Champions Day

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Present at Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby Week Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Present at Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby Week FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 10, 2024 News Tags:Champions Day, Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Race LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present at Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week for a variety of exciting events leading up to the running of the 150th Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve which takes place on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be recognized with a named race on the undercard of Champions Day. Champions Day is a celebration of Thoroughbred racing history, and will be held during Kentucky Derby Week on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Following the running of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections including a branded blanket and branded merchandise. A representative from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present to host the winners of the “Off to the Races” VIP Experience online benefit auction. This exciting VIP experience was generously donated by Churchill Downs Incorporated and Second Stride. The winners will enjoy all-inclusive box seats, tickets to the Winner’s Party at the Kentucky Derby Museum and a tour of Second Stride, a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization. “Churchill Downs is proud to continue the tradition of naming a race for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance on Champions Day during Derby Week,” said Cathy Shircliff, Director of Equine Industry Relations for Churchill Downs Incorporated. “We are grateful to TAA for the awareness and assistance it gives to organizations that support the many facets of life for our Thoroughbred athletes after their racing careers.” “Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is thrilled to be a part of the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby,” said Emily Dresen, Director of Funding & Events. “We appreciate the continued support from Churchill Downs in contributing to the cause of rehoming and retraining of retired racehorses.” 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  

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will be present on Champion’s Day at the Ladies in Racing Symposium, followed by a race presentation on the undercard. On Tuesday May 3, Champions for a Change will feature Ladies in Racing with a symposium of influential women in the Thoroughbred industry. A power-house panel of women will be featured, and all tickets have access to the symposium. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance supporters Shannon Arvin, Keeneland Association president & chief executive officer, and Dora Delgado, Breeders’ Cup World Championships executive vice president & chief racing officer, are among the panelists for the symposium. Purchase tickets in the brand new Homestretch Club at Churchill Downs in support of Thoroughbred aftercare. Tickets are $110 and all-inclusive of food, beverage, and alcoholic beverages. $10 of each of these tickets will be donated to Thoroughbred aftercare organizations, including the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. To purchase Homestretch Club tickets in support of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance , CLICK HERE. Race 6, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Race, goes off at 3:18 pm ET on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. A presentation of a TAA blanket and swag bag will be made to the winning connections following the running of the race. Eight three-year-old’s and up will make their bid on the dirt going six furlongs for the $30,000 maiden claiming race. Of the eight Thoroughbreds entered, three have connections to a TAA supporter: #2 TEO trained by Steve Asmussen & bred by Brereton Jones; #3 BABY QUINN owned in-part by Madaket Stables LLC (Sol Kumin); #4 LUNAR ROCKET owned in-part by West Point Thoroughbreds (Terry Finley). “Churchill Downs is proud to continue the legacy of Champions Day by celebrating women in racing and continuing to support our dedicated thoroughbred aftercare partners,” said Churchill Downs Inc. Director of Community Relations, Cathy Shircliff. “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is excited to join Churchill Downs in celebrating women in racing on another exciting Champion’s Day,” said Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance funding and events manager Emily Scandore (Dresen). “We are grateful to partner with Churchill Downs and showcase their support of accredited aftercare.” Photo: Suzie Picou-Oldham

Churchill Downs’ second annual Champions Day presented by Twinspires.com will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Triple Crown and honor its winners on Tuesday of Derby week.

Kicking off Kentucky Derby week is Champions Day on Tuesday, September 1 at Churchill Downs. The TAA will present the Champions Day Marathon Overnight Stakes.