National Thoroughbred Racing Association

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous PostNext Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announced as Official Charity Partner of NTRA National Horseplayers Championship Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announced as Official Charity Partner of NTRA National Horseplayers Championship FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 6, 2024 News Tags:National Horseplayers Championships, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, NHC, NTRA, Official Charity, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has been announced as the Official Charity Partner of the NTRA National Horseplayers Championship, taking place at the Horseshoe Las Vegas Hotel and Casino from March 14-17, 2024. Throughout the weekend, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will have a booth set up where horseplayers are encouraged to stop by and learn more about accredited aftercare. Branded merchandise will be available in exchange for a donation. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to donate and enter for a chance to win various prizes from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Winning prizes include a table for four at Maryland Million on October 1, 2024, a private tour of Old Friends Equine Retirement with Michael Blowen, or exclusive Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance merchandise. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will also be on-site for NTRA’s Last Chance First Chance NHC qualifier, which is held the Thursday of the event. NTRA generously donated a VIP experience during Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s “Off to the Races” online charity auction earlier this year. The VIP experience included hotel accommodation and a waived entry fee for this qualifier. “The NTRA is happy to welcome back Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to the 25th National Horseplayers Championships (NHC),” said Tom Rooney, President and CEO, NTRA. “Their dedication to the well-being of our beloved equine athletes after their racing careers are over is a mission we all support and helps keep our sport thriving.” “We are excited to be back at this prestigious event as the Official Charity Partner for another year,” said Catherine Flowers, Office Manager, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “Thank you to NTRA for their continued support and to the horseplayers who donate to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance throughout the year and at NHC. It is always inspiring to see horseplayers supporting our industry’s horses.” 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 Smith859-224-2882ssmith@thoroughbredaftercare.org   Emily Dresen352-362-6934edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org Share This Release

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance closed its second annual Off to the Races online auction Friday, Feb. 3rd and the Lexitonian Stallion Season online auction on Feb. 6th. Due to the generosity of their donors, the TAA raised over $56,000 from the 17 offered VIP experience packages and No Guarantee Season to Lexitonian. From Jan. 26th to Feb. 3rd the public had the opportunity to bid on VIP experience packages on 17 major race days in 2023 and 2024. Each VIP experience package offered a unique itinerary of horse racing-related bucket list activities and tickets to the specified race day(s). On Feb. 6th from 6pm – 9pm EST, breeders were welcomed to bid on a 2023 No Guarantee season with breed back to Lexitonian donated by trainer Jack Sisterson and his dedicated team at JWS Racing. Bred and campaigned by Calumet Farm, Lexitonian stands at Lane’s End for a 2023 fee of $7,500. “We love this horse, he was impressive as a race horse and he is a physically stunning animal,” said Celia Bennings of Morning Line Equestrian and winner of the 2023 season. “Lexitonian compliments our mare well and we are excited to see that he is a freshman sire by Speightstown. It will be exciting to see what his offspring does on the racetrack.” In total, 26 sponsors contributed to the 17 VIP experiences packages offered in the TAA Off to the Races auction and Lexitonian Stallion Season auctions: 1/ST, America’s Best Racing, Anne’s Washington Inn, Arkansas Thoroughbred Retirement and Rehabilitation Foundation, Breeders’ Cup Ltd., Tom Cannell, Canterbury Park, Christine A. Moore Millinery, Christine Lee’s Restaurant, Churchill Downs Inc., David Dunkley Fine Millinery, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Fran Taylor and Tom Cheek, Frank & Dino’s Restaurant, Hotel at Arundel Preserve, Keeneland Association, LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society, Monmouth Park, Mt. Washington Tavern, National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, New York Racing Association, Old Friends, Jack Sisterson, Second Stride, Tampa Bay Downs, Win Place Home, Woodbine Entertainment. “Thank you to everyone who participated in our Off to the Races and Lexitonian Stallion Season auctions,” said TAA president Jeffrey Bloom. “We are thrilled with the outcome of these events, and so proud of all the partnerships we have formed along the way with the racetracks, sponsors, and individuals who make all of this possible. We are all here for the horses and so excited by the impact these fundraisers will make on accredited aftercare.” Businesses or individuals wishing to become involved or sponsor items for TAA auctions and events can contact TAA Funding and Events Manager Emily Dresen at Edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org.   About the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, the 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, the TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, the TAA has granted more than $28.1 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 81 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about the TAA, visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org.   CONTACT Stacie Clark 859-230-5881 sclark@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 859-224-2851 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org  

As the Official Charity Partner, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will have a presence at the 52nd Annual Eclipse Awards held January 26th at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla. In-person attendees of the Eclipse Awards will have the opportunity to donate to the TAA and learn more about its mission through on-screen displays of TAA’s messaging. “As we convene to recognize the most accomplished horses and humans of 2022, the NTRA is proud to recognize the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as the Official Charity of the 52nd Eclipse Awards,” said NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney. “The work of the TAA is vital to the longevity of our sport, and we hope everyone dependent on these magnificent creatures for their livelihood and enjoyment will join us in honoring them during this time of reflection and beyond.” In conjunction with NTRA, Lilly Pulitzer will host a “Sip, Shop, and Support” event from 11am-3pm with 10% of the proceeds to benefit the TAA. In addition to the free beverages provided by Lilly Pulitzer, the TAA will be raffling off a hand-painted Lilly Pulitzer purse. Raffle tickets are $20 with 100% of proceeds benefitting the nationwide aftercare nonprofit. Raffle tickets can be purchased during the in-store event in Palm Beach on Worth Avenue. “We hold strong to what our fearless leader, Lilly Pulitzer, once said, ‘If you haven’t any charity in your heart then you have the worst kind of heart trouble.’ The Lilly Pulitzer brand proudly carries on Lilly’s tradition of giving by collaborating with world-class and local non-profit organizations who are working to make the world a sunnier place,” said a representative of Lilly Pulitzer’s store on Worth Ave in Palm Beach. “Thank you to NTRA and Lilly Pulitzer for honoring the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance during this commemorative celebration of the best and brightest in our industry,” said TAA Funding and Events Manager, Emily Dresen. “The TAA would like to wish a heartfelt congratulations to all those who cement their place among horse racing’s history at the 52nd Annual Eclipse Awards.” In addition to the in-person festivities, the TAA will kick off its second annual Off to the Races online auction on Thursday, January 26 consisting of VIP experience packages on major race days in 2023 and 2024. The online auction will remain open for 8 days, with more details to be announced by the TAA in the coming weeks. Hand painted Lilly Pulitzer purse for TAA Raffle on 1/26: SAVE THE DATE: