As spring racing gets underway, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will be featured on two big race days. TAA supporters Gulfstream Park and Turfway Park will promote aftercare awareness on the undercard of the Jeff Ruby Steaks and the Florida Derby. A presentation of a TAA blanket and swag bag to the winning connections will be made following the running of each race.
Gulfstream Park’s Race 2 presented by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will go off at 11:59 AM Saturday, March 27. A limited number of patrons will be in attendance for the action-packed Florida Derby day at Gulfstream.
“Aftercare of our amazing equine athletes is vital to our industry and to me personally,” said Aidan Butler, Chief Operating Officer of 1/ST and President of 1/St Content. “1/ST is proud to support the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in all they do to ensure Thoroughbreds have many safe options upon retirement from racing.”
Aftercare support will continue under new ownership at Turfway Park, where the TAA is set to present race 3 at 2:10 PM prior to the 50th running of the Jeff Ruby Steaks. Due to construction in preparation for the new racing and gambling property, Turfway is not permitted to host fans for live racing at this time. Simulcast wagering will be available through Newport Racing & Gaming and Twinspires.com.
“The mission of the TAA has always been near and dear to the hearts of Turfway Park,” said Chip Bach, Turfway Park General Manager. “Having TAA represented during our biggest day of the year has been a great tradition. It serves to remind us all of the importance of ensuring that our equine athletes have careers long after they retire from racing.”
“Turfway Park has been a longtime supporter of the TAA and we are very pleased they are able to be part of Jeff Ruby Day,” said Tyler Picklesimer, Director of Racing/Racing Secretary at Turfway Park. “We look forward to supporting them for years to come.”
“The TAA is grateful to both Gulfstream and Turfway Park for their commitment to include the TAA during such exciting race days,” said Stacie Clark, TAA Operations Consultant. “Race presentations help the TAA fulfill its mission to spread awareness of accredited Thoroughbred aftercare which facilitates the funding of our 81 accredited organizations.”
Both Gulfstream Park and Turfway Park are committed to financially supporting OTTBs and the TAA.
Photo: Suzie Picou-Oldham
