Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation

A commitment from the Lavin Family Foundation has created an opportunity for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. The Foundation has pledged $10,000 as a matching challenge with every gift made to the 2026 Annual Appeal between now and June 30 will be doubled, up to $10,000. The TRF has already raised $1,650 in the first week of its match challenge. For more information or to make a donation, click here.

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) has a launched a generous $10,000 matching challenge from the Lavin Family Foundation in support of the organization's 2026 Annual Appeal, the non-profit said via a press release on Thursday. Through June 30, every donation made to the Annual Appeal will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000, effectively doubling the impact of each gift and helping provide dignified lifetime care for retired Thoroughbred racehorses. The matching challenge comes at a critical time as the TRF continues its mission of caring for retired racehorses while operating...

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) has appointed Dr. Megan Knoell and Donald Little, III to its board of directors, according to a press release from the organization on Thursday. Dr. Knoell is the founder of Knoellwood Equine and has dedicated her career to providing individualized equine care with a focus on general medicine, geriatrics, and sports medicine. Little currently serves as Vice President of Sales at Centennial Farms, continuing a family legacy deeply rooted in the Thoroughbred industry. "We are thrilled to welcome Megan and Donald to the TRF Board...

The Belmont Pledge, an initiative led by a group of trainers committed to supporting retired racehorses beyond their racing careers, will return ahead of the third leg of the Triple Crown, it was announced Wednesday. Trainers Michael McCarthy, George Weaver, Whit Beckman and Amelia Green have once again pledged a portion of their earnings from the Belmont Festival to benefit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and its mission of providing dignified lifetime care to retired Thoroughbreds. "I am heartened by the support from Michael, George, Whit and Amelia," TRF's Executive Director...

Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Press Release March is international women's month, and it is not lost on the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) that its very existence has its roots in the dedication and tenacity of women. Elinor Penna is one such woman. Her determination helped shape an organization that continues to be led by women she continues to inspire. Elinor had already been battle-tested when the TRF was founded in 1983. She began writing a football newsletter in the 1960s, distributing it around Manhattan and eventually charging a nickel as her audience...

His name is Immortal Wink (Gimmeawink) and after a career that spanned nine years and 142 races, most of them in Puerto Rico, he was done. He was 10 and had suffered through the kind of wear and tear that is typical with horses who run so often, last so long and wind up at the bottom tier of the sport. He would never go on to a second career, at least one that is typical for a retired Thoroughbred. He just wouldn't be able to do it. But there...

Racing has a legacy to rectify before it can look to the future. The "Racing in 2036" series struck me for its lack of perspective from the aftercare segment of the industry. Post-racetrack life for our equine athletes was mentioned a few times, but only in a cursory manner. And certainly without any accountability. Thoroughbred aftercare is chronically underfunded despite the creation of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) in 2012. Aftercare organizations founded before the TAA was created have been underfunded for decades. Programs that predominantly follow the sanctuary model...

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation will host a sponsorship fundraiser this holiday season to support the herd of nearly 400 retired racehorses in their care. Interested parties can sponsor a member of the herd for the season and receive photos, updates and stories on their horse. In a press release Tuesday, TRF explained that: "A horse sponsorship is more than just a present. It provides dignified lifetime care for a retired racehorse and supports the healing work these incredible animals do with the people in our programs. Each sponsorship includes photos,...

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) has launched its annual TRF online charity auction on eBay, which runs through Thursday, Nov. 13 and features nearly 50 racing-related items, the non-profit said in a release Wednesday. The auction directly benefits the TRF's mission to provide dignified lifetime care to retired Thoroughbred racehorses, and also benefits its 'Second Chances Program' for incarcerated individuals. This year's auction includes: Thorpedo Anna shadowboxed halter with certificate of authenticity; Autographed memorabilia from industry connections; Artwork, photography, and handcrafted items; Frank Mirahmadi race call experience at the Spa....

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) is rolling out a special fundraising raffle giving racing fans an opportunity to own a shadowboxed halter worn by MGISW Journalism (Curlin) during his 2024-2025 campaign, according to a press release from the non-profit on Friday. Each ticket--priced at $100--offers a direct way to support TRF's mission of dignified lifetime care for nearly 400 retired Thoroughbreds across the country. The raffle, which is limited to 100 tickets, will close Oct. 31. "Every ticket helps us continue our mission of providing dignified lifetime care for the...

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF)'s 2025 Saratoga Summer Event Series will feature three evenings of food, community, and philanthropy. The events directly support TRF's mission of providing dignified lifetime care for retired Thoroughbreds and offering life-changing opportunities through its TRF Second Chances Program. Gumbo with Kendrick Date: Monday, July 21 Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Location: Principessa Elena Society, 13 Oak Street, Saratoga Springs, NY Now in its fifth year, this fan-favorite dinner brings beloved jockey Kendrick Carmouche back to the kitchen to prepare his signature Louisiana gumbo. Guests...

A group of former Todd Pletcher assistant trainers have pledged to donate a percentage of their earnings from the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival to support the mission of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), the organization said on Thursday in a press release. Michael McCarthy, George Weaver, Jonathan Thomas, Whit Beckman and Amelia Green have each committed a portion of their festival earnings to the TRF, underscoring their dedication to the welfare of retired racehorses. Click here to learn more about helping the TRF.