THE CHALLENGES ARE OUTRUNNING THE REMEDIES By STACIE CLARK ROGERS Thoroughbred racing is currently undergoing a period of introspection. While we have surpassed previous efforts to revolutionize the sport, areas remain where the fundamental infrastructure must be examined. For a while, we have been grappling with the legacy of our sport and unwavering commitment to horse welfare. It is disheartening to admit the challenges we face are outpacing the proposed solutions and implementations. INCEPTION & ORIGINAL PROPOSAL As a prominent international sport, one of the most admirable and exhilarating initiatives we embarked upon in North America was the establishment of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance for the explicit purpose of addressing concerns regarding welfare of Thoroughbreds post-racing. Its primary mission is to establish a comprehensive system that oversees and ensures the well-being of retired Thoroughbreds, while offering financial support to those entrusted with their care. Over the past 11 years, some considerable strides have been made in terms of raising awareness and garnering support for aftercare within the industry. Nevertheless, there remains a pervasive sense of misunderstanding surrounding its objectives and functions. The original model involved collecting contributions at various stages of a Thoroughbred’s life, including registration and licensing fees and contributions from racetracks, breeders, sales companies, and ADWs (Advance Deposit Wagering). Other countries such as Japan, France, and Australia have successfully adopted similar approaches. However, in North America, the practical implementation has fallen disappointingly short of the idealistic vision. CHALLENGES – NO ONE WANTS TO TALK ABOUT IT As expressed by John Phillips, former president of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the pathways for contribution have quickly become detours. Unfortunately, a similar resistance is witnessed within the industry when it comes to medication reform, as engaging in such discussions is often viewed as uncomfortable or unglamorous. It fails to hold the same allure or retain the same attention from industry stakeholders and fans as selling a yearling for a million dollars or triumphing in a prestigious stakes race. Having served as a former member of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance board and now working as the operations consultant, I have firsthand experience of the challenges in aftercare. These include the daunting struggle for funding and the distressing presence of kill pens, which understandably make everyone uncomfortable. During my early involvement, a fellow board member asked for an honest assessment. I candidly addressed issues like the loss of stallion farms, individuals opting out of sales, and a perceived sense of competitiveness within aftercare. They then asked if there was any good news, and I felt as though I had profoundly disappointed them. This experience made me realize that aftercare issues are not eagerly discussed. When the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance was initially established, we genuinely believed it held the answers to the problems we faced. However, refusing to reassess our approach to aftercare is only impeding the progress of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. CHALLENGES – PUBLIC SCRUTINITY & SUSTAINABILITY OF THE SPORT Thoroughbred racing and breeding face intense public scrutiny. The industry lacks accountability for the well-being of the horses we breed, sell, compete with, and race against. This is a situation that demands immediate change. The recent instances of horses breaking down in and around Triple Crown races, despite concerted efforts to minimize injuries at premier tracks, should serve as a wake-up call for all of us. As seasoned individuals within this industry, we are acutely aware that injuries and the subsequent need for aftercare could be an existential threat to our industry that demands our urgent attention. This is no longer just an agricultural concern. Our industry’s social license to operate could be at risk, as the public rightfully has a voice in the lifespan and well-being of Thoroughbreds, akin to their involvement in the care of animals residing in zoos and aquariums. We must prioritize the well-being of every horse involved, not just our own. It is our collective duty. It’s time to address aftercare proactively and directly. We can no longer afford to bury our heads in the sand. CHALLENGES – INADEQUATE FUNDING & SUPPORT The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance provides approximately $3.5 million annually to 81 accredited organizations. For these organizations, Thoroughbred care expenses alone stand at approximately $17 million (based on 2021 figures, with costs expected to continue rising). The total budgets for the accredited organizations amount to roughly $46 million per year. Not only does the granted amount fall short of horse care alone, it also fails to cover essential business costs. Additional funding is crucial for racehorse retirement and well-being, as current resources are inadequate. Funding has decreased as the number of organizations and horses has grown. It is paramount that we ensure organizations possess the necessary resources to provide optimal care for retired racehorses, and we must actively encourage the industry to lend financial support. By doing so, we can positively impact Thoroughbred lives and improve industry perception. Organizations assisting horses from lower-tier tracks and distressing situations operate with limited funding from the sources from which these Thoroughbreds originated. Consequently, these organizations are compelled to devote additional time and resources rehabilitating these horses, thereby incurring additional costs. To ensure the well-being of these vulnerable horses, we must address this funding disparity and provide increased support for their rehabilitation and rehoming efforts. By bolstering their resources, we can enhance the effectiveness of their efforts and safeguard the welfare of retired racehorses across the spectrum of tracks and circumstances. CHALLENGES – DISPARITY IN ACCESS We find ourselves in a rather unique scenario characterized by what can be termed as “elite aftercare.” In certain fortunate instances, when a Thoroughbred can race at a track with an aftercare fund, a stipend is often provided to support its transition to an aftercare organization. Sometimes owners are even approached to make additional donations. These horses undergoing such triage are in an ideal situation where resources are readily available, and within these organizations with substantial funding from various sources, the adoption rates are notably high. This elite form of aftercare is indeed

By: Jen Halliwell Following twelve starts on the track and earning $61,450, Let’s Rumble was retired in September 2020 through Monmouth Park’s Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited Second Call Thoroughbred Adoption and Placement program. He found his post-racing home at After the Races, another Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited facility. This decision was prompted by the discovery of some changes in one of his knees. Recognizing the changes in his condition at an early stage, his connections made the responsible choice to retire him and give him the opportunity to thrive in a new career after a well-deserved break. Although he wasn’t destined for racing greatness, trainer Jeanne Vuyosevich wanted to ensure that whoever adopted the 2017 gelding knew more about him. She left behind a handwritten note for his next owner, sharing insights into his personality, including his love of bananas. After a couple months off, “Rumble” had settled into racing retirement, benefitting from the time taken to let his knee heal. Meanwhile, Courtney VanErstvelde had begun her search for a new barrel racing partner. When she contacted After the Races and explained what she was looking for, they enthusiastically recommended Rumble. “Courtney was originally looking for a horse that would do well in western disciplines in general and who had a certain temperament” said Bonnie McCrae of After the Races. “He was so calm, cool, and collected when we rode him, and I thought his build, size, and temperament would suit well for trail riding and other western activities… I mostly just did my best to match her needs with a horse that would fulfill them, and it seems like I got it right!” “The amazing staff knew me better than I knew myself and found me an amazing partner,” VanErstvelde explained. It didn’t take long for their relationship to bloom, and Rumble’s personality began to truly shine. “After some time running around the pasture with his new friends his goofy personality has really come to the forefront and his new favorite thing is hugs,” said VanErstvelde. Rumble’s newfound bond with VanErstvelde on the ground has also had a positive impact on their partnership in the saddle. The duo has been successful enough in the ring to qualify for the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) World Championships in October and plan to make Rumble’s first rodeo appearance soon. “He has so much heart and try into everything in front of him,” VanErstvelde said. “He really is a special horse and has inspired others in the area to look at thoroughbreds in a whole new light.” Faith Sampson, in need of a mount while her own horse was recovering from an injury, had the chance to be part of Rumble’s journey as a barrel horse. During this time, Rumble became Sampson’s partner while VanErstvelde dedicated her attention to developing her greener horses. “It has been such an amazing opportunity to get the chance to work with Let’s Rumble,” Sampson stated. “Never in my wildest dreams would I [have] thought I would like a Thoroughbred, let alone an [Off the Track Thoroughbred] – but Rumby has changed my opinion on them completely. So much, in fact, I ended up getting my own OTTB with hopes I can train him to be just like Rumby.” While he continues to enjoy his barrel training, Rumble also enjoys going on trail rides, playing in the water, and has even taken on the role of a lesson horse for VanErstvelde’s beginner boyfriend. “More than any competition or time he’s ran, I’m so happy that he gets to enjoy being his whole goofy self,” said VanErstvelde. “Thank you for doing everything you do for these guys! I never would have imagined the impact my Rum boy has had on my life – every day he has the ability to put a smile on my face no matter the circumstances.”  

When professional Hunter/Jumper trainer Joyce Brinsfield of Ballyhigh Show Stable, Ltd. received a call from her long-time friend Paula Singer one day in March 2021, she knew she would soon be a part of a new journey.
After 25 years of friendship, it didn’t take much to convince Brinsfield to accompany Singer to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-Accredited Kentucky Equine Adoption Center in Nicholasville, KY to meet SAVE ME PAULA- a 2017 Super Saver gelding in need of a new home.

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights   Previous PostNext Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announced as Beneficiary of America’s Best Racing’s Pre-Preakness Party Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announced as Beneficiary of America’s Best Racing’s Pre-Preakness Party FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 12, 2023 News Tags: LEXINGTON, KY — The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has once again been named the beneficiary of Preakness’ most anticipated event: America’s Best Racing’s Pre-Preakness Party. The eighth annual Pre-Preakness Party is set to be held on Wednesday, May 17, at the Mt. Washington Tavern in Baltimore, Maryland. Organized by America’s Best Racing, this party has become the most popular Preakness week event that is open to everyone. For just $25 each, tickets include secure access to the Sky Bar (2nd floor) at the Mt. Washington Tavern and the following: One (1) complimentary drink ticket Complimentary snack platters (wings, dips, veggie, cheeses) Access to well-known horse racing personalities and handicapping experts Networking opportunity among racing enthusiasts In addition to an evening of networking, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres, there will also be a silent auction that benefits the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, an entertaining handicapping challenge with guest analysts, and more fun items to be announced. “We are thrilled to be back for another year to kick off Preakness week with this exciting event,” said Dan Tordjman, manager, Business Development / Sponsorships, America’s Best Racing. “It is a great opportunity to celebrate the week of racing, as well as support an organization that does so much for these horses after their time on the track.” “Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this event, and we look forward to seeing fans and racing participants alike join us to commemorate the beginning of an exciting week,” said Stacie Clark-Rogers, operations consultant, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Tickets are available online at: www.eventbrite.com/e/8th-annual-pre-preakness-party-by-thoroughbred-aftercare-alliance-abr-tickets-596988597967 About Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $31.9 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 86 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org. Contact Samantha Smith 859-224-2882 ssmith@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 352-362-6934 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org Share This Release  

TAA Inspections, ‘Not Just a Look Around the Barn’ By Suzie Picou-Oldham I spent most of my early life on the racetrack backstretch as the daughter and assistant of a trainer and then as a jockey. My vision was limited to the business of racing. While we had horses that didn’t want to race or were not competitive enough, we found secondary homes and careers for them, or the owners would take them home. Later as the wife of a jockey, the horses would come and go in a flash. We seldom knew much about their history. As I became involved in the Thoroughbred breeding world, I saw horses come from the track as stallions and broodmares at different class levels. Now, in my seventh year as the inspections administrator with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, I have learned so much about the efforts to repurpose racehorses. Aftercare is as much a part of our industry as racing and breeding. ACCREDITATION The TAA accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations that retire, retrain, and rehome Thoroughbreds. The process begins with an in-depth application. Only after the submission of all required documents and information will the accreditation committee review the application. If approved, the organization will be recommended for inspection as the next step of the accreditation process. Organizations can have one or several facilities where their program horses are housed or boarded. Each facility must be inspected by a TAA representative. The total number of facilities in need of inspection will vary from 165-180 for the current 81 organizations. TYPES OF INSPECTIONS Organizations apply for TAA accreditation every two years. For accreditation, an inspection includes a detailed questionnaire, a look at all aspects of each facility, and an evaluation of each horse. Every facility boarding registered Thoroughbreds for an organization will be inspected in this process. In their “off” year a re-inspection takes place. This form consists of a checklist relating to basic equine care and the TAA Code of Standards plus an evaluation of each horse. At least one of each organization’s facilities will be inspected in the year they do not apply for accreditation. Once accredited, organizations are required to submit a Self-Inspection form for each facility with photos twice during the year. CHOOSING INSPECTORS As the inspections administrator, I will inspect as many facilities as possible. Inspections provide opportunity to meet the people doing the heavy work to rehome or retrain Thoroughbreds. We see how the people interact with the horses and the demeanor of the animals toward them. Many of the people at aftercare facilities work on a voluntary basis and have real jobs aside from the operation. The dedication is tremendous and something everyone should be aware of. For most inspections, I search for worthy candidates to do the job. TAA inspectors are chosen from a list of veterinarians and various equine professionals who have cared for Thoroughbreds at a level commensurate to the experience needed for inspections. They must evaluate each Thoroughbred or program horse, the facility grounds, and operations. The American Association of Equine Practitioners has been a reliable source for prospective inspectors. Other professionals come to us by recommendation or have submitted a volunteer form that is reviewed regarding experience and background. Coordinating inspectors and inspections is quite an exercise in mapping and communication. Finding the closest possible inspector helps manage travel expenses to keep funds where they are needed most. Inspectors cannot be associated with the facility or organization. In more than 10 years of operation, nearly 200 individuals have assisted the TAA with inspections. While the TAA offers to pay for inspections, many inspectors donate their services, for which we are eternally grateful. Whether paid or volunteering, our inspectors enjoy a sense of participation and pride in theaftercare of off-track Thoroughbreds. They enjoy seeing the dedication from the caretakers and helping to ensure that TAA standards are met. Inspection questionnaire topics • RETIREMENT/SANCTUARY • REHABILITATION • RETRAINING • ADOPTIONS • HORSE HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT * FACILITY REVIEW * OBSERVATION OF HORSES THE INSPECTION Like racetracks and various equine farms, aftercare facilities come in various shapes, sizes, and degrees of structure. Differences in climate, terrain, and atmosphere lead to diverse types of fencing, shelters, and feeding programs. As we step onto a facility for the first time, we will greet the owner or manager of the operation and any staff members or volunteers who may be present to become familiar with the types of aftercare services they offer. The staff are judged not only on their knowledge of the horses but also on procedures and protocols. We follow an inspection form and questionnaire that includes options for comments and suggestions. Specific areas of interest are record-keeping, arrival and departure procedures, vaccination programs, hoof care, preventative health matters, nutrition, unique identification, emergency plans, adoption procedures, and follow-up. The organization representatives are also asked about staffing, volunteer participation, and educational efforts toward the care of off-track Thoroughbreds. As the inspector is guided through the facility, they photograph points of interest and note any of their observations about fencing, shelters, feed storage, medical supplies, water supply, etc. Overall cleanliness and safety will be the main consideration. Any recommendations for improvement noted from an inspection are passed on to the organization for consideration. Best practices are noted as well, so the organization is commended for actions beyond the standards. Inspectors are our eyes and ears for those places we cannot reach. Some have been so moved that they became adopters themselves. THE HORSES TAA inspectors are required to evaluate each horse listed by the organization. I particularly like to inquire about their race record, breeding, and journey, if known. Each horse is a story in itself—sometimes extraordinary. One horse may have raced only once, if at all, and the next may have been a millionaire at the track. We do not ask our inspectors to do a veterinary exam but judge the general appearance as far as weight, coat, and condition of feet.

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present this year at Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week for a variety of exciting events culminating in the running of the 149th Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve which takes place on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present this year at the Santa Anita Derby on April 8, 2023. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be recognized with a named race on the Santa Anita Derby Day undercard. Following the running of the race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections including a branded blanket and swag bag. There will also be an opportunity for jockeys to pledge their jocks mount fee throughout the day to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.

LEXINGTON, KY — The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present once again this year at Gulfstream Park on Florida Derby Day. Held on April 1, 2023, the Curlin Florida Derby coined as “the biggest race day of the year in South Florida” is a Grade 1 Kentucky Derby prep-race. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has partnered with 1/ST RACING to have a variety of on-site activations during the day. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be recognized with a named race on the Florida Derby Day undercard. Following the running of the race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections including a branded blanket and swag bag. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will also present the Best Turned Out Horse Awards sponsored by 1/ST RACING and Gulfstream Park for all races of the day. Additionally, there will be an opportunity for jockeys to pledge their jocks mount fee to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. 1/ST RACING will promote accredited aftercare awareness throughout the day. Representatives from the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be on-site on Florida Derby Day as a VIP concierge for one of the VIP experiences that were auctioned off earlier this year in the “Off to the Races” campaign to promote aftercare awareness. This exciting VIP experience was generously donated by 1/ST RACING. “1/ST RACING and Gulfstream Park are proud to have supported the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance since 2014,” said Nicole Walker, Vice President, The Stronach Group and TAA Committee Member. “The mission of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is of the utmost importance to this industry, and we are happy to highlight aftercare awareness on such a big day of racing here at Gulfstream Park.” It was also announced that the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance would be the co-beneficiary for the Florida Derby Charity Golf Tournament alongside the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. The charity golf tournament, hosted by 1/ST RACING, will be held on Monday, March 27, at the Pembroke Lakes Golf & Country Club. Teams in the top three placings will receive gift bags from the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Interested participants can contact Stacy Nicks at Gulfstream Park for more information by email or phone: stacy.nicks@gulfstreampark.com / (954) 457-6284. “We are thrilled to be back at Gulfstream Park this year with a variety of promotions during the Curlin Florida Derby to draw attention to accredited aftercare,” said Emily Dresen, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Director, Funding & Events.  “It is especially exciting to have the added event of the Florida Derby Charity Golf Tournament, and we are honored that 1/ST RACING has appointed the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as a co-beneficiary.” About the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, the TAA has granted more than $28.1 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 81 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about the TAA, visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org. About 1/ST The Stronach Group is a world-class technology, entertainment, media, content and real estate development company with Thoroughbred horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering at the core.  The company’s consumer facing brand 1/ST (pronounced “First”) powers The Stronach Group’s forward-thinking 1/ST RACING & GAMING, 1/ST CONTENT, 1/ST TECHNOLOGY, 1/ST EXPERIENCE, and 1/ST PROPERTIES businesses, while advocating for and driving the 1/ST HORSE CARE mission. 1/ST represents The Stronach Group’s continued movement toward redefining Thoroughbred horse racing and the ecosystem that drives it. 1/ST RACING & GAMING drives the best-in-class horse racing operations and gaming offerings at the company’s premier racetracks and training centers including: Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields and San Luis Rey Downs (California); Gulfstream Park – home of the Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series and Palm Meadows Thoroughbred Training Center (Florida); the Maryland Jockey Club at Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course – home of the legendary Preakness Stakes and Rosecroft Raceway (Maryland). 1/ST CONTENT is the operating group for 1/ST’s media and content companies including: Monarch Content Management, Elite, TSG Global Wagering Solutions (GWS) and XBTV. 1/ST TECHNOLOGY is horse racing’s largest racing and gaming technology company offering world-class products via its AmTote, Xpressbet, 1/ST BET, XB SELECT, XB NET, PariMAX and Betmix brands. 1/ST EXPERIENCE blends the worlds of sports, entertainment and hospitality through elevated national and local venue management and hospitality, strategic partnerships and sponsorships. 1/ST PROPERTIES is responsible for the development of the company’s live, work and play communities surrounding its racing venues, including: The Village at Gulfstream Park (Florida) and Paddock Pointe (Maryland).  As the advocate for critical industry reforms and by making meaningful investments into aftercare programs for retired horses and jockeys, 1/ST HORSE CARE represents The Stronach Group’s commitment to achieving the highest level of horse and rider care and safety standards in Thoroughbred horse racing on and off the track. For more information, please visit www.1st.com or follow @1ST_racing on Twitter or @1stracing on Instagram and Facebook. Contact Stacie Clark 859-230-5881 sclark@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 352-362-6934 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org

LEXINGTON, KY — The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be represented with a named race on Jeff Ruby Steaks Day at Turfway Park on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Jeff Ruby Steaks Day brings an afternoon of racing highlighted by the $700,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks, a Grade III prep-race for the Kentucky Derby. Held on the synthetic Tapeta track, the 1 1/8 mile race garners Kentucky Derby qualification points distributed as 100-40-30-20-10 to the top five horses. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Race will be Race 6, with a post time of 3:13 PM EDT. Following the running of the race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections including a branded blanket and swag bag. Turfway Park will feature and promote accredited aftercare awareness throughout the race day. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will have a booth to interact and promote accredited aftercare on-site. “Turfway is proud to stand behind the great work of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and host them once again on such a special day of racing,” said Turfway Park Director of Racing & Racing Secretary, Tyler B. Picklesimer. “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is excited to be back at Turfway for the 2023 Jeff Ruby Steaks!” said Emily Dresen, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Director, Funding & Events.  “We look forward to a fantastic day of racing and celebrating with fellow fans, industry participants and the Turfway Park team.” Contact Stacie Clark 859-230-5881 sclark@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 352-362-6934 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org About the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, the TAA has granted more than $28.1 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 81 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about the TAA, visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org.    

LEXINGTON, KY — The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be featured at Tampa Bay Downs with a named race on the Tampa Bay Derby undercard on Saturday, March 11. Following the running of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections including a branded blanket and swag bag. Tampa Bay Downs, a longtime supporter of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, will feature and promote accredited aftercare awareness throughout the race day and race meet. As part of Tampa Bay Down’s support, a VIP experience has been donated to the winners of the January 2023 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance “Off to the Races” online benefit auction of bucket list racing events.  This all-inclusive VIP experience consists of dining, premium seating, winner’s circle access, and more. “We are excited to have Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance on-site during the Tampa Bay Derby with a featured race and hosting a VIP experience,” said Margo Flynn, Vice President of Marketing and Publicity at Tampa Bay Downs. “We value aftercare and think this is a great opportunity to promote everything that the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance does on one of our biggest race days.” “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is thrilled to have such longstanding support from Tampa Bay Downs” said Emily Dresen, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Director, Funding & Events. “Accredited aftercare is important to Tampa Bay Downs, and they continue to promote safe and proper aftercare for our equine athletes through a variety of avenues, and we are so excited to be here for the Tampa Bay Derby.” Contact Stacie Clark 859-230-5881 sclark@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 352-362-6934 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org   About the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, the TAA has granted more than $28.1 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 81 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about the TAA, visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org.