Thoroughbred Charities of America has named Raina Chingos Gunderson, Gulfstream Park's horsemen's liaison, as the 2017 TCA Award of Merit recipient in the State of Florida. Award of Merit recipients are nominated by the leadership of state Thoroughbred owners and breeders associations and are presented at each state association's annual awards ceremonies.
Gunderson was presented with the award Mar. 13 at the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Black and White Gala event in Ocala. A former exercise rider, Gunderson is a passionate advocate of Thoroughbred aftercare. She has spent many hours on the backstretch watching for Thoroughbreds that may be nearing the end of their racing careers. She has also worked with organizations including Florida Thoroughbred Retirement and Aftercare and Florida Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation to find suitable post-racetrack homes for retiring Thoroughbreds.
Originally started in celebration of TCA's 25th anniversary and now in its third year, TCA Award of Merit recipients represent those individuals and organizations working to uphold TCA's mission among state breeders association's constituencies. TCA Award of Merit nominees consist of individuals or organizations working to provide a better life for Thoroughbreds or the people working with them, either on the backstretch or on the farm. Subsequent award of merit winners will be announced monthly.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
