The “Race to Give,” an online giving and awareness program to support Thoroughbred aftercare was launched Wednesday by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute and Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA). RaceToGive.org is its website and central hub.
“2021 marks our 145th anniversary of caring for the equine industry,” said Dr. Luke Fallon, DVM, of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. “These equine athletes have given us so much over the last century and a half. Our veterinarians created the Race to Give to demonstrate our appreciation. Leading an effort to support the critical area of aftercare in conjunction with other leading horse racing organizations was the right thing to do.”
The “Race to Give,” in its simplest form, is a fundraiser but also aims to inspire individuals and organizations to create teams and to challenge each other in fun and creative ways to raise money.
“The spirit of competition is at the heart of our industry,” said Ken Ford, CEO of Hagyard Pharmacy. “Hagyard's vision was to harness that spirit to not only raise money, but to also to expand the support of equine aftercare. By developing teams and then challenging each other, we could encourage a wider group of people to participate. Aftercare organizations which have been excellent stewards of our retired equine athletes have accomplished this through the generous support of donations from a concentrated nucleus of people in the industry. Race to Give is a new platform to encourage everyone who loves horses to donate.”
Additional organizations leading the campaign include the Thoroughbred Daily News, Keeneland, TVG, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and Resolvet.
“Everyone understands how important aftercare is for our sport,” said Mike McMahon, TCA President. “It is exciting to see big names in our industry come together in year one. And I can only imagine how the list will grow in the years to come as other organizations see the impact and, frankly, how much fun it is to be part of this team of leaders.”
The money raised in the campaign this fall will be collected by the TCA, who will then distribute the funds to TCA-approved and TAA-accredited aftercare programs, where horses can be retired or retrained for a second career. A check will be presented to the TCA October 30 at Keeneland after the Fayette Stakes.
“Like many involved in the sport of Thoroughbred racing, Hagyard believes that it is our collective responsibility to protect the wellbeing of these horses we love that retire from racing and breeding,” added Dr. Fallon. “I echo everyone that is involved with “Race to Give” to please help us support these horses as they transition to their next careers.”
By launch morning, seven teams had signed up, including the Thoroughbred Daily News's Team TDN. To join our team or to make a donation, click here. Race to Give will maintain a leaderboard tracking teams' progress.
To make a donation, register to fundraise, or create or join a team please visit RaceToGive.org and follow us at #aracetogive.
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