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THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE ALLIANCE TO RECEIVE SPECIAL ECLIPSE AWARD

NEW YORK CITY (Monday, January 6, 2014) ‘ The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), Daily Racing Form and the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters announced today that the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will be presented with the Special Eclipse Award during the 43rd annual Eclipse Awards ceremony Jan. 18 at Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino in Hallandale Beach, Fla. The Special Award honors extraordinary service, individual achievements in, or contributions to the sport of Thoroughbred racing. A 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Lexington, Ky., the TAA serves as both an accrediting body for aftercare facilities that care for Thoroughbreds following their racing careers and a fundraising body to support the 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. ‘This is a tremendous honor for the TAA, and great recognition of the substantial achievements this organization has made,” said Jack Wolf, TAA Board President and Co-Managing Partner of Starlight Racing. ‘In under two years we have successfully assembled a top-notch team and signed on supporters from across the industry, enabling us to accredit 23 Thoroughbred aftercare facilities and award $1 million in grants to support the great work they are doing to care for our retired racehorses. While there is much work ahead of us, this award is an opportunity to celebrate our successes and thank our donors, supporters, and the TAA team for their hard work and dedication to fulfilling the TAA’s mission.” The seven-figures-worth of financial grants awarded last year were the first since TAA was formed 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. ‘The TAA has made extraordinary progress in ensuring safe and stable adoption, retraining and retirement opportunities,’ said Alex Waldrop, President and CEO of the NTRA, which administers the Eclipse Awards. ‘The industry has demonstrated a newfound willingness to proactively address our most critical issues and the TAA is a prime example of this cooperative spirit. Every racehorse deserves proper care for the entirety of its natural life and all of us who derive our livelihoods from them share the responsibility of providing as much.’ The Special Award will be given for the 23rd time since it was inaugurated in 1971 to honor Robert J. Kleberg, manager of the famed King Ranch. Subsequent recipients have included racing luminaries such as Bill Shoemaker, C.V. Whitney, Edward J. DeBartolo, Richard Duchossois, Russell Baze, Laffit Pincay Jr., Dale Baird, Team Zenyatta and, most recently, Rapid Redux. The TAA will be the second aftercare-related recipient, following Monique Koehler, founder of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, in 2009. The Eclipse Awards, presented by the Daily Racing Form, Breeders’ Cup and The Stronach Group, are bestowed upon horses and individuals whose outstanding achievements in North America have earned them the title of Champion in their respective categories. Those awards are voted by NTRA, Daily Racing Form and the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters (NTWAB). Awards also are given to recognize members of the media for outstanding coverage of Thoroughbred racing. A complete list of past Eclipse Award winners, including the Special Award recipients, can be accessed online at http://ntra.com/en/eclipse-awards/history.

TAA TO ANNOUNCE FIRST ROUND OF GRANTS DECEMBER 11 AT GLOBAL SYMPOSIUM ON RACING AND GAMING

Lexington, Ky. ‘ December 9, 2013 – The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will announce its first round of financial grants to its accredited facilities on Wednesday, December 11 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. The announcement will take place at 9:45 a.m. MST, in conjunction with a scheduled session in the Grand conference room. The TAA announced on December 3 that it had accredited 20 additional Thoroughbred aftercare organizations, bringing the total number of TAA accredited facilities eligible to receive financial grants from the TAA to 23 (click here for full release). Following a detailed application process and careful onsite examinations by TAA inspectors and independent veterinarians, each of these facilities was judged to have met or exceeded the TAA Code of Standards in the areas of operations, education, horse care management, facility standards and services, and adoption policies and protocols. Financial grants from the TAA will be used for the ongoing care of retired Thoroughbreds. To view the requirements for TAA accreditation and the complete TAA Code of Standards for aftercare facilities, please visit the Accredidation page on the TAA website. For more information on the 40th Annual Global Symposium on Racing & Gaming, please click here. 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 APPLICATIONS FOR ACCREDITATION DUE JUNE 1

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) would like to remind eligible aftercare facilities that applications for accreditation must be submitted by June 1 to be eligible for consideration for grants in 2013 and 2014. To be considered for accreditation, organizations must complete a detailed application process and careful onsite examinations by TAA inspectors and independent veterinarians. Facilities eligible to apply for TAA accreditation include those conforming to the following four broad standards: Possess 501 (c)(3) tax exempt status Have been operational for at least three years Care for a resident population of at least five horses, with at least half the horses being Thoroughbreds Follow a euthanasia policy consistent with that of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) The complete TAA Code of Standards for aftercare facilities and the accreditation application are available at http://www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/. The TAA announced on May 1 that it had accredited its first three Thoroughbred aftercare facilities: Florida Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoptive Care in Palm City, Fla.; New Vocations in Marysville, Ohio and Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue in Norco, Calif. The three facilities are now eligible to receive financial support from the TAA for the ongoing care of retired Thoroughbreds. Based in Lexington, Ky., the TAA is designed to serve 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.’ 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 HIRES JAMES HASTIE AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Lexington, Ky. – November 8, 2013 – The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today that it has hired James Hastie as the organization’s Executive Director, effective November 18, 2013. Mike Ziegler, who has served as the TAA’s Executive Director since March 2012, will remain with the organization through a transition period before returning full-time to his role as Executive Director of the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance. Hastie joins the TAA from Cazenovia, N.Y. and brings to the role 15 years of executive management, fundraising and communications experience. Most recently he served as Major Gifts Officer for the American Red Cross in Syracuse, N.Y., where his responsibilities included identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and communications with major donors. He also held roles as Interim Chief Development Officer and Public Affairs Specialist at the American Red Cross. His prior experience includes leadership roles at State University of New York, Zurich Rowing World Cup, IMG/TWI, the U.S. Equestrian Team, and Walt Disney World, Inc. Hastie holds a Master of Science in Communications Management from Syracuse University, and a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Marketing from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, N.Y. He will be based in the TAA’s Lexington, Ky. offices. . Hastie also brings a long history of involvement with equestrian sports. He served as Director of Communications for the U.S. Equestrian Team from 1997-2000, and as Executive Director of the Morrisville College Foundation (MCF) he spearheaded fundraising efforts to build the Morrisville State College Equine Rehabilitation Center. He was also involved in organizing the 2012 American Express Ride for The Red Cross, a trail ride in Wellington, FL featuring Olympic riders and benefitting the American Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund. . ‘We’re pleased to welcome James to the TAA. His leadership and fundraising experience, combined with his passion and appreciation for horses, make him uniquely qualified to lead the organization in its mission to establish an industry-wide solution for Thoroughbred aftercare,’ stated Jack Wolf, TAA board president and Thoroughbred owner. ‘We would also like to thank Mike Ziegler for his dedication and leadership of the TAA. He has been integral in our initial accreditation and fundraising, and in establishing industry-wide support for our efforts.’ . 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 & CARMA TO PROVIDE WRISTBANDS AT BREEDERS’ CUP TO PROMOTE AFTERCARE AWARENESS

October 17, 2013 – The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) is teaming up with California Retirement Management Account (CARMA) at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park on November 1-2, 2013 to promote awareness of Thoroughbred aftercare. The two aftercare organizations will be providing wristbands for fans to wear to show their support for retired Thoroughbreds. Breeders’ Cup attendees may pick up these aqua-colored wristbands at the TAA and CARMA booth located by the fountain near the south entrance to Santa Anita. They will be distributed free of charge with donations welcomed. TAA and CARMA representatives will also be present to answer questions and provide information on Thoroughbred aftercare and their organizations. ‘With the best Thoroughbreds coming together to compete in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to highlight the importance of caring for these great athletes after their racing careers are over,’ said Mike Ziegler, Executive Director of TAA. ‘The wristbands are an easy and visible way for fans, horsemen and other participants to show their support, and we hope that everyone attending will wear them with pride.’ ‘An important part of CARMA’s mission is to promote industry support and awareness for Thoroughbred aftercare, and these wristbands are the perfect way to demonstrate that support,’ said Lucinda Mandella, Executive Director of CARMA. ‘Breeders’ Cup is the highlight of our year and the perfect spot to pay tribute to the equine stars that have given their all on the track, and now need our support in retirement.’ For more information on the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, please visit the Breeders’ Cup web site, www.breederscup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media platforms, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. 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. CARMA, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, raises money for retired thoroughbred racehorses that have raced in California and grants funds to CARMA-accredited aftercare partners. It is run by an independent board of directors and is responsible for hosting fundraising events, educating owners and trainers on equine retirement and working to unify the industry in support of retiring equine athletes. It is a member of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, which works toward a national solution to issues surrounding retired racehorses. For more information and to support CARMA please visit carma4horses.org or call 626-574-6622.

TAA RECEIVES 27 APPLICATIONS FOR ACCREDITATION

Lexington, KY ‘ June 18, 2013 – The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) is pleased to announce that it has received applications for accreditation from 27 eligible aftercare facilities. These organizations will now begin the TAA’s process of review and onsite examination, to be eligible for consideration for grants in 2013 and 2014. Applications were submitted from facilities in 13 different states in the United States and from two organizations in Canada. The facilities range in location from Kentucky, New York and Maryland to Arizona, Washington and California, and represent a cross-section of rescue, retirement, retraining and adoption programs. ‘We’re encouraged by the level of interest shown by such a diverse group of organizations in our first year of operations,’ said Mike Ziegler, Executive Director of TAA. ‘Continued support from all aspects of the industry is critical in order to support our accredited facilities and the great work they are doing to help retired Thoroughbreds.’ To be considered for accreditation, organizations must complete a detailed application process and careful onsite examinations by TAA inspectors and independent veterinarians. Facilities eligible to apply for TAA accreditation include those conforming to the following four broad standards: Possess 501 (c)(3) tax exempt status Have been operational for at least three years Care for a resident population of at least five horses, with at least half the horses being Thoroughbreds Follow a euthanasia policy consistent with that of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) The complete TAA Code of Standards for aftercare facilities and the accreditation application are available at http://www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/. The TAA announced on May 1 that it had accredited its first three Thoroughbred aftercare facilities: Florida Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoptive Care in Palm City, Fla.; New Vocations in Marysville, Ohio and Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue in Norco, Calif. The three facilities are now eligible to receive financial support from the TAA for the ongoing care of retired Thoroughbreds. Based in Lexington, Ky., the TAA is designed to serve 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. 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 ACCREDITS FIRST THREE ORGANIZATIONS

Florida Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoptive Care, New Vocations and Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue are the First Facilities to Become TAA-Accredited’ New York, N.Y. ‘ May 1, 2013 – The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today that it had accredited its first three Thoroughbred aftercare facilities: Florida Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoptive Care in Palm City, Fla.; New Vocations in Marysville, Ohio; and Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue in Norco, Calif. The three facilities are now eligible to receive financial support from the TAA for the ongoing care of retired Thoroughbreds. Following a detailed application process and careful onsite examinations by TAA inspectors and independent veterinarians, Florida Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoptive Care, New Vocations and Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue were each judged to have met or exceeded TAA requirements in the areas of operations, education, horse care management, facility standards and services, and adoption policies and protocols. ‘We are honored to be among the first aftercare facilities accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance,’ said Barbi Moline, Director of Florida Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoptive Care. ‘The support of the TAA will help ensure that we can continue to give Thoroughbreds the lives they deserve after their racing days are over.’ ‘We are very proud to be accredited by the TAA,’ said New Vocations Program Director Anna Ford. ‘We have new horses arriving into the program on a weekly basis and it’s only through grants and private donations that our doors have remained open.” ‘This accreditation will go a long way toward rescuing additional horses and providing excellent care to those horses at our facility awaiting new adoptive homes.’ said Caroline Betts, Founder and President of Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue.’ ‘The TAA standards were thorough and demanding, and we are proud to have met those requirements.’ Facilities eligible to apply for TAA accreditation include those conforming to the following four broad standards: Possess 501 (c)(3) tax exempt status Have been operational for at least three years Care for a resident population of at least five horses, with at least half the horses being Thoroughbreds Follow a euthanasia policy consistent with that of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Applications for accreditation must be submitted by June 1 for organizations to be eligible for consideration for grants in 2013 and 2014. The complete TAA Code of Standards for aftercare facilities and the accreditation application are available at http://www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/. Based in Lexington, Ky., the TAA is designed to serve 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.’ 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.

READ OUR JULY 2013 NEWSLETTER!

The TAA is pleased to announce the launch our newsletter! This will be a monthly forum for us to share the latest news and developments happening with the organization. Click here to read our first issue for July 2013!