TRF

Jockey Katie Davis McCarthy has been appointed to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's (TRF) Board of Directors, it was announced Wednesday. Born and raised in Saratoga Springs, New York, Davis McCarthy comes from a renowned racing family. Her father, Robbie Davis, is a former jockey and current trainer, while two of her five siblings, Dylan and Jackie, are also professional jockeys. "I'm honored to join the TRF Board and support the foundation's ongoing work. I'm here to support everyone and look forward to being part of an organization that gives so...

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation has announced a special collaboration with Stable Recovery for the upcoming John Hall Memorial Golf Tournament. A Constitution halter, donated by WinStar Farm, will be shared with Stable Recovery and auctioned at the event to raise funds to support their mission. Originally intended for the TRF's Stallions for Second Chances Halter Auction, the halter has become a symbol of the relationship between the organizations. "We felt that sharing this halter with Stable Recovery would be a meaningful way to honor the close ties we've built and...

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) will host an online 'Stallions for Second Chances Halter Auction' beginning Saturday, July 27 at 8:30 p.m. ET and concluding the evening of Saturday, Aug. 3. The halters of four stallions have been donated by their respective farms: Gun Runner (Three Chimneys); Into Mischief (Spendthrift); Tapit (Gainesway); and Uncle Mo (Coolmore America). Each halter is accompanied by a handcrafted shadowbox made by artisan Matt Martinez of Martinez Woodworks in Lexington, Ky. All proceeds will benefit The TRF Second Chances program, which gives incarcerated individuals the...

By Francis LaBelle, courtesy Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Celestial City learned how to be a racehorse by continually proving himself against top competition. Each time he raced, he showed that the lessons he was learning were taking hold. Celestial City became a graded stakes winner, but just when his promising career was finally taking flight, he sustained an injury that ended his days as a racehorse. Now, he has a new home and a new purpose. On February 12, Celestial City joined the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's (TRF) herd at the Lowell...

Dean Purdom never lost confidence in his riding ability. He knew he had the skills. What he didn't have were the results. Purdom bounced all over the country, going from track to track until he wore out his welcome and headed to his next stop. The problem? He was trying to do the impossible, find success on the racetrack despite having an addiction to alcohol and cocaine. "I started back in the eighties," Purdom said. "I had a really promising career. I was the leading apprentice one meet at Pimlico....

Maggie Sweet has been named the new chief operating officer of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), the Saratoga-based operation announced Monday. "We are thrilled to welcome Maggie Sweet to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation as our new Chief Operating Officer," said Patrick H. Mackay, Chairman of the Board of Directors at TRF. "Maggie's desire to support equine welfare, coupled with her extensive leadership experience, will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and growth of our organization. Her skills and enthusiasm align seamlessly with our commitment to providing a dignified retirement for...

Highlighted by a special check presentation in the winner's circle, the leadership of Keeneland recognized October 20th as "TRF Cheers to 40 Years" Day at Keeneland in celebration of the Foundation's four decades of commitment to the welfare and retirement of Thoroughbred racehorses. The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) has been a pioneer in aftercare for retired racehorses since its founding in 1983. Joined by TRF Board Member Katie LaMonica and Warden Abby Caudill of Blackburn Correctional Complex, the Keeneland team presented the TRF with a donation of $4,000 toward the...

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) has received a $60,000 matching gift from the Santulli Family Foundation to launch the 2023 Hay Drive. The annual drive ensures that the herd of 425 retired racehorses cared for by the TRF are fed through the winter. The TRF's goal to help fill the hay loft is $120,000. "We are deeply grateful to the Santulli Family Foundation for their unwavering support of our mission," Kelly Armer, Executive Director of the TRF, said. "This generous matching grant will help us provide the necessary care to...

No chance. I mean, you just had to take one look at the guy. The tattoos, the words tumbling nervously through gaps in his teeth, the sheer damage he's soaked up. You didn't have to look up his record. It was like he had an invisible ball and chain. So, no, thank you very much for asking, but we don't need any help right now. He could be someone else's problem. No chance? Not even one? That was all Chris Courtney wanted: a single opportunity to break the cycle, a...

Former MLB player Chris Carpenter will be on-hand at an exclusive pre-sale event in Saratoga Springs Wednesday, July 12, where attendees will have the opportunity to obtain autographed copies of his children's book, "The Long Shot." "The Long Shot" is a tale of perseverance and hope, inspired by the true story of a racehorse named Benbang. Each copy sold contributes to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing sanctuary and rehabilitation for retired racehorses. The autograph session will take place at 56 Union Avenue (on the...

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) will host a charity golf event at the Nevel Meade Golf Course in Prospect, KY, on Apr. 18 in celebration the organization's 40th anniversary. The event will begin with 12:30 p.m. registration and lunch, followed by a shotgun start at 2:00 p.m. Included in the registration fee are greens fees, cart, lunch, range balls, a sleeve of TRF logo golf balls, an embroidered green golf shirt with TRF logo, a TRF baseball hat and more. Prizes will be given for the 1st-, 2nd- and last-place...

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) Board of Directors announced the appointment of Kelly Armer as Executive Director following the forthcoming retirement of Pat Stickney. Assuming her new role Mar. 1, she will be based in the TRF administrative offices in Saratoga Springs, New York. Kelly Armer served 24 years at the Saratoga YMCA where she served as COO for 15 years.  More recently, she held the position of Development and Foundation Director for Saratoga Bridges, the largest nonprofit organization in New York State serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities...