thoroughbred aftercare

Colonial Downs Racetrack will host the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance during the weekend of the Virginia Derby and Virginia Oaks, set for Saturday, March 15, 2025. A longtime supporter of accredited aftercare, Colonial Downs will honor Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance with a named race on Virginia Derby Day. Following the race, a presentation will take place in the winner's circle, where the connections will receive a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance blanket and gift bag. Also on Saturday, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will present Best Turned-Out awards for the Virginia Derby and Oaks. The Best...

The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) made two new additions to their board at their December meeting as Robert Hartman and Chris Knehr were elected, according to a Wednesday press release from the nonprofit. Hartman is the chair of the University of Arizona's Race Track Industry Program (RTIP). After holding marketing and management positions with NYRA, Santa Anita Park, and Golden Gate, he joined the RTIP program as chair in 2021. In this role, Hartman oversees the direction of the RTIP program, as well as the hosting of the annual Global...

If anyone understands the talent and versatility of the Thoroughbred it is Anne Kursinski. A five-time member of the U.S. Olympic team and two-time Olympic (team) silver medalist, Kursinski has amassed a resume that would make most equine professionals blush. In addition to her Olympic efforts, the California native was also a member of 47 Nations Cup teams, and three World Equestrian Games teams. "I started on Thoroughbreds," explained Kursinski of her longstanding relationship to the breed. "I am originally from Pasadena, California. Most of the horses when I was...

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) raised over $230,000 during their month of December 2024 Holiday Giving Campaign, which directly supports thousands of horses cared for by 83 accredited organizations across North America, the nonprofit said in a release on Wednesday. The drive highlighted a different match sponsor each day, offering single day sponsorships ranging from $500 to $15,000. The list of 2024 match sponsors included: Mike Rogers, StarLadies Racing, Denali Stud, Donato Lanni, Madaket Stables, Frank & Dino's Restaurant, Simon Bray, Dr. Stuart Brown & Jen Roytz, Jack Damico, Donna...

Since Down Broadway became the first horse to transition to a second career via New York's TAKE THE LEAD Thoroughbred Retirement Program, the organization has contributed better than $2 million to accredited aftercare organizations, and by year's end, the total will be over $2.3 million. TAKE THE LEAD's partner program, TAKE2, has now distributed more than $1 million in prize money and awards to Thoroughbreds competing at recognized hunter/jumper shows across the country. "We could not have accomplished so much on the path that Rick Violette started us on more...

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance's third annual Holiday Giving Campaign will begin Dec. 1 and continue through the month of December. The campaign is designed to increase awareness for accredited organizations engaged in ensuring a quality life for equine athletes once their racing days are through. Last year's campaigned raised better than $200,000 for accredited aftercare. "Our accredited aftercare organizations continue to make a profound difference in the lives of retired racehorses, providing them with the care and futures they deserve," said Jeffrey Bloom, President, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. "Each donation to...

Edited Press Release The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) is thrilled to announce the launch of its 2024 Hay Drive, supported by a generous $60,000 matching gift from the Santulli Family Foundation. This annual campaign is essential to ensure that the TRF's herd of 400 retired Thoroughbreds receives the necessary care and resources to thrive through the winter months. With a goal of raising $120,000, the TRF is calling on supporters to help fill the haylofts and provide vital sustenance to its retired horses. Rising costs have made this year's campaign...

Horse racing has a PR problem. Tina Bond has a possible solution. "It's to create a new narrative and to help elevate the sport," said Bond, president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA), and the mastermind behind The Heart of Horse Racing, a new campaign--one undergoing something of a soft launch--to cultivate new followers to the game by sharing the stories of those already in it. In the campaign's own words, "our mission is to win over the hearts and minds of a new generation of fans while...

by Suzi Pritchard-Jones In recent weeks. this publication has printed two articles by Dan Ross about Thoroughbred racehorses who are falling through the aftercare net, ending up in kill pens for export to either Mexico or Canada for slaughter. Owner Jack Wolf responded with a possible solution in a letter to the editor in last Friday's TDN. Mr. Wolf is not a lone owner.  There are many people who are heavily invested in this industry. In today's world when racing's social license to operate is wafer- thin, our industry is...

Edited Press Release The TAKE2 Thoroughbred League announced today new 2024 awards worth a total of $6,000 in recognition of Junior and Amateur Riders who compete in the TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper divisions nationwide. The high-point Amateur Rider in each division of the TAKE2 League standings will earn a $1,000 bonus, while the leading Junior Rider will earn a $500 bonus. In addition, the top-finishing Amateur and Junior in each division of the TAKE2 Finals will be awarded $1,000 and $500, respectively. "Amateurs and Juniors ride head-to-head with Professionals...

Back in March, a pre-race exam at Turf Paradise led to Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Bernie "Chip" Woolley accusing a regulatory veterinarian who had scratched his 10-year-old mare of furnishing him with the name of a horse trader who he suspected of being a "kill-buyer." This is someone who purchases horses for export into the slaughter pipeline. The incident triggered formal investigations by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) and the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG). HISA shared its findings with the ADG, which ultimately cleared the state veterinarian, Victoria...

Edited Press Release Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will be on-site this year at Pimlico Race Course for the week leading up to Preakness 149 on Saturday, May 18, 2024. 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 ninth 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...