retired racehorses

Thoroughbred aftercare organizations who are interested in applying for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) accreditation during the 2024-2025 term must submit the completed application by Apr. 1 at 6 p.m. ET., the non-profit said in a release Friday. Those that were accredited in 2022 or any new organizations need to apply for accreditation this year. Others that were accredited in 2023 need not apply as their current status extends through 2024. Accreditation is determined after a complete and thorough review of the organizations' operations, education, horse health care management, facility standards...

From Nov. 28 through Dec. 31, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance collected over $200,000 in donations from its 2023 Holiday Giving Campaign to raise funds to support thousands of Thoroughbreds at 86 TAA-accredited organizations, the non-profit said in a release Wednesday. The Holiday Giving Campaign highlighted a different match sponsor each day, offering single-day sponsorships ranging from $500 to $10,000. 2023 Match Sponsors included: Mike Rogers, Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Yvonne Schwabe, National HBPA, Denali Stud, Siena Farm, Donna Barton Brothers, Jack Damico, West Point Thoroughbreds, Rick Schosberg, Simon Bray, Dan & Denny...

Shelley Mann will be stepping down from her role as Executive Director of the Lexington-based Secretariat Center effective Dec. 29, the non-profit said in a release late Wednesday. Mann joined the organization in 2020 and has played a pivotal role in advancing the organization's mission to prepare off-track Thoroughbreds for successful post-track careers. During Mann's tenure, the organization experienced growth in both reach and impact. Outgoing president of the board Dr. Holly Schmitt said, "We are immensely grateful for the tremendous impact Shelley has had on The Secretariat Center. Her...

The Board of Directors of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance voted at its Dec. 14 meeting to elect six new directors for 2024, the non-profit said in a release Wednesday afternoon. Directors beginning service in 2024: Christina Blacker, Racing Host and Analyst at FanDuel Jay Privman, Former National Correspondent at Daily Racing Form Dean Roethemeier, Assistant Director of Sales Operations at Keeneland Barbara Vanlangendonck, Owner of Summerfield Sales   Directors returning for a second term in 2024: Walter Robertson, Attorney at Stites & Harbison Yvonne Schwabe, Owner of Persley Den Farms...

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance announced a new partnership with Lexington, Kentucky-based equine feed manufacturer Hallway Feeds, the organization said in a release Friday. Family-owned and operated by the Hall Family since 1964, the company is prepared to make a major financial commitment to accredited Thoroughbred aftercare through this collaboration. Select Hallway Feeds bags will proudly feature the 'Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Proud Supporter' Seal. In addition, the partnership will include race presentations and event booths. "Hallway Feeds is proud to support the efforts of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. As a company that...

New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program celebrated a successful Giving Tuesday, raising over $40,000 for their mission to rehab, retrain, and rehome retired racehorses. Churchill Downs Incorporated, alongside their nine racetrack properties, pledged to match the first $20,000 raised by New Vocations in support of both Thoroughbred and Standardbred aftercare. Over 100 supporters in the equestrian and racing communities rallied together in support of New Vocations' aftercare program. "It was really great to see support come in from so many of our adopters and supporters along with many new contributors via...

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present at this year's Maryland Million Day at Laurel Park on Saturday, Oct. 14, the equine advocate said in a release Thursday afternoon. On a day designed to promote and celebrate Maryland breeding and racing, the TAA will be recognized, along with Maryland Jockey Club, with a named race. Following the running of the Maryland Jockey Club S., a presentation will be made to the winning connections including a branded Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance blanket and swag bag. "The Maryland Jockey Club is honored to...

Out of the 404 entrants, the leading earner in this week's Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by the Thoroughbred Charities of America, at the Kentucky Horse Park is GISW Arklow (Arch). After being gelded once his racing career ended last year at this time, the former Brad Cox trainee with a $3,025,996 in earnings over a seven-year career for Donegal Racing will be ridden in the event by Gina Gans in the field hunting division. The 9-year-old will jump obstacles at the Horse Park's grass steeplechase course. Recently retired...

Hope After Service, a new organization pairing retired racehorses with veterans with PTSD, as well as with autistic children, has been formed in Shawnee, Ok. Founded by disabled veterans Ashton Strader, Robert Whitlow, and Craig Whitlow, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit's mission is "bringing hope, healing, and renewal to veterans, retired racehorses, and communities nationwide." The founders have backgrounds in racing and plan to select retired racehorses to undergo retraining as trusted companions and therapists, offering solace and healing to those in need. Horses in the program not suitable for this work...

Old Friends Farm will hold its Fall Fundraiser on Monday, Oct. 16, the Thoroughbred retirement home said in a release Thursday morning. Before the fundraiser, at 11:30 a.m. (ET) the farm will pay tribute to MGSW Timely Writer, who lost his life in a breakdown at Belmont Park in 1982. Due to construction of a new synthetic track in Elmont, his grave has been exhumed and his remains will now be reinterred at the Nikki Bacharach Memorial Cemetery at Old Friends. There is no cost to attend the service. Gates...

On an impossibly sunny day in October 2022, I found myself at L&D Stables in Nicholasville, Kentucky, looking at a very handsome chestnut gelding for my first OTTB restart project. Despite his flashy presence, my eye kept drifting to a small herd of mares in a nearby paddock. I made my way to the fence line and was met immediately by a pair of kind eyes and an inquisitive pink nose, searching for my face and neck. Sixty seconds later that nose was gently resting on my shoulder. I was...

As part of the Cole's Community Table Series, Coles 735 Main in Lexington, Kentucky will donate a portion of all proceeds from guests' purchases on August 23 directly to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), that organization said in a release Wednesday afternoon. The series aims to support local nonprofits within the Bluegrass community, fostering a spirit of giving back and strengthening community bonds. "Starting off the series with an organization like Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a natural fit, as their work and mission are an integral part of what makes the...