aftercare

Assistant trainer Nikki Kaye was not exactly thrilled when she learned that Fire King (Palace Malice) was joining her barn. According to her best friend, jockey Madison Olver, the 2-year-old was appropriately named. Olver rode for Christophe Clement in the mornings and knew that Fire King had a big attitude and a major stubborn streak. The colt lived up to that reputation when he arrived at Jose Camejo's barn at Aqueduct. "He comes in and he's just shiny, gorgeous and muscular, but he was so mean," Kaye recalled. "He didn't...

Seven months after learning they were one of a handful of racehorse rehoming and animal rescue organizations bequeathed a large sum of money by owner Nancy Messineo, the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA) have received the "significant gift" and are in the process of figuring out how to best use it. "We received this gift the end of last year right before Christmas," said Lucinda Lovitt, executive director of the non-profit founded 15 years ago to raise money for the state's fleet of retired racehorses. "It's timely in the sense...

Aftercare. It's a hot button topic that is continuously discussed among those within and outside of the Thoroughbred industry. And though the racing community has made leaps and bounds in its efforts to ensure a safe landing for retiring racehorses, there is always room for growth, improved planning and increased funding. One charitable organization is forging a new path in this aspect of the industry, as The Horse Fund establishes a unique precedent for Thoroughbred ownership groups by taking the 'after' out of aftercare and instead, standing in as the...

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) has been named the official aftercare partner of this weekend's Pegasus World Cup races at Gulfstream Park. The TAA will have a race named on both the Friday and Saturday programs. On Friday, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will present Race 6: "Congratulations Fasig-Tipton TAA Auction Winners" alongside Fasig-Tipton, the winning bidder of last year's Off to the Races VIP Pegasus Package. Post time is set for 2:39 PM ET. On Saturday, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will present Race 10, the Grade II 'TAA Pegasus World Cup Filly...

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)'s annual online benefit auction featuring VIP racing experience packages will open bidding Thursday, Jan. 25 at 10 a.m. EST and close Friday, Feb. 2 at 10 p.m. EST. All proceeds from the 'Off to the Races Campaign' will go to support accredited aftercare. The auction features 18 VIP packages which grant access to major race days across North America in 2024 and 2025. Each package features an exclusive itinerary of horse racing-related activities. "These VIP experiences are more than just events, they're gateways to unforgettable...

Michael Blowen, the founder of Old Friends, has stepped down as President of the Thoroughbred aftercare facility. He joined this week's Writers' Room to discuss the announcement.

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...

In advance of Giving Tuesday on Nov. 28, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation has launched a special campaign called the Farrier Fund Campaign. The Farrier Fund Campaign, themed 'The Hoof Makes the Horse', is aiming to raise $25,000 this year. The fund will contribute directly to covering the costs of roughly three months of essential hoof care for over 1,600 horses within the TRF's herd. The Farrier Fund Campaign also aims to shine a light on the unsung heroes in equine care--the farriers, dedicated equine professionals who work tirelessly to tend...

Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), represented by their nine racetrack properties, will match all New Vocations Giving Tuesday donations up to $20,000 in support of Thoroughbred and Standardbred aftercare. Giving Tuesday takes place five days after Thanksgiving on Nov. 28. "CDI is pleased to jump start New Vocations' holiday giving campaign with a match donation. The work New Vocations does is vital to both the Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries," said Cathy Shircliff, Director of Equine Industry Relations for CDI. "On behalf of Thoroughbred tracks Churchill Downs Racetrack, Colonial Downs, Ellis Park,...

Mareworthy Charities, a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and caring for retired Thoroughbred broodmares, is participating in the Community & Cause voting campaign, hosted by Field & Main Bank. The campaign offers the organization an opportunity to secure a $20,000 prize, directly benefitting the care and support of the Thoroughbred mares already in their care while expanding their capacity to assist more retired broodmares in 2024. In addition to the $20,000 prize, the winning organization will gain valuable exposure through airtime on WKYT, coverage by LEXtoday, and a full-page...

The Retired Racehorse Project has elected new officers and created an advisory council, a body of non-governing individuals representing an array of backgrounds and professional experience chosen to help enhance the RRP's execution of its charitable mission the organization announced Friday. Existing board member Neil Agate was confirmed as board chair earlier this Spring when personal obligations required previous chair, Richard Lamb, to step back from the officer position. Lamb is still completing his second term serving on the board of directors. "I have enjoyed being part of the RRP...

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club for Pacific Classic Day Saturday, Sept. 2. They will be honored with a named race on the card and, following the running of the race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections including a TAA-branded blanket sponsored by Fenwick Equestrian and a TAA swag bag. "We are thrilled to partner with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and enhance the Pacific Classic Day experience for our guests," said Josh Rubinstein, President, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. "By merging the thrill...