NYRA Teams with TAA to Support Thoroughbred Aftercare

Saratoga Race Course

Horseplayers cashing winning tickets at New York Racing Association tracks can now share their good fortune with retired Thoroughbreds by making a tax-deductible contribution to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance at self-service AmTote betting terminals.

Beginning on Wood Memorial Day, Saturday, April 7 at Aqueduct Racetrack, horseplayers cashing a winning ticket through a self-service terminal will be prompted with a pop-up interface developed by AmTote International, allowing them to make a donation to the TAA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. If the bettor chooses to donate, the terminal will issue a receipt indicating both the donation amount as well as the TAA’s 501(c)(3) identification number. The remaining balance will then be issued in the form of a voucher.

One hundred percent of all donations made through AmTote terminals will go toward TAA efforts to retire, retrain, and rehome Thoroughbreds after their racing careers.

“NYRA is committed to supporting Thoroughbred aftercare, and we’re pleased to provide horseplayers with a way to quickly and easily donate to the TAA,” said NYRA chief revenue officer David O’Rourke. “The work done by the TAA, and all accredited aftercare organizations, is critical to the health and well-being of our great sport. That’s why we are so pleased to launch an initiative to raise funds for responsible aftercare.”

“The TAA is grateful for the support from NYRA and AmTote International,” said TAA president John Phillips. “This terminal offers a convenient, non-intrusive, and streamlined experience. Paired with the generosity of horseplayers and the prominence of racing at NYRA tracks, funds raised from this technology will significantly help the TAA continue to support our 64 accredited aftercare organizations with approximately 170 facilities in North America.”

“As the tote technology provider for the New York Racing Association and developer of the industry’s first donation-enabled wagering terminal application, we remain both thankful and proud to be involved with such a great effort benefiting our industry’s retired equine athletes,” AmTote president Keith Johnson said. “We are thrilled to see the continued expansion of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance program, along with our supporting technology, now coming to NYRA’s world-class racing operation.”

Horseplayers can begin making donations through betting terminals on track at Aqueduct and Belmont Café on Saturday, highlighted by the $750,000 Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) at the Big A. Part of a 12-race card, the Wood Memorial will be joined by the Carter Handicap (G1), the Gazelle Stakes (G2), Bay Shore Stakes (G3), and the Excelsior Stakes (G3).

More coverage:

THARacing.com: NYRA to Offer Aftercare Donation Option on Self-Service Terminals