The California Retirement Management Account (CARMA)'s annual summer fundraiser, 'Hoedown for Horses', lassoed in more than $172,000 to support Thoroughbred aftercare Sunday in the Del Mar paddock. The funds will go to supporting CARMA's placement program, which retires, rehabilitates and rehomes Thoroughbred race horses and replenishing its granting fund to help support more than 20 equine nonprofits.
“We set the bar high with the amount of money we wanted to raise at the Hoedown and we are so grateful to the racing community, sponsors, friends, fans and volunteers that made it happen,” said CARMA President Candace Coder-Chew. “This event set a record for us and many retired racehorses will be supported with the funds generated from the Hoedown.”
More than 300 people attended the fundraiser, which kicked off with a barbecue-styled buffet and live country music. There was also a popular head-to-head jockey mechanical bull riding competition, with Aaron Gryder taking home the custom champion belt.
“It warms our hearts every year to host our summer fundraiser and to see the support from the horse community,” said Lucinda Lovitt-Mandella, executive director of CARMA. “Aftercare for retired racehorses has really come into focus in recent years and we're seeing the direct result of that.”
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