Paragon Farms

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Successful Week at Preakness
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Successful Week at Preakness

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Successful Week at Preakness Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Successful Week at Preakness FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 20, 2024 News Tags:1ST, 1ST Racing, ABR, ABR Pre-Preakness Party, Auction, Black-Eyed Susan Day, Hallway Feeds, Maryland Jockey Club, MidAtlantic Horse Rescue, Paragon Farms, Preakness, Preakness Party, Preakness Stakes, Silent Auction LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance enjoyed a successful week in Maryland during the Preakness celebrations, promoting awareness for accredited aftercare through various on-site activities at Pimlico Race Course and seeing an excellent turnout for America’s Best Racing’s Pre-Preakness Party. With combined efforts from 1/ST RACING, Maryland Jockey Club, and America’s Best Racing, accredited aftercare was effectively highlighted throughout the week. The 9th annual America’s Best Racing Pre-Preakness Party, held at Mt. Washington Tavern on Wednesday, May 15, marked the beginning of the week’s festivities. Proceeds from the event supported Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation. Additionally, the event raised awareness for The Ed Brown Society. With strong support for these causes and an excellent turnout, the evening was a notable success. On Thursday, May 16, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance attended the 149th Preakness Stakes Alibi Breakfast. Beverly Strauss, co-founder and Executive Director of MidAtlantic Horse Rescue, was honored as the Postmaster for Preakness 149. MidAtlantic Horse Rescue is among the 86 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organizations. Stacie Clark Rogers assisted in presenting Strauss with the Honorary Postmaster award, during which Strauss emphasized the importance of accredited aftercare in her speech. “As an advocate for the welfare of Thoroughbreds, I am deeply honored to be recognized as the Postmaster for Preakness 149,” said Beverly Strauss. “Accredited aftercare is not just a cause, but a commitment to the well-being of these incredible horses beyond the racetrack. We must continue to champion their care and support their transition into second careers.” During the weekend of racing, the Maryland Jockey Club and 1/ST RACING supported Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance with named races on the undercards. After each named race, the winners were presented with a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance branded gift bag and a blanket sponsored by Fenwick Equestrian and Dean Dorton. On Black-Eyed Susan Day, Friday, May 17, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance presented Race #6. The winning horse, #7 Eff Thirty Five, was trained by Brittany Russell, ridden by Luis Saez, and owned by The Elkstone Group LLC. Additionally, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance presented Race #9 sponsored by Hallway Feeds. The winning horse, #6 She Feels Pretty, was trained by Cherie DeVaux, ridden by John Velazquez, and owned by Lael Stables. On Preakness Stakes Day, Saturday, May 18, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance presented Race #10, the Sir Barton Stakes sponsored by Brandon and Diannah Perry. Paragon Farms, founded by Thoroughbred owners and breeders Brandon and Diannah Perry, are dedicated supporters of accredited aftercare. This year marked the culmination of a three-year sponsorship with Paragon Farms, annually donating $100,000 to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as the title sponsor of the Sir Barton Stakes. The winning horse, #5 Corporate Power, was trained by Claude (Shug) McGaughey, ridden by Javier Castellano, and owned by Courtlandt Farm. “Paragon Farms is deeply committed to furthering the vital mission of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance through our sponsorship of the Sir Barton Stakes,” expressed Brandon and Diannah Perry. “We consider it an honor to support these remarkable Thoroughbreds, bringing joy to everyone in the racing industry, as they transition to life beyond the track.” On both Black-Eyed Susan and Preakness Day, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance hosted the Best Turned Out Awards in the Pimlico Race Course winner’s circle for each race sponsored by Hallway Feeds and Fidelity First. “Hallway Feeds recognizes the significance of supporting these athletes both during their racing careers and in their retirement or second careers,” stated Anthony Koch, Hallway Feeds, Director of Sales & Marketing. “This past weekend provided an excellent platform to highlight the crucial role of accredited aftercare and the impactful mission of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.” As part of the “Off to the Races” campaign earlier this year, the winners of the Preakness VIP Experience package joined Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance for an exciting weekend of racing. This experience was generously donated by Maryland Jockey Club and 1/ST RACING. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance also staffed a booth where race enthusiasts and participants had the opportunity to discover more about accredited aftercare. In exchange for donations, visitors could acquire branded merchandise and race memorabilia to take home. “As we conclude Preakness 149, Maryland Jockey Club and 1/ST RACING are thrilled to have once again had the involvement of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance,” said Mike Rogers, 1/ST RACING Executive Vice President and Maryland Jockey Club Acting President and General Manager. “Their presence throughout the week has underscored our commitment to the welfare of these incredible equine athletes, both on and off the track. We thank race fans for their support and look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in the future.” 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  

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Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance On-Site for Preakness Week
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance On-Site for Preakness Week

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance On-Site for Preakness Week Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance On-Site for Preakness Week FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 9, 2024 News Tags:1/ST Racing, accredited aftercare, Halway Feeds, Paragon Farms, Pimlico Race Course, Prekkness 149, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be on-site this year at Pimlico Race Course for the week leading up to Preakness 149 on Saturday, May 18, 2024. The Preakness is a Grade I race that spans a distance of 1 3/16 miles and serves as the second leg of the Triple Crown. With the combined efforts from 1/ST RACING, Maryland Jockey Club, America’s Best Racing, and Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, accredited aftercare will be promoted with several on-site activations throughout the week. The 9th annual America’s Best Racing (ABR) Pre-Preakness Party to benefit Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation will be held at Mt. Washington Tavern in Baltimore, Maryland on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 7 PM EDT. The evening will consist of networking, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, guest analyst handicappers, and a silent auction. All proceeds of the auction, which will be both online and in person, will benefit Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Tickets can be purchased and you can register for the auction here: www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/abr-pre-preakness-party/ On Friday, May 17, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be recognized with a named race sponsored by Hallway Feeds on the undercard of Black-Eyed Susan Day. Following the running of the race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections including a branded blanket and gift bag. On Saturday, May 28, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will present the Sir Barton Stakes sponsored by Brandon and Diannah Perry of Paragon Farms and Newgate Realty. Paragon Farms, founded by Thoroughbred owners and breeders, Brandon and Diannah Perry, entered into an agreement to annually donate $100,000 to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as the title sponsor of the Sir Barton Stakes for three consecutive years beginning with the Preakness 147. After the running of the race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections, including a branded blanket and gift bag, as well as a check presentation made to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance from Paragon Farms. “Maryland Jockey Club and 1/ST RACING is proud to be partnered with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, and we are very excited to have them back once again for Preakness 149,” said Mike Rogers, 1/ST RACING Executive Vice President and Maryland Jockey Club Acting President and General Manager. “Through the promotion of accredited aftercare throughout the race weekend, we hope to garner support from race fans.” The Grade II George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Day has a post time of 5:44 PM EDT on Friday. The Preakness Stakes has a post time of 7:01 PM EDT on Saturday. On both days, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will host the Best Turned Out Horse Awards in the Pimlico Race Course winner’s circle for each race sponsored by Hallway Feeds on Friday and Fidelity First on Saturday. Additionally, 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 1/ST RACING, America’s Best Racing, and Mt. Washington Tavern. The winners will enjoy a table for four in the Turfside Terrace on Black Eyed Susan Day and Preakness Day, tickets to the ABR Pre-Preakness Party, access to the winner’s circle, and much more. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will have a booth on the first level of the grandstand on Friday and Saturday, where race fans and participants can learn more about accredited aftercare. Branded merchandise and race memorabilia will be gifted in exchange for donations. “Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is thrilled to be a part of Preakness 149,” said Emily Dresen, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Director of Funding & Events. “We appreciate all opportunities from ABR, Maryland Jockey Club, and 1/ST RACING to promote accredited aftercare, as well as the ongoing support from the racing industry.” Photo Credit: Katie Jones 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

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Paragon Farms Pledges $100,000 Annual Donation to the TAA at Preakness
Paragon Farms Pledges $100,000 Annual Donation to the TAA at Preakness

Paragon Farms is proud to announce that it will be the sponsor for the $100,000 Sir Barton Stakes, held during the 2022 Preakness Weekend at Pimlico Race Course. Taking place on May 21, the Sir Barton Stakes will benefit the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA). Founded by Thoroughbred owners and breeders, Brandon and Diannah Perry, Paragon Farms originated in Lexington, Kentucky and eventually branched to Ocala, Florida. After successfully investing their earnings in real estate, the Perry’s felt compelled to give back to retired Thoroughbreds, by way of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Paragon Farms entered into an agreement to annually donate $100,000 to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as the title sponsor of the Sir Barton Stakes for three consecutive years beginning at the Preakness 147. “Diannah and I are driven to make a difference, and proud to support the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. We are honored to be a part of the Preakness. We are encouraged by the TAA’s commitment to raising awareness for aftercare cooperation and inspiring action, to protect the horses that have given us personally so much. Together, through lasting change, responsibility will have a long-term positive impact on the sport we love.” “The generosity of Brandon and Diannah Perry is truly astounding,” said Funding and Events Manager, Emily (Dresen) Scandore. “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is incredibly grateful and excited for this newfound partnership with Paragon Farms and looks forward to putting their donation toward our 82 accredited charities helping thousands of retired Thoroughbreds.” The Paragon Farms check presentation to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will take place Saturday, May 21, following the running of race 11, the Sir Barton Stakes Sponsored by Brandon and Diannah Perry to Benefit the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Post time for the field of ten three-year-olds $100,000 stakes race is 4:53 pm ET. Photo: Jimmy McCue

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