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 than 10 years ago without the support and dedication of so many people,” said TAKE THE LEAD and TAKE2 Executive Director Andy Belfiore. “First and foremost, we thank New York's owners and trainers and jockeys who provide not only the majority of the funding for our programs but also work with us to make sure that our racehorses get the safe retirement they deserve.
“The aftercare organizations do incredible work transitioning the horses to second careers that suit them the best, and we have a team of veterinarians and vanning companies to make the transition from the track as smooth as possible.”
TAKE2 and TAKE THE LEAD were created by the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) during Violette's tenure as president.
“There are also countless private donors who give what they can, they are all part of our aftercare family, and we are so appreciative of their support,” TAKE2 and TAKE THE LEAD President Rick Schosberg said. “It is both awe-inspiring and humbling to be a part of a cause that is solely focused on doing right by these amazing horses. They give so much to us, and it is our duty to do all we can for them. This is the perfect time to say thank you to the horses, and to all who support TAKE2 and TAKE THE LEAD.”
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