TRF

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation will host a sponsorship fundraiser this holiday season to support the herd of nearly 400 retired racehorses in their care. Interested parties can sponsor a member of the herd for the season and receive photos, updates and stories on their horse. In a press release Tuesday, TRF explained that: "A horse sponsorship is more than just a present. It provides dignified lifetime care for a retired racehorse and supports the healing work these incredible animals do with the people in our programs. Each sponsorship includes photos,...

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) has launched its annual TRF online charity auction on eBay, which runs through Thursday, Nov. 13 and features nearly 50 racing-related items, the non-profit said in a release Wednesday. The auction directly benefits the TRF's mission to provide dignified lifetime care to retired Thoroughbred racehorses, and also benefits its 'Second Chances Program' for incarcerated individuals. This year's auction includes: Thorpedo Anna shadowboxed halter with certificate of authenticity; Autographed memorabilia from industry connections; Artwork, photography, and handcrafted items; Frank Mirahmadi race call experience at the Spa....

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) is rolling out a special fundraising raffle giving racing fans an opportunity to own a shadowboxed halter worn by MGISW Journalism (Curlin) during his 2024-2025 campaign, according to a press release from the non-profit on Friday. Each ticket--priced at $100--offers a direct way to support TRF's mission of dignified lifetime care for nearly 400 retired Thoroughbreds across the country. The raffle, which is limited to 100 tickets, will close Oct. 31. "Every ticket helps us continue our mission of providing dignified lifetime care for the...

Thoroughbred Aftercare Day on Saturday, honoring organizations and individuals dedicated to retired racehorses, will be staged at Churchill Downs Saturday, Sept. 27, according to a Churchill Downs release. Nine aftercare organizations will be on-site, including Friends of Ferdinand Inc., Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, New Vocations, Old Friends, Second Stride, The Secretariat Center, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Thoroughbred Charities of America and Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. Each organization has shared a special Thoroughbred Aftercare Day ticket link on their social media channels. A portion of each ticket purchased through those links will be...

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF)'s 2025 Saratoga Summer Event Series will feature three evenings of food, community, and philanthropy. The events directly support TRF's mission of providing dignified lifetime care for retired Thoroughbreds and offering life-changing opportunities through its TRF Second Chances Program. Gumbo with Kendrick Date: Monday, July 21 Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Location: Principessa Elena Society, 13 Oak Street, Saratoga Springs, NY Now in its fifth year, this fan-favorite dinner brings beloved jockey Kendrick Carmouche back to the kitchen to prepare his signature Louisiana gumbo. Guests...

A group of former Todd Pletcher assistant trainers have pledged to donate a percentage of their earnings from the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival to support the mission of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), the organization said on Thursday in a press release. Michael McCarthy, George Weaver, Jonathan Thomas, Whit Beckman and Amelia Green have each committed a portion of their festival earnings to the TRF, underscoring their dedication to the welfare of retired racehorses. Click here to learn more about helping the TRF.

Kendall Norris has been tabbed the new Marketing and Communications Manager for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, the organization announced Tuesday. In this role, Norris will lead the TRF's marketing and outreach efforts, furthering the organization's mission to provide dignified lifetime care for retired racehorses. Previously, Norris led digital marketing initiatives, managed high-profile PR events, and provided specialized marketing consulting for equine and technology businesses. "I'm incredibly honored to join the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation," said Norris. "As a lifelong equestrian, I've always believed in the healing power of horses, and this...

Raffles of six all-inclusive box seats to both the GI Kentucky Oaks and GI Kentucky Derby will be held by the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), with all proceeds benefitting the TRF's mission of providing lifetime aftercare to nearly 400 retired racehorses. Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has donated the boxes, which hold an estimated value of $3,000 for the Oaks and $7,000 for the Derby. The special on-line raffle boxes are located in Section 324, which is on the third floor overlooking the eighth pole. All reserved seating includes food, as...

In the 25 years that she worked overseeing Todd Pletcher's racing stable, Maggie Sweet only had to concern herself about horses from the time they were two until around five. In the one year that she has been executive director of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, the nation's oldest Thoroughbred retirement facility, she has learned that inspiring the industry to spend the money to care for them for the next 25 years is a much harder part of the bargain. The TRF currently provides permanent lifetime homes for 400 horses, primarily...

Maggie Sweet has been in her job at the TRF for a year now, after leaving Todd Pletcher Racing, and she has learned a lot--chiefly, that the racing industry isn't focusing enough on the need to provide lifetime dignified retirement for its athletes. She appears on the TDN Writers' Room to discuss the issue.

In response to the recent New York Times negative and factually incorrect article on the horse racing industry, I would argue that we, as an industry need to change our tack. The New York Times piece pulled three angles--animal cruelty, human exploitation, and the time honoured 'the rich are stealing your money.' How can any story based on such a narrative fail from raising temperatures? This was born out in the comment section at the end of the article, despite the quick action taken by Light Up Racing and Vicki...

Cindy McDonald and Michelle Keating have been appointed to the Board of Directors of The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF). McDonald is armed with a background in finance, strategic planning, and community engagement, while Keating offers experience in leadership and community service. As Senior Vice President at KeyBank, McDonald has an background in developing innovative financial strategies and fostering community partnerships. "I am honored to join the TRF Board of Directors," said McDonald. "I look forward to leveraging my 30 years of nonprofit experience to help drive the mission forward and...