Breeders’ Cup

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous Post The Horse Who Stole Her Heart: Diamond Bachelor’s Journey Home The Horse Who Stole Her Heart: Diamond Bachelor’s Journey Home By: Alexis Arbaugh April 14, 2025 Success Stories Tags:Breeders’ Cup, dressage, Eventing, New Vocations, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Success story, T.I.P. Awards, T.I.P. Championships, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, TIP, TIP Championship Horse Show Allison Andrews wasn’t actively searching for a second horse, but she often found herself browsing the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program website, just in case something special caught her eye. During one of those casual scrolls, she came across Diamond Bachelor. A seasoned war horse with a unique facial marking, he stood out from the rest. Diamond Bachelor, “Maverick”, raced a total of 62 times, in his career and earned close to $445,000. He even ran in the 2013 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Allison watched the videos of Maverick and loved his movement and presence. Allison remembered, “I read his description and it was clear that he had a very strong personality that may not be for everyone.” However, Allison felt an undeniable connection and decided to call New Vocations’ trainer, Erin McDonald, to learn more. Erin explained that Maverick needed firm boundaries and a strong relationship on the ground, but under saddle, he was a gentleman. “Something in my gut told me that he was just going to be a super cool horse and just the right challenge for me,” Allison recalled. She adopted him that very day. When Maverick arrived at her farm a few days later, it was clear that his personality matched his profile. “I never went to see him in person before adopting him, but I was familiar with how New Vocations listed their horses,” Allison said. “I had adopted another horse from them the year prior who was sweet and easygoing. Maverick was probably the complete opposite. But I’ve always had a connection with the ‘hard’ horses.” The first three months were all about building trust. Allison focused on groundwork and relationship-building, often riding only occasionally. “There were some challenging days where I questioned if maybe we weren’t the best match, but then he would show the slightest bit of progress — standing quietly on the cross ties, not kicking out at the brush, and turning in immediately when asked on the line. And I just knew I had to stick with him,” said Allison. By the three-and-a-half-month mark, something shifted. Maverick began seeking out Allison’s attention, following her around the farm, watching her work with other horses, and leaning in for the occasional scratch. “For all the fight he put up, he really is just a soft marshmallow on the inside,” Allison shared. “And if I’m being honest, he reminds me a bit of myself.” As their partnership deepened, so did Maverick’s under-saddle work. “Once we got things sorted out on the ground, everything under saddle just clicked,” Allison said. “He’s eager to please, has great movement, and took to the dressage work beautifully.” Though cautious by nature, Maverick grew more confident with jumping and has since become a force in cross-country. Together, the pair successfully competed in Beginner Novice Eventing, First Level Dressage, Western Dressage, and trail riding—showcasing their versatility and trust in one another. At the 2024 Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) Championships in Aiken, Maverick and Allison had a standout performance. They won the Beginner Novice Combined Test out of 18 entries, placed third in both First Level and Western Dressage, and claimed the Thoroughbred Charities of America / Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Geldings Halter Class. They also earned the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance High-Score Award across all Dressage divisions. “It’s hard to believe everything we’ve accomplished together, especially considering where we started,” Allison said. “He’s become the best partner I could ask for. I truly believe he would do anything for me.” Maverick continues to delight both in and out of the ring. “He absolutely loves to play in the hose—he’ll interrupt another horse’s bath just to splash around,” Allison laughed. “And he always knows where the show photographers are. He strikes a pose every time.” Looking ahead, Allison and Maverick aim to continue competing in Dressage and Eventing with hopes of moving up the levels. “He’s truly stolen my heart, and I can’t wait to see where our journey takes us next.” She also offered heartfelt gratitude to those who made Maverick’s second career possible. “Special thank you to Andie Biancone and Amy Dunne for getting him to New Vocations and ensuring he had a great start in retirement. It’s been so rewarding to connect with others who’ve loved this incredible horse along the way.” Share This Article   Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Humberger Toggle Menu Previous PostNext Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance On-Site at Del Mar for Breeders’ Cup World Championships Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance On-Site at Del Mar for Breeders’ Cup World Championships FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 25, 2024 News Tags:accredited aftercare, BC4TAA, Breeders’ Cup, Breeders’ Cup Limited, Breeders’ Cup Tex-to-Give, Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Del Mar, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, FanDuel, FanDuel TV, Text-to-Give, The FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Race, VIP Experience LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be on-site at Del Mar for Breeders’ Cup World Championships, set to be held on Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2, 2024. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is proud to be named the Official Aftercare Partner of Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be represented with two named races on Friday of Breeders’ Cup weekend. Race 2, The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes is scheduled for 12:10 p.m. PT / 3:10 p.m. ET. The FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1) will be run at 4:45 p.m. PT / 7:45 p.m. ET. After the running of each race, a presentation will be made in the winner’s circle where both winning connections will receive a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance gift bag and blanket. As part of FanDuel’s commitment to supporting accredited aftercare, the sports wagering and television network will make a generous $100,000 contribution to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “The FanDuel Group is proud to have Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance present The FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile for a fifth consecutive year,” said Andrew Moore, General Manager of Racing, FanDuel. “Accredited aftercare is a vital part of the industry, and we’re honored to contribute to the incredible work that Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance does in supporting the aftercare of our equine athletes when they retire from the track.” As the Official Aftercare Partner of Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be the beneficiary of their new Text-to-Give fundraising campaign that will run from October 24 through November 3, 2024. This campaign provides race fans and participants with a fantastic opportunity to actively support aftercare and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s mission of facilitating new careers and homes for Thoroughbreds after racing. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will host the winners of the 2024 VIP Breeders’ Cup World Championships experience from the “Off to the Races” online benefit auction. This experience was generously donated by Breeders’ Cup Limited. The winners will enjoy four tickets to the Breeders’ Cup Breakfast Marquee on Wednesday, a table for four at the track on Friday and Saturday, paddock passes for The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes, and much more. Additionally, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will have a booth set up during both days of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, where patrons are encouraged to stop by to learn more about accredited aftercare. Branded merchandise will be available in exchange for a donation. “The Breeders’ Cup is very pleased to continue our partnership with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, and to shine a light on Thoroughbred aftercare at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships,” said Dora Delgado, Executive Vice President & Chief Racing Officer, Breeders’ Cup Limited. “We are proud to support their mission of facilitating bright futures for Thoroughbreds beyond the racetrack and to recognize the importance of accredited aftercare in maintaining the integrity of our sport.” As another way to show support, racing fans and handicappers can opt to donate to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance throughout the week when cashing a winning ticket on an AmTote self-service betting terminal at Del Mar. All donations are tax-deductible. “Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is honored to once again serve as the Official Aftercare Partner of Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar this year,” said Stacie Clark-Rogers, Operations Consultant, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “Our collaboration with Breeders’ Cup and Del Mar serves as a powerful stage to promote and advance the cause of accredited aftercare for Thoroughbreds.” About Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $31.9 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 84 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org. Contact Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance859-224-2756info@thoroughbredaftercare.org Fundraising & EventsEmily Dresen352-362-6934edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org Media ContactSamantha Smith Share This Release

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous Post Keeneland’s Support Vital from Inception to Present Keeneland’s Support Vital from Inception to Present By: Jay Privman April 5, 2024 Supporter Feature Tags:Breeders’ Cup, Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Industry Stakeholder, supporter, Supporter Feature, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Supporter The same rock-solid foundation that Keeneland has provided to Thoroughbred racing and sales has carried over to its contributions to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, for which Keeneland was a founding contributor and remains a steadfast supporter. “We helped provide the seed money and continue to fund the organization,” said Dean Roethemeier, the assistant director of sales operations for Keeneland and a current board member of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “I’m lucky to work at Keeneland and with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Putting the horse first – it all comes back to that.” Keeneland, along with the Breeders’ Cup and The Jockey Club, were the three organizations who provided the funding necessary to launch Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. In the years since, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has grown to 86 organizations and approximately 180 facilities that re-train and re-home Thoroughbreds for second careers, or give them a chance to live out their lives in dignity at retirement facilities. Those organizations and facilities have been in receipt of nearly $32 million. Keeneland contributes on its own, as well as matching contributions made by buyers and consignors at its numerous sales. “We’re grateful to our consignors and buyers who participate, and we match their contributions. It’s incumbent on everyone in the industry to reflect on if they’re giving their fair share to aftercare. The responsibility is on all of us. There’s a sense of responsibility to the horse, first and foremost. That’s where it starts.” Dean Roethemeier Keeneland, Assistant Director of Sales Operations “We’re grateful to our consignors and buyers who participate, and we match their contributions,” Roethemeier said. “It’s incumbent on everyone in the industry to reflect on if they’re giving their fair share to aftercare. The responsibility is on all of us. There’s a sense of responsibility to the horse, first and foremost. That’s where it starts.” Roethemeier said the way Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is structured makes it the model for aftercare. “They’ve got a great process in place for accreditation,” he said. “There’s a sense of confidence when contributing that your dollars are in good hands. TAA has come as close as anyone to solving aftercare. The program is in place. Now it’s a matter of funding, of scaling up.” He, and Keeneland, are proud to be involved. “Since Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance started, they’ve proven year-in and year-out that it works,” Roethemeier said. “It’s really been proven to be a great program.” Learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s supporters: Industry Stakeholders Share This Article

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous Post Breeders’ Cup Has Been There from the Start Breeders’ Cup Has Been There from the Start By: Jay Privman March 8, 2024 Supporter Feature Tags:Breeders’ Cup, Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Industry Stakeholder, supporter, Supporter Feature, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Supporter It was a moment of pure serendipity. The Breeders’ Cup had been having internal discussions about ways to bring a more coordinated approach to Thoroughbred aftercare, and then Jack Wolf, who heads the highly successful Starlight Racing partnership, approached the Breeders’ Cup with his idea for something of that ilk. “It was a happy coincidence,” said Dora Delgado, the executive vice president/chief racing officer of the Breeders’ Cup. “This seemed to check all the boxes, a way to distribute funds in a fair and equitable manner, and not end up in just one bucket, not just have Kentucky benefit, but make it nationwide.” And from that, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance was born. Breeders’ Cup, along with The Jockey Club and Keeneland, were the three organizations who provided the necessary funding to get Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance off the ground. In the decade-plus since, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has grown to now accredit 86 organizations and approximately 180 facilities that re-train and re-home Thoroughbreds for second careers, or give them a chance to live out their lives in dignity at retirement facilities. Nearly $32 million has been distributed by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to those organizations and facilities, and the Breeders’ Cup has provided financial assistance throughout. For Delgado, who is based in Lexington, Ky., support for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is something important to her both professionally and personally. “From the 175 or so horses who compete at every Breeders’ Cup, just a small percentage of them go to the breeding shed and achieve greatness. So there’s a continuous need when you think of the size and scope of what’s out there,” Delgado said. “We have a social responsibility, an industry responsibility, to care for these horses. If you make your living in any way with a Thoroughbred – owner, breeder, as a vanning company, a feed company, anything – you should be contributing. It’s in your best interest.” The Breeders’ Cup helps keep Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance top of mind year-round by tying it to the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Program, more commonly known as the “Win and You’re In” races like the Metropolitan Mile, to be run this year at Saratoga on the Belmont Stakes card, and the Pacific Classic at Del Mar. Cards on those days feature Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance signage and demonstrations from off-the-track Thoroughbreds. In addition, the race formerly known as the Breeders’ Cup Marathon is now named for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and is run on championship weekend. Several Breeders’ Cup winners – Eldaafer, Little Mike, and Stormy Liberal – are retirees in Georgetown, Ky., at Old Friends, joined there by the recently retired Channel Maker, who holds the record of having competed in the Breeders’ Cup six times. “I really enjoy that they’re down the road and I can go see them,” Delgado said. “It’s nice that they can go there and just be horses. And on a personal level, Delgado has seen the importance of a re-trained Thoroughbred who fell far short of being a Breeders’ Cup participant. Her daughter Mallory had an off-the-track Thoroughbred who was a hunter-jumper and then graduated to cross country. “He was very slow on the racetrack, but he liked to go fast and jump over things,” Delgado said. “Thoroughbreds are versatile and smart. They want a job to do. Think of all the great geldings who ended up being racetrack ponies. A horse like Lava Man,” Delgado said, referring to the Hall of Fame racehorse who now resides at Old Friends after working as a pony for more than a decade, “he was so headstrong, but that stood him well when teaching babies.” Delgado said Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s structure, which engendered buy-ins industry wide from all types of organizations, and the continuous accreditation process for those seeking funds, make it a model for aftercare “The way the board is comprised, everyone has a vested interest in seeing it do well,” she said. Including the Breeders’ Cup, which has been there from the start. Learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s supporters: Industry Stakeholders Share This Article

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights   Previous PostNext Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance On-Site at Breeders’ Cup World Championships Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance On-Site at Breeders’ Cup World Championships FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 24, 2023 News Tags:Breeders’ Cup, Breeders’ Cup World Championships, FanDuel, FanDuel TV, Named Race, Santa Anita, Santa Anita Park LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present at Santa Anita Park this year for the 40th running of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, set to be held on Friday, November 3, 2023, and Saturday, November 4, 2023. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is one of the official charities, and the Official Aftercare Partner of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will have a booth set up during both days of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, where patrons are encouraged to stop by to learn more about accredited aftercare. Branded merchandise will be available in exchange for a donation. California Retirement Management Account (CARMA) will also be on-site and will have a retrained Thoroughbred at Santa Anita that fans can meet up close and in person. In addition to Friday and Saturday, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will also be on-site Thursday morning during the early morning workouts near the famous Clocker’s Corner with branded merchandise and to answer questions about accredited aftercare. As another way to show support, racing fans and handicappers can opt to donate to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance throughout the week when cashing a winning ticket on an AmTote self-service betting terminal at Santa Anita Park. All donations are tax-deductible. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will also be represented with named races on both days of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. On Friday, The FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1) will close out the day. On Saturday, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will have a named race, The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes (G2). Following both races, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present at the Winner’s Circle to do a presentation to the winning connections. Post times for both races are to be determined. As part of FanDuel’s commitment to support accredited Thoroughbred aftercare, the sports wagering digital cable and satellite television network has made a generous donation of $100,000 to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is honored to be a part of the Breeders’ Cup festivities, as this collaboration exemplifies our shared passion during one of the most exciting weekends in horseracing,” said Jeffrey Bloom, president of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “This opportunity serves as a powerful international platform to advance the cause of accredited aftercare for Thoroughbreds, where we can all come together to support the cause and effort of ensuring the well-being and futures of our beloved equine athletes.” About Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $31.9 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 86 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org. Contact Samantha Smith 859-224-2882 ssmith@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 352-362-6934 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org Share This Release  

As the Official Aftercare Partner of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will be a part of a myriad of events during Breeders’ Cup Festival Week. Join the TAA staff for the premiere of “Celebrating Ten Years“–a short film in honor of the TAA’s 10-year anniversary–at The Kentucky Theatre’s Equine Film Festival on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 7:40 PM before the screening of Secretariat. Can’t make the premiere on Tuesday? ‘Celebrating Ten Years’ will have 2 additional screenings at the Kentucky theatre: 7:30 PM on Thursday, November 3 before the documentary, ‘Born to Rein’ 1:30 PM on Friday, November 4 before ‘Born to Rein’ Movie tickets are $6.50 per person and can be purchased in-person or online at Kentuckytheatre.org. During the 2-day Breeders’ Cup World Championships, the TAA will have a presence on-site at Keeneland. Patrons are encouraged to stop by the TAA’s booth to learn about the organization’s mission from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance representatives, and to make a donation in exchange for a variety of TAA swag. Racing fans can also show their support by opting to donate to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance throughout the championship weekend when cashing a winning ticket on an UnitedTote Systems self-service betting terminal. All donations are tax-deductible. The TAA will kick off Future Stars Friday by presenting its Grade 2 namesake race, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes (G2) and close out the day with the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1). As part of FanDuel’s commitment to support accredited Thoroughbred aftercare, the sports wagering digital cable and satellite television network will present a check to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance during Future Stars Friday. PHOTO: Eclipse Sportswire

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will once again be named the Official Aftercare Partner of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships Nov. 4-5 at Keeneland. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is also an Official Charity of the Breeders’ Cup, along with Race Track Chaplaincy of America and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, among others. During the World Championships, the TAA will present its Grade 2 namesake race–formerly the Marathon Stakes–on Friday’s championship undercard. Click here to read more. The TAA will join FanDuel TV in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships winner’s circle to present the premiere race on Future Stars Friday– the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (GI). As part of FanDuel’s commitment to support accredited Thoroughbred aftercare, the sports wagering digital cable and satellite television network will present a check to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance during Future Stars Friday. FanDuel TV, formerly TVG, has honored the TAA at the Breeders’ Cup since 2020. Click here to read more.

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has been named the official aftercare partner of the 2020 Breeders’ Cup World Championships Nov. 6-7 at Keeneland.

FanDuel will become the title sponsor of two Breeders’ Cup races. Two of FanDuel Group’s charity partners will be incorporated into naming rights—the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile presented by PDJF and the TVG Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.