TAA Archives - Page 4 of 23 - Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

Spotter’s Hill (IRE)

Bred in Kildare County, Ireland, Spotters Hill (IRE) was foaled February 23, 2018. The Newtown Stud-bred sold for $100,989 at the 2018 Tattersalls December Foal Sale and again at the 2019 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale for $211,698. Ready to begin the young bay’s race training, Spotters Hill (IRE) left his Irish homeland and began his new life in the United States under the ownership of China Horse Club and Maverick Racing (WinStar LLC.). Spotters Hill (IRE) ran three times under trainer William Mott at Gulfstream Park and Belmont Park. After not succeeding in breaking his maiden and facing soundness issues, WinStar LLC. retired Spotters Hill (IRE) to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)-accredited Secretariat Center. Spotter’s Hill, now known as “Spot,” arrived at the Secretariat Center in need of some time to rehabilitate before being adopted. While his previous owners had done the first 30 days of treatment, the Secretariat Center staff was more than happy to take on the task. “He was a perfect gentleman from day one,” Secretariat Center Executive Director Shelley Mann recalled. “He did have a previous injury that his owners did the first 30 days of rehab on, but there would be no limitations on his future once he was fully rehabbed.” It was Spot’s gentle demeanor that stood out the most to Mann during his time at the center. Kelly Rhinelander, the Secretariat Center’s program coordinator, remembers the son of Iffraaj (GB)’s immediate bond to their miniature pony, Seabiscuit. “He loved to play with his miniature horse companion, Seabiscuit,” Rhinelander said. “They would often race each other in the paddock.” When Spot wasn’t frolicking with his mini counterpart, he could be found hamming it up with the TAA-accredited organization’s staff. “Spot was a joy to be around,” Rhinelander said. “The easiest way to become his best friend is to scratch under his chin. He would often fall asleep if you scratched him long enough.” The Secretariat Center staff came to love Spot’s in-your-pocket personality, but they knew they would have to say goodbye when the right person came along. That’s when Patti Jo Walker would enter Spot’s story. Walker was looking for another horse and heard about the Secretariat Center from a friend who had recently made the trip to Kentucky. “A good friend of mine was looking at adopting an OTTB from the Secretariat Center,” Walker recalled. “She told me about how wonderful it was and that they had awesome horses, so I checked them out and everything she said was spot on.” Although the Secretariat Center had a variety of adoptable Thoroughbreds to choose from, Walker and Spot were immediately drawn to one another. “I’m Irish and he was born in Ireland,” Walker said. “I have had one other Irish born OTTB I just loved, plus Spot was young with only a few starts.” Although the Secretariat Center had not yet had the chance to evaluate Spot under saddle and begin his retraining, Walker was determined to adopt him. It seems the luck of the Irish paid off for this little bay gelding from across the pond as he settles into his new home. “He’s awesome,” Walker said. “I have had him approximately three months now and could not be happier.” After plenty of let down time while under the care of Mann and Rhinelander, Spot has taken to his retraining under saddle with ease. Walker reports Spot has been exceptional at listening to her seat and legs, seemingly getting softer in the bridle with every ride. “This horse is super talented with a great brain,” Walker said. “He is smart, willing, happy, athletic, and talented – I am not sure what more I could ask for.” As for the future, Walker is looking forward to competing with Spot in low-level eventing and has her sights set on returning to Kentucky with her Irish partner soon. “We think he found the perfect home with Patti Jo,” Rhinelander said. “We cannot wait to cheer him on when he returns this fall for the Retired Racehorse Project Competition.” COVER: SPOTTER’S HILL (IRE) – IMAGE: SECRETARIAT CENTER

No Saint Sister

Bred by Don G. Trett, No Saint Sister was born in 2015. After 22 starts, the daughter of National Saint was decidedly not destined for success as a racehorse. No Saint Sister retired in 2019 with a record of 3-0-2 and earnings of $36,153. While she did not have much luck on the track, No Saint Sister certainly hit the jackpot when she arrived at TAA-accredited Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation. Co-founder of the Oklahoma-based aftercare organization, Nelda Kettles remembers her first impression of No Saint Sister’s striking features. “She was a lovely filly with unusual markings,” Kettles recalled. “She was your typical rather flighty filly so we gave her plenty of time to forget the racetrack and just be a horse.” After some well-earned time off, Kettles and her team slowly began the retraining process in the round pen with groundwork. The sweet bay filly spent the next year in retraining, preparing to be someone’s perfect fit. “We were just waiting for the right person and the right career,” Kettles explained. “Horse and Hound has had several of our adopted horses go to the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover and we just bust our buttons with pride with what these great off-track Thoroughbreds can accomplish.” Working as an assistant trainer at JAKK Farms in Huntsville, Texas, it did not take Virginia Kate Morton long to recognize her boss, Karlie LeBlanc’s, passion and devotion to off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs). “(Karlie) had several in the barn that she was working with, along with a brand-new horse she recently acquired from Horse and Hound,” Morton explained. “He was tall and kind. I was intrigued by the breed and giving horses a second chance at a new career.” After her experience with LeBlanc’s new OTTB, Morton decided to take the short drive to Horse and Hound to see what other horses they had available for adoption. “Virginia had actually driven up from Texas to meet another filly,” Kettles said. “But she fell in love with Sister.” It was love at first sight, according to Morton. “She was taller than the others and moved with the grace of a horse that knew she was something special,” Morton said. “After watching her prance around like the queen she knew she was, I needed to meet her closer up. As they caught her and brought her in, I noticed a distinct blaze down her face and a sparkle in her eye.” The rest, as they say, was history— Sister was headed to Texas. In her new home at JAKK Farms—a multi-discipline facility—Sister and Morton explored the many second career paths available to them. “She was quick to learn her gates and control, but as we started to work over ground poles she got an extra spring in her stride and the sparkle in her eye got brighter,” Morton said. “So, we started working her in a program to allow her to develop strong foot work, which led her to develop an amazing form over jumps.” With JAKK Farms head trainer Karlie LeBlanc aboard, Sister competed in the jumper division of the RRP Thoroughbred Makeover last October in Kentucky. While the two did not make it to the finale, Morton was proud of Sister all the same. “What I grew to love most about this mare was the fact that she always gave me 100 percent everyday, no matter what,” she said. “I couldn’t have asked for more from her because she was already giving me her all, each and every ride.” Cover image: NO SAINT SISTER and Karlie LeBlanc of JAKK Farms at the RRP TB Makeover (image: CanterClix)

Be In Charge

Meet Be In Charge— a young, promising Thoroughbred with champion bloodlines that concluded the racing chapter of his story earlier than anticipated.

TAA Elects Jeffrey Bloom as President, New Board Members

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) Board of Directors elected Jeffrey Bloom as president for the 2022 term and elected new board members at its meeting Jan. 28. Bloom, managing partner of Bloom Racing Stable, has served as a TAA board member since 2019. A Thoroughbred industry veteran of 40 years, he was a professional jockey in addition to serving as a racing manager, bloodstock agent, marketing and media relations consultant, and broadcaster. Following his riding career, he earned a B.S. degree in Financial Services from San Diego State University and his business resume includes a successful venture in corporate business development in the software technology industry. He has selected and managed the careers of numerous stakes winners including the 2019 Eclipse award champion and multiple G1 winner Midnight Bisou. He is extremely passionate about racehorses and their overall welfare both on and off the racetrack. In addition to his involvement with the TAA, he also serves on the board of TOBA. “As a 37-year veteran of the Thoroughbred industry, horse welfare has always been an important part of the business for myself and Bloom Racing,” said Bloom. “Through serving on the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance board, I have come to realize how important this organization needs to be for all of us who are fortunate enough to work in such a dynamic sport. As incoming president of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, I look forward to assisting the board, the accredited organizations, and the industry at large with the ongoing plan that serves us all well.” James G. Bell, president and racing manager of Godolphin, served as TAA president in 2014 and 2021. Bell will remain on the TAA’s board and executive committee for 2022 as immediate past president. “Our board members stepped up to the plate in 2021,” said Bell. “Much of our success can be attributed to board members actively engaging other industry participants in discussion about aftercare solutions. Our new members all bring that same dedication and Jeff has been very instrumental throughout his time on the board. With his leadership and energy, many new goals will be reached for the TAA.” Bloom and Bell are joined on the executive committee by TAA Vice President Craig Bandoroff, owner of Denali Stud; TAA Treasurer Melissa Hicks, director of tax services at Dean Dorton; TAA Secretary Walter Robertson, attorney at Stites & Harbison; Madeline Auerbach, founding board member of the TAA, founder of the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA), and a Thoroughbred owner and breeder; Terry Finley, founder and chief executive officer of West Point Thoroughbreds, board member of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, Thoroughbred Charities of America, Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund, and Belmont Child Care Association; and Aidan Butler, chief operating officer of 1/ST Racing and president of 1/ST Content. The TAA rotates its board of directors and its executive officers. The board members beginning service in 2022 are: Laura Barillaro, executive vice president and chief financial officer of The Jockey Club; Dr. Jeffrey Berk VMD, Equine Medical Associates; Aidan Butler, chief operating officer of 1/ST Racing and president of 1/ST Content; Mark Casse, Hall of Fame trainer; John A. ‘Jack’ Damico, founding partner of Matson, Driscoll & Damico LLC, manager of The Posse Racing Stable and East Coast Partners; Terry Finley, founder and chief executive officer of West Point Thoroughbreds, board member of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, Thoroughbred Charities of America, Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund, and Belmont Child Care Association; Melissa Hicks, tax director of Dean Dorton. They join current TAA board members: Jimmy Bell, Jeff Bloom, Walt Robertson, Jr., Madeline Auerbach, Craig Bandoroff, Simon Bray, Donna Brothers, Boyd Browning, Tom Cannell, Brian Graves, Susie Hart, John Keitt, Chip McGaughey, Josh Rubenstein, Richard Schosberg, Tom Ventura, and Nicole Walker. Click here to see the full list of the TAA’s board of directors.

TAA Grants $3.7 million to Accredited Organizations

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance announced Nov. 18 that $3.7 million will be awarded as grants to 82 Thoroughbred aftercare organizations that currently hold TAA accreditation.

TAA Check Presentation From Tampa Bay Downs

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) supporter Tampa Bay Downs will promote aftercare awareness on the undercard of the final day of the Oldsmar, Florida-based race meet. Taking place Sunday, May 2, Race 6 will benefit the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Following the running of the race, a check presentation will be made to the TAA and a TAA blanket and swag bag will go to the winning connections. In Tampa Bay Downs’ Race 6 presented by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, ten maiden 3-year-olds are set to go 5 furlongs on the turf at 3:08 PM. “Tampa Bay Downs is pleased to extend its support of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and its ongoing efforts to find new homes and second careers for retired racehorses,” said Margo Flynn, the track’s Vice President of Marketing & Publicity. “The TAA is thrilled to be represented during the finale of Tampa Bay Down’s race meet,” said TAA Marketing and Communications Manager Alexandra Kokka. “We’re so grateful to have the support of Tampa Bay Downs and only wish we could be there in person to thank them for their donation.” Out of the TAA’s 81 accredited organizations, 14 facilities comprised of 10 organizations are located throughout Florida and work to assist Florida’s horsemen. Tampa Bay Downs is committed to financially supporting OTTBs and the TAA.

TAA Presence Strong This Derby Prep Weekend

As spring racing gets underway, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will be featured on two big race days. TAA supporters Gulfstream Park and Turfway Park will promote aftercare awareness on the undercard of the Jeff Ruby Steaks and the Florida Derby. A presentation of a TAA blanket and swag bag to the winning connections will be made following the running of each race. Gulfstream Park’s Race 2 presented by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will go off at 11:59 AM Saturday, March 27. A limited number of patrons will be in attendance for the action-packed Florida Derby day at Gulfstream. “Aftercare of our amazing equine athletes is vital to our industry and to me personally,” said Aidan Butler, Chief Operating Officer of 1/ST and President of 1/St Content. “1/ST is proud to support the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in all they do to ensure Thoroughbreds have many safe options upon retirement from racing.” Aftercare support will continue under new ownership at Turfway Park, where the TAA is set to present race 3 at 2:10 PM prior to the 50th running of the Jeff Ruby Steaks. Due to construction in preparation for the new racing and gambling property, Turfway is not permitted to host fans for live racing at this time. Simulcast wagering will be available through Newport Racing & Gaming and Twinspires.com. “The mission of the TAA has always been near and dear to the hearts of Turfway Park,” said Chip Bach, Turfway Park General Manager. “Having TAA represented during our biggest day of the year has been a great tradition. It serves to remind us all of the importance of ensuring that our equine athletes have careers long after they retire from racing.” “Turfway Park has been a longtime supporter of the TAA and we are very pleased they are able to be part of Jeff Ruby Day,” said Tyler Picklesimer, Director of Racing/Racing Secretary at Turfway Park. “We look forward to supporting them for years to come.” “The TAA is grateful to both Gulfstream and Turfway Park for their commitment to include the TAA during such exciting race days,” said Stacie Clark, TAA Operations Consultant. “Race presentations help the TAA fulfill its mission to spread awareness of accredited Thoroughbred aftercare which facilitates the funding of our 81 accredited organizations.” Both Gulfstream Park and Turfway Park are committed to financially supporting OTTBs and the TAA. Photo: Suzie Picou-Oldham

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