The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA), and New York Thoroughbred Breeders (NYTB) will host the inaugural New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day at Saratoga Wednesday, July 21.
The featured race will be the Rick Violette S., named for the late NYTHA President who spearheaded the creation of the TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program and TAKE THE LEAD Retirement Program, and was a founding member of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA).
“We're proud to carry on Rick Violette's work in promoting and protecting our equine athletes,” said trainer Rick Schosberg, who succeeded Violette as president of TAKE2 and TAKE THE LEAD in 2018.
“The horses give us so much–the excitement of the race, the pleasure of their company, our appreciation of their power and beauty. We owe our very livelihoods to them. It is our duty to make sure they have safe haven when their racing careers are over.”
The New York Thoroughbred industry is a leader in aftercare, donating more than $1.28 million toward racehorse retirement every year.
“New York State is the national leader when it comes to responsibly protecting our retired racehorses,” said NYRA President & CEO Dave O'Rourke. “NYRA is pleased to partner with NYTHA and the NYTB to create a day at Saratoga to honor the hard work of so many involved in thoroughbred aftercare. We look forward to cementing this day as a Saratoga tradition for many years to come.”
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