TAA Logo in white

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Named Official Aftercare Partner of 2021 Breeders’ Cup

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is the Official Aftercare Partner of the 2021 Breeders’ Cup World Championships Nov. 5-6 at Del Mar. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is also an Official Charity of the Breeders’ Cup, along with aftercare partner California Retirement Management Account (CARMA). During the World Championships, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will present its Grade 2 namesake race, formerly the Marathon Stakes. In addition, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has partnered with TVG to be a part of the TVG Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1), the feature race on Future Stars Friday Nov. 5. “We are delighted that the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has joined with us again as our official aftercare partner of the World Championships, and by continuing their sponsorship of the Grade 2 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes” said Dora Delgado, Breeders’ Cup Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Officer. “As a foundation supporter, Breeders’ Cup salutes the exemplary work of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in approving aftercare organizations in the retraining and rehoming of Thoroughbreds following their racing careers.” “It’s a privilege to have the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance partnered with the TVG Breeders’ Cup Juvenile again,” said Andrew Moore, Vice President Racing TVG/FanDuel Group. “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance does tremendous work and racehorse aftercare is a very important cause to the TVG team and all our viewers.” The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will have a presence on-site at Del Mar alongside CARMA. CARMA works with all 11 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organizations in the state of California to safely transition horses from California racetracks into the next phase of their lives. “Hosting the Breeders’ Cup in Del Mar provides the perfect opportunity to highlight the strength of California Thoroughbred aftercare nonprofits,” said Lucinda Lovitt, Executive Director of CARMA. “CARMA is excited to partner with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance at yet another Breeders’ Cup World Championships.” As a seed money donor, the Breeders’ Cup has been a supporter of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance since inception. “We are once again thrilled to be the Official Aftercare Partner of the Breeders’ Cup, who was a founding member,” said Vice President Jeff Bloom. “The Breeders’ Cup World Championships is our industry’s premier showcase and an enormous opportunity for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to highlight the importance of Thoroughbred aftercare and the financial support we provide to the more than 81 accredited organizations throughout the country.” Photo: Bill Denver/Eclipse Sportswire/Breeders Cup/Cal Sport Media

Canter for a Cause Returns to Pimlico Race Course

Legendary Pimlico Race Course will once again play host to the popular Canter for a Cause Sunday, Oct. 10, giving the public an opportunity to walk, trot, canter or gallop their favorite horse or pony around the historic track.

TAA to be On-Site at the NTRA National Horseplayers Championship

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today that it will be on-site to promote aftercare awareness at the NTRA National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) August 27-29 at Bally’s Las Vegas. Horseplayers are invited to connect with TAA representatives, learn more about accredited Thoroughbred aftercare, enter drawings for select racing experiences, take home racing memorabilia, and donate to the TAA. “We are delighted to once again partner with the TAA to raise awareness and funds for Thoroughbred aftercare at this year’s NHC. Many horseplayers competing at the national championship look forward to supporting these equine athletes once their racing careers are concluded,” said NTRA Chief Operating Officer Keith Chamblin. “Providing a platform for the TAA during an event as prestigious as the NHC impresses upon every participating horseplayer and racetrack the legitimacy of the TAA as the gold standard in Thoroughbred aftercare,” said TAA Funding and Events Manager Emily Dresen. “We’re so grateful to have the support of NTRA and wish all of the players good luck in Las Vegas.” Of the seven #NHC2021 eligible racetracks Del Mar, Ellis Park, Golden Gate Fields, Gulfstream Park, and Saratoga Race Course are proud supporters of the TAA.

TAA to be Featured Throughout Whitney Weekend

Credit: Suzie Picou-Oldham

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced a series of events to highlight the work of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) on Saturday, August 7 and Sunday, August 8 at Saratoga Race Course. The TAA is the nonprofit organization that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retire, retrain, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Based in Lexington, KY, 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 $20.7 million to accredited aftercare organizations, assisting 12,900 Thoroughbreds. Currently 81 aftercare organizations supporting approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. On Saturday, August 7, the TAA will be featured at the NYRA Community Booth, where fans will be able to learn about the organization’s mission from TAA representatives, and to make a donation in exchange for a Remi Bellocq cartoon t-shirt and a variety of racing items like saddle towels and goggles. Racing fans can also show their support by opting to make a donation to the TAA throughout the Saratoga meet when cashing a winning ticket on an AmTote International self-service betting terminal. All donations are tax deductible. On Sunday, August 8 horses will don NYRA-donated TAA saddle towels for a race named in honor of the TAA. In the winner’s circle after the race, the TAA will present awards to the best turned-out horse and to the winning groom and connections. “Many consider the Whitney Stakes as the marque race for older horses at Saratoga,” said TAA President Jimmy Bell. “What better stage for the TAA to be present and share in the excitement of the day and the commitment to Thoroughbred aftercare.” “Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Weekend is a golden opportunity to share the kind of productive careers that Thoroughbreds can enjoy after they leave the track,” said Stacie Clark-Rogers of the TAA. “In many cases, these are talented and highly trainable horses who demonstrate an ability to flourish in new careers like show jumping and dressage. Training and owning these horses can be also an important and rewarding experience.” The New York Thoroughbred industry is a leader in aftercare, donating more than $1.28 million toward racehorse retirement every year. In addition to the contributions made by NYRA, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA), the New York Thoroughbred Breeders (NYTB), the NYRA jockey colony, and individual owners and trainers, there have been two ground-breaking programs implemented at the NYRA tracks. Owners pay a per-start fee for every horse that races, and they pay a surcharge on every horse claimed out of a NYRA race. Those two programs alone raise about $500,000 every year. Photo: Suzie Picou-Oldham

TAA Check Presentation From Tampa Bay Downs

Galloping down the stretch at 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

Tizno

Love at first ride: Tizno makes the leap into a new life

Canter for the Cause Returns to Gulfstream

Walk, Trot or Canter Your Horse on Gulfstream’s Legendary Track March 15. Ride Across the Same Track at Cigar, Holy Bull, Gun Runner & Spectacular Bid. Proceeds to Benefit Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.

First Lieutenant

First Lieutenant family christmas pic

After three starts at Penn National, a handsome bay gelding suffered a slab fracture, thus ending his career on the track.