organizations and people behind TAA took a major step forward for the industry in providing a long-term strategy for Thoroughbred aftercare and we’re all very proud.’ TAA accredited facilities receiving the second half of their 2013-2014 TAA grants this week are: Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue – Pawling, N.Y. Angel Acres Horse Haven – Glenville, Pa. CANTER, California – Los Gatos, Calif. CANTER, Ohio – Mentor, Ohio Equine Encore ‘ Tucson, Ariz. Florida Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoptive Care ‘ Palm City, FL Glen Ellen Vocational Academy – Glen Ellen, Calif. Humanity for Horses – Mt. Shasta, Calif. Kentucky Equine Humane Center ‘ Lexington, Ky. Long Run Thoroughbred Retirement Society ‘ Toronto, Ontario (Canada) Mid-Atlantic Horse Rescue – Chesapeake City, Md. Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement’ Salem, Conn. Neigh Savers Foundation – Walnut Creek, Calif. New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society ‘ Surrey, British Columbia (Canada) New Vocations ‘ Marysville, Ohio Old Friends ‘ Georgetown, Ky. ReRun – Virginia Beach, Va. Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue, Norco, Calif. The Exceller Fund ‘ Lexington, Ky. Thoroughbred Placement Resources – Upper Marlboro, Md. Tijuana River Valley Animal Rescue – San Diego, Calif. TROTT USA – Laguna Hills, Calif. United Pegasus Foundation ‘ Tehacapi, Calif. 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. To support the TAA, please visit thoroughbredaftercare.org or call 859-224-2756.
Fans Have Opportunity To “Ride” California Chrome At Belmont Stakes; Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Booth to Feature Green Screen Technology
Racing fans at Belmont Park looking for a timely keepsake of California Chrome’s bid for a Triple Crown can visit a special Green Screen photobooth on the first floor grandstand (near the winner’s circle) on Belmont Stakes Day, Saturday, June 7th to promote the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA). Fans can support the retirement, retraining and adoption of former racehorses across North America with a $10 contribution and have their picture superimposed onto a racing photograph of California Chrome. 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 Daily Racing Form (DRF), and 100% of the proceeds will go to Thoroughbred aftercare. “Sherman Racing is proud to do all we can for The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. It is important what they do, so bringing attention to that is important to us,” said Alan Sherman, assistant trainer of California Chrome, whose connections graciously granted permission to the TAA initiative. “Every now and then the stars align and afford superior opportunities to promote our sport, celebrate an incredible race horse, engage a broad spectrum of fans and partner with the finest racing operation all while providing important support for our retired racing stars,” said John Hartig, Chairman and CEO, Daily Racing Form. “California Chrome, Belmont Park, DRF and the TAA teaming up for the good of our sport is one of those great opportunities and we certainly are proud to be a part of this effort.” “DRF and Sherman Racing have given TAA an unparalleled opportunity to reach out to a broader audience during an extremely special time for the Thoroughbred racing community,” said TAA Executive Director James Hastie. “Given the crowd anticipated to be on hand for a potential Triple Crown victory – our volunteers and I are going to try and raise $25,000 to support the outstanding work being done by our accredited partners for the Thoroughbreds under their care.” Credentialed media to receive complimentary photographs. TAA board members will be available at the TAA/DRF booth for interviews. Please contact James Hastie to make arrangements at (315) 263-5326.
THE TAA SPRING NEWSLETTER NOW AVAILABLE
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READ OUR DECEMBER 2013 NEWSLETTER!
Click here to read the December Newsletter which highlights our recent facility accreditations, grant awards, Wear to Care Campaign recap and a whole lot of interesting news! If you haven’t already, please join our mailing list!
THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE ALLIANCE AWARDS $1,000,000 IN GRANTS TO TAA ACCREDITED FACILITIES
Tucson, Ariz. ‘ December 11, 2013 ‘ Madeline Auerbach, Board Vice President of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), announced today that the TAA has awarded a total of $1,000,000 in grants to its 23 accredited facilities. Auerbach, joined by TAA Executive Director James Hastie and several other TAA Board members in attendance, made the announcement today at the 2013 Global Symposium on Racing & Gaming, presented by the University of Arizona’s Race Track Industry Program, at the Westin La Paloma Resort in Tucson, Ariz. This is the first round of financial grants that the TAA has awarded since its formation in February 2012. Individual grant awards were based on a comprehensive review by the TAA Grants Committee and Board, and the grants will be used for the ongoing care of retired Thoroughbreds. ‘We’re very pleased to award these grants to our accredited facilities, to recognize and support their efforts to care for our retired Thoroughbred athletes,’ stated Jack Wolf, TAA Board President and Thoroughbred owner. ‘Since the TAA was formed nearly two years ago, many people have been working diligently to fulfill the TAA’s mission of accrediting aftercare facilities and financially supporting them ‘ and I’m thrilled to say that vision became a reality today. This is a major step forward for the industry in providing a long-term strategy for Thoroughbred aftercare, and we’re all very proud. I’d also like to extend a special thank you to Breeders’ Cup, Ltd., The Jockey Club, Keeneland Association, and all of our donors’from stallion farms, sales companies and racetracks to owners, breeders and fans: your support made these grants possible.’ Following is a complete list of TAA accredited facilities receiving grant awards: Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue – Pawling, N.Y. Angel Acres Horse Haven – Glenville, Pa. CANTER, California – Los Gatos, Calif. CANTER, Ohio – Mentor, Ohio Equine Encore ‘ Tucson, Ariz. Florida Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoptive Care ‘ Palm City, FL Glen Ellen Vocational Academy – Glen Ellen, Calif. Humanity for Horses – Mt. Shasta, Calif. Kentucky Equine Humane Center ‘ Lexington, Ky. Long Run Thoroughbred Retirement Society ‘ Toronto, Ontario (Canada) Mid-Atlantic Horse Rescue – Chesapeake City, Md. Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement’ Salem, Conn. Neigh Savers Foundation – Walnut Creek, Calif. New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society ‘ Surrey, British Columbia (Canada) New Vocations ‘ Marysville, Ohio Old Friends ‘ Georgetown, Ky. ReRun – Virginia Beach, Va. Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue, Norco, Calif. The Exceller Fund ‘ Lexington, Ky. Thoroughbred Placement Resources – Upper Marlboro, Md. Tijuana River Valley Animal Rescue – San Diego, Calif. TROTT USA – Laguna Hills, Calif. United Pegasus Foundation ‘ Tehacapi, Calif. 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. To support the TAA, please visit thoroughbredaftercare.org or call 859-224-2756.
TAA NOW ACCEPTING ACCREDITATION APPLICATIONS FROM AFTERCARE ORGANIZATIONS
Lexington, KY ‘ February 24, 2014 – The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Foundation, Inc. (TAA) announced today that its 2014 application for accreditation has been published online and that qualified aftercare organizations are encouraged to submit an application before May 15, 2014. According to TAA’s Code of Standards (available on thoroughbredaftercare.org), accreditation status is determined after a complete review of five areas; operations; education; horse health care management; facility standards and services; adoption policies and protocols. At a minimum, organizations applying for TAA accreditation must fulfill the following six requirements: The organization must be a 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt organization as defined by the Internal Revenue Service, or be a registered charity in Canada. The organization must have been operational for a minimum of three years. The organization must house a minimum of 50% and/or a minimum of five Thoroughbreds. The organization must have an official euthanasia policy consistent with that of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) as detailed on http://www.aaep.org/info/horse-health?publication=849 The organization’s principals have never been convicted of killing, abandoning, mistreating, neglecting, abusing or otherwise committing an act of cruelty against a horse. The organization has no legal proceedings pending against it, or against any principal of the organization and/or persons affiliated with the organization. TAA accreditation will be revoked and funding will be discontinued if organization provides false information in application. All organizations have a duty to notify TAA if any of these conditions are no longer met after application is submitted. ‘The American Association of Equine Practitioners and the American Humane Association, among many others, have helped the TAA create a rigorous and thorough accreditation process that prioritizes one thing above all else ‘ the welfare of retired Thoroughbreds,’ said TAA Vice President Madeline Auerbach. ‘The American Association of Equine Practitioners strongly supports the efforts of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance,’ said AAEP President Dr. Jeff Blea. ‘The AAEP has worked in partnership with the TAA on the development of its Code of Standards, best practices, its application and its site inspector documents and we support its efforts to improve the care of Thoroughbreds at rescue and retirement facilities throughout North America.’ ‘After a lifetime of work, our magnificent Thoroughbreds deserve a great retirement,’ said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane Association. ‘The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has been making significant strides in raising the level of care for these magnificent animals, accrediting nearly two dozen equine aftercare organizations in the just the first two years. We encourage all those doing the important work of caring for retired thoroughbreds to apply and join the growing movement of organizations committed to the highest possible standards.’ Based in Lexington, Kentucky, the TAA serves 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. Additional information about the TAA is available by visiting thoroughbredaftercare.org or call 859-224-2756.
NEW YORK HORSEMEN STEP UP FOR THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE ALLIANCE
Lexington, KY ‘ April 28, 2014 ‘ The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) has joined the growing list of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Foundation (TAA) supporters. Beginning with the Belmont Park spring meet, which opens Thursday, owners competing on the New York Racing Association (NYRA) circuit will donate $5 per start to the TAA, it was announced today. The tax-deductible donations are expected to total $100,000 per year . ‘The TAA is less than two years old, and already so many members of the racing and breeding industries have stepped forward to help us get closer to our goal of providing a long-term plan for Thoroughbred aftercare,’ said TAA Board President Jack Wolf. ‘We want to thank the New York horsemen, and their president, Rick Violette, for adding their support to this important initiative. Because of the enthusiastic response from the owners, breeders and trainers, as well as the stud farms, sales companies and racetracks, what we envisioned in 2012 is approaching reality more quickly than we could have imagined.’ ‘Five dollars per start is a small price to pay to ensure that our racehorses are well cared for when they retire from the track,’ said NYTHA President Rick Violette Jr., who is also on the Board of the TAA. ‘New York’s horsemen have always taken this responsibility very seriously, demonstrating their commitment to equine aftercare by creating the TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program and TAKE THE LEAD Thoroughbred Retirement Program. Joining the TAA is a natural extension of our efforts on behalf of the horses. We are pleased to be able to support an organization that has, in a very short time, had a profound impact on the lives of retired racehorses.’ 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. In December 2013, TAA awarded $1,000,000 to 23 accredited organizations managing 80 aftercare facilities across the U.S. and Canada. To apply for accreditation, or to support the TAA, please visit thoroughbredaftercare.org or call 859-224-2756. The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association represents the owners and trainers racing at NYRA tracks, providing benevolence to the backstretch community, safeguarding horsemen’s financial interests and supporting equine aftercare and research. For more information, go to www.nytha.com.