LEXINGTON, KY — The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be the beneficiary of a special charity Pick 5 wager featured on CNBC during its next stop on the 1/ST RACING TOUR on Saturday, March 4. The upcoming day of coast-to-coast racing features 13 stakes races including the G1 Santa Anita Handicap and two Triple Crown Preps – Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park and San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita Park. NBC Sports will produce and air a 2-hour telecast from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. (ET) on CNBC. Five of the six stakes broadcast on the show will be part of a special All-Graded Stakes 1/ST COAST-TO-COAST PICK 5. The bet is a $1 minimum with a 15% takeout. 1/ST RACING & GAMING and NBC are working together on the special charity Pick 5 bet with the winnings to be allocated to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. NBC reporters Nick Luck and Britney Eurton will team up to face off against NBC analysts Randy Moss and Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey in a friendly competition. Each team will have $500 to bet on the Coast-To-Coast Pick 5 with the winnings being donated to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. 1/ST RACING & GAMING will donate $1000 to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance no matter the outcome of the wagers. “We are proud to support the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and are always looking for ways to raise awareness and donations to support their great work. This Saturday’s 1/ST RACING TOUR is shaping up to be an epic day of racing. With 13 stakes races and 263 horses entered at Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park we thought we’d add to the excitement with a little help from our friends at NBC,” said Aidan Butler, Chief Executive Officer, 1/ST RACING & GAMING. Races included in the Coast-To-Coast Pick 5 are listed below: LEG TRACK RACE # POST TIME (ET) Leg A Gulfstream Park Race 12 4:37 PM ET Leg B Santa Anita Park Race 5 *4:55 PM ET Leg C Gulfstream Park Race 13 5:09 PM ET Leg D Santa Anita Park Race 6 *5:27 PM ET Leg E Gulfstream Park Race 14 5:43 PM ET Race names R12        Davona Dale presented by Fan Duel – Gulfstream Park R5          Buena Vista – Santa Anita R13        Mac Diarmida – Gulfstream Park R6          San Felipe – Santa Anita R14        Fountain of Youth – Gulfstream Park The Pick 5 tickets will be released Saturday morning at 1/ST RACING & GAMING’s twitter handle Tune in to CNBC at 4:00 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, March 4 to watch. We encourage everyone to join in the action! 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 Samantha Smith (859) 224-2882 ssmith@thoroughbredaftercare.org

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is pleased to announce the hiring of Samantha Smith, who will be joining the team as the new Director of Marketing and Communications, effective February 27, 2023. Samantha brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the position. A graduate from the University of Kentucky’s animal science program, Samantha has ten years of Thoroughbred industry work experience including five years of industry marketing and communications with a variety of equine associations, including TOBA, The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation, and the Horse Racing Women’s Summit. In her new role, Samantha will be responsible for leading and overseeing all marketing initiatives at the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. She will work closely with the executive team, the Communications Committee, and TAA’s accredited organizations to develop and implement marketing strategies that align with the company’s overall goals and objectives. “We are excited to have Samantha Smith join the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as our Marketing and Communications Director,” said TAA President Jeff Bloom. “As the TAA has grown over the years our demand for professional communications and marketing has expanded. Her wealth of experience in addition to her passion for aftercare will be a great asset to our team.” Already an advocate for Thoroughbred Aftercare, when not working Samantha can be found riding her Godolphin rehomed off-the-track Thoroughbred Superfection, aka “Shaylon.” “In my professional career I have a keen interest in the sport of Thoroughbred racing, particularly in any area where I can support efforts to promote and grow the sport, educate others, or improve safety, welfare, and aftercare initiatives,” Samantha said. “In my personal life, with my own former racehorse, I especially have a passion for Thoroughbred aftercare. I look forward to joining the team at TAA and promoting all the Thoroughbred has to offer after racing.”   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.   CONTACT Stacie Clark 859-230-5881 sclark@thoroughbredaftercare.org   Emily Dresen 352-362-6934 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org  

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today that it will be on-site to promote aftercare awareness at the NTRA National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) March 10 – 12 at Horseshoe Las Vegas. Horseplayers are invited to connect with TAA representatives, learn more about accredited Thoroughbred aftercare, donate to TAA to win tickets to the Florida Derby or for a tour of Old Friends, and take home racing memorabilia. TAA will also be on site for the Last Chance First Chance NHC Qualifier to which NTRA donated a VIP opportunity through TAA’s Off to the Races online auction of VIP race experiences. The winning bidder will compete for their spot to remain at Horseshoe Las Vegas and enter the NHC in the following days. “The NTRA is proud to recognize the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as an official charity of the National Horseplayers Championship (NHC),” said NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney. “The competition and camaraderie among the participants, along with their universal love of the Thoroughbred, are a big part of what makes the NHC such a great event.” “Thank you to NTRA for once again recognizing and supporting accredited Thoroughbred aftercare on the national stage of the NHC event,” said TAA Office Manager Catherine Flowers. “TAA is proud to be supported by the racing industry, which includes these talented horseplayers, and it is so exciting to celebrate horseplayers giving back to the Thoroughbreds that have given all of us so much.” Of the eight #NHC2023 eligible racetracks, Aqueduct, Golden Gate Fields, Gulfstream, Laurel Park, Oaklawn Park, Santa Anita Park, and Tampa Bay Downs are proud supporters of the TAA.   About NTRA The NTRA, based in Lexington, KY., and Washington, D.C., is a broad-based coalition of more than 100 horse racing interests and thousands of individual stakeholders consisting of horseplayers, racetrack operators representing nearly 80% of the U.S. pari-mutuel handle, more than 30,000 owners, breeders and trainers, and other affiliated associations, charged with increasing the popularity, welfare and integrity of Thoroughbred racing through consensus-based leadership, legislative advocacy, fan engagement and other corporate partner development. About the Thoroughbred After 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, rehome, and retire 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 supporting approximately 180 facilities across North America hold TAA accreditation. To learn more about the TAA, visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org.   CONTACT Stacie Clark 859-224-2851 sclark@thoroughbredaftercare.org   Emily Dresen 352-362-6934 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org

By: Mary Eddy/NYRA When a graded stakes-placed dark bay gelding named Digger crossed the finish line third in the 2011 Mister Diz at Pimlico Race Course, his connections knew it was time for the veteran of 39 starts to turn the page and look to a new life beyond the racetrack. It was then that he was sent to New Vocations – a non-profit that retrains and rehomes retired racehorses – and adopted by Verena Brassfield to spend the rest of his days on a tranquil 600-acre farm in Tennessee. “I’ve always had a thing for thoroughbreds and I couldn’t ask for a better horse,” said Brassfield. “I had a thoroughbred before him who passed away, and at first, I didn’t want another horse. But then someone gave my husband the website for New Vocations, and the first picture I saw was my baby. I said, ‘That’s him.’ A week after I applied, I got a call that I was approved.” Digger, a Maryland-bred son of Yonaguska, made his first outing as a juvenile in 2006 and graduated at fourth asking by an impressive 9 1/2 lengths that December at Laurel Park. As a sophomore, he captured three more stakes at Laurel in the Deputed Testamony by a dominating 11 3/4 lengths, the Northern Dancer and the Jennings Handicap to close out the year. In 2008, Digger moved north to the NYRA circuit, where he scored a pair of victories at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. The following year saw his greatest Empire State successes when he earned four victories at NYRA tracks, led by a determined score in the Gravesend to cap his productive campaign. Ridden by Rosie Napravnik, Digger showed his typical frontrunning tactics and raced with Pashito the Che tracking close in second. Digger put 1 1/2 lengths between him and Pashito the Che at the stretch call and was able to fend off his determined rival by a nose in a final time of 1:11.66 for six furlongs over the inner dirt. Digger earned one more stakes victory to kick off his 2010 campaign with a 3 3/4-length victory in Laurel Park’s Fire Plug, and visited the winner’s circle for the last time in March 2011 before owner Repole Stable and trainer Bruce Brown decided to retire the evergreen veteran at age 7. “I watched the replays of his races and if someone had told me then that one day he would be mine, I would have told them they were crazy,” Brassfield said. “He was a good racehorse, and he could run, and still can. When he takes off in the paddock, he leaves everybody behind.” Digger was sent to one of New Vocations’ Ohio facilities where he was cared for until Brassfield saw his posting and applied for adoption in the spring of 2012. It was not long before she was approved, and Digger found his forever home. While Digger needed a great deal of patience and commitment to learn how to be ridden beyond racing, Brassfield was determined to help the beloved gelding settle down and enjoy his retirement. New Vocations, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was founded by Dot Morgan in 1992 and is one of 81 facilities accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), an accrediting body that fundraises and awards funds to its accredited organizations throughout the year. The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and its horsemen support the efforts of the TAA with each owner who participates at a NYRA racetrack donating $10 per start to thoroughbred aftercare. Additionally, horsemen donate 1.5 percent of the purchase price of horses claimed on the circuit to the TAA and to the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association’s (NYTHA) TAKE THE LEAD program, which provides veterinary exams and the funds for transportation and retraining costs for horses at NYRA racetracks. “Digger was donated to our program on February 5, 2012, by Mike Repole and was in our program for four months before he was adopted,” said Anna Ford, the Thoroughbred Program Director for New Vocations. “He was a very classy guy.” Brassfield said Digger has been the best teacher she could ask for. “He’s so happy, but in the beginning, he was crazy,” said Brassfield, with a laugh. “He was headstrong and if the boy doesn’t like you, you’ll know it. He’s honest, and I said, ‘Even if I can’t ever ride him, he has his forever home.’ He gives me everything I need just by being here. He taught me more than any horse could have taught me.” 10 years after stepping off the racetrack and with much patience and gradual improvements, Digger enjoys some light riding and flatwork and has settled in beautifully to his retirement. Brassfield describes Digger as “a puppy,” his gentle nature and intelligence allowing him to teach even the youngest of horse lovers. “I started training him and working with him every day,” said Brassfield. “He’s good with kids – another boarder at the farm says Digger is the only horse she trusts with her 3-year-old daughter. He’s not spooky, he’s willing and there’s nothing I can’t throw at him that’s he’s not willing to accept. He has a sense of humor and likes things a certain way.” Digger, who once ran Beyer Speed Figures exceeding 100, leads a quieter life these days, enjoying his time out of the spotlight and with his devoted owner. Though he is a bit limited in his abilities under tack, Digger enjoys the occasional trail ride and flatwork, along with his time to himself in his large paddock with a herd of friends. “He does trail riding and we did lessons for a little dressage, but other than that, he’s leisure and pleasure. He has 30 or 40 acres to roam with about eight other horses. He loves it and loves being out there,” Brassfield said. “All the mares in the pasture are his according to him. He has made one friend that came two months ago, a quarter horse

Retired Racehorses, Combat Veterans Find Healing at Down the Stretch Ranch By: Alexandra Kokka Fifty miles west of Spokane, Wash., away from the hustle and bustle of big city living, everything gets quiet at Down the Stretch Ranch—a solitude that eases the restless minds of both veterans and retired racehorses. Horse racing and civil service were certainly ingrained in the McCanna family genome. A third generation horseman and younger brother of Washington State Hall of Fame trainer Tim McCanna—Daniel “Boone” McCanna grew up on the backstretch working in his father’s shedrow alongside his Marine Corps veteran cousin, Mark Moran. Boone went on to spend nearly three decades as a jockey agent before deciding it was time for a change of pace. “It was actually my mom’s idea to start a Thoroughbred retirement facility,” Boone recalled. “My dad always turned his horses out half the year because it was just a seasonal meet in Spokane and then his old horses were always retired at our family farm.” The respect the McCannas showed their horses on and off the track was the catalyst for Down the Stretch Ranch. Then it was Moran who insisted the organization’s mission include rehabilitation for veterans. “Mark was a Marine in Vietnam when he was 19,” Boone explained. “One day, while walking through the jungle, someone in their company stepped on a time-triggered explosive. Mark was the third guy from the back of the line and it blew his entire leg off.” A large percentage of veterans struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder, caused by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event that can cause nightmares, flashbacks, and severe anxiety. Upon returning from Vietnam, Moran experienced firsthand the cathartic effect working with Thoroughbreds provided his mental health. In 2014 Boone co-founded Down the Stretch Ranch to serve as a place of solace for retired racehorses and veterans alike. Since its inception, the ranch has been home to 25-34 ex-racehorses every year. Determined to provide the same opportunity to combat veterans in his community, Moran dedicated himself to forming a veteran therapy program at the farm. The Purple Heart and Bronze Star Marine Corps veteran’s efforts have allowed hundreds of guests to gain access to the life-changing therapy. “I was never in the military, so it was really nice when we came home to get it started that Mark would be able to talk to the veterans and relate to them better than I could,” Boone said. “He died five years ago, but we’ve kept the veteran program going because it’s a good thing and it honors Mark.” Over the years, two highly decorated warriors and U.S. Army leaders, Lt. Col. Gregory Allen and Lt. Gen. Michael Ferriter, have been invaluable resources for Boone, directing countless combat veterans to seek refuge at the ranch. According to Lt. Col. Allen—who served in the Army Rangers, Green Berets, and commanded an infantry battalion in Iraq before culminating his 27-year military career as the chief of staff for the Washington Army National Guard—every soldier is instilled with the “Warrior Ethos.” Consequently, those who display the greatest perseverance of valor and duty to their country experience the most unspeakable hardships while on tour. As a result, many combat warriors fail to heal their traumas through the conventional modes of rehabilitation provided by the Veterans Health Administration. “Every soldier has his own story,” Allen said. “A lot of the infantry guys, they’re the ones really out on the front lines constantly, going on missions night after night. It gets really stressful and afterwards it’s hard to come back and have a normal life. Some of these guys just need a new direction. When I heard what Boone was doing, I knew we needed to get these guys out there.” Boone allows the horses and veterans to forge their own relationships through intense, yet unspoken moments of mutual understanding. “Thoroughbred racehorses are highly trained, specialized, freaking great athletes, just like these guys that are warriors—there’s an instant connection,” Boone said. “I’m no therapist or anything, but letting these guys just kind of do stuff on their own time with the horses brings them out of their shell. To some guys I’ll say, ‘If you want to sleep in, sleep in; if you want to get up, you’ll hear me out here in the morning.’ Almost 10 out of 10 of them are up as soon as they hear me around the barn. “The ranch is a place that they can call theirs,” Boone said. “Most of the guys that come; they plan to come for a day and they end up staying for a week. Then, they keep coming back because there’s something different every day.” U.S. Army combat veteran Jerald Reichel served as a machine gunner for two tours in Iraq. In 2016, five years after experiencing an unspeakable amount of death and destruction, he continued to struggle with life as a civilian. Reichel was losing the battle to cope with his mental health and lost sight of a reason to live. “I’m 100% disabled with PTSD from combat,” Reichel said. “Six years ago I was living in a homeless veterans program. It was a really bad time in my life, I was going through a divorce, feeling depressed, and suicidal. I really didn’t see any hope for the future.” To this day, Lt. Col. Allen maintains close connections to countless warriors—including Reichel—who were under his command. In his retirement he has dedicated himself to connecting veterans in Washington to the resources that serve them best. “I was Jerald’s battalion commander in Iraq for about four years,” Lt. Col. Allen said. “He was a good infantry man and wasn’t the only vet I knew that had come back from that last deployment at the end of 2009 and had a hard time adjusting. That’s why I stayed in touch.” Despite the 150-mile distance, when Lt. Col. Allen suggested Boone bring a struggling Reichel out to the ranch, he made the arrangements to pick him

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance closed its second annual Off to the Races online auction Friday, Feb. 3rd and the Lexitonian Stallion Season online auction on Feb. 6th. Due to the generosity of their donors, the TAA raised over $56,000 from the 17 offered VIP experience packages and No Guarantee Season to Lexitonian. From Jan. 26th to Feb. 3rd the public had the opportunity to bid on VIP experience packages on 17 major race days in 2023 and 2024. Each VIP experience package offered a unique itinerary of horse racing-related bucket list activities and tickets to the specified race day(s). On Feb. 6th from 6pm – 9pm EST, breeders were welcomed to bid on a 2023 No Guarantee season with breed back to Lexitonian donated by trainer Jack Sisterson and his dedicated team at JWS Racing. Bred and campaigned by Calumet Farm, Lexitonian stands at Lane’s End for a 2023 fee of $7,500. “We love this horse, he was impressive as a race horse and he is a physically stunning animal,” said Celia Bennings of Morning Line Equestrian and winner of the 2023 season. “Lexitonian compliments our mare well and we are excited to see that he is a freshman sire by Speightstown. It will be exciting to see what his offspring does on the racetrack.” In total, 26 sponsors contributed to the 17 VIP experiences packages offered in the TAA Off to the Races auction and Lexitonian Stallion Season auctions: 1/ST, America’s Best Racing, Anne’s Washington Inn, Arkansas Thoroughbred Retirement and Rehabilitation Foundation, Breeders’ Cup Ltd., Tom Cannell, Canterbury Park, Christine A. Moore Millinery, Christine Lee’s Restaurant, Churchill Downs Inc., David Dunkley Fine Millinery, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Fran Taylor and Tom Cheek, Frank & Dino’s Restaurant, Hotel at Arundel Preserve, Keeneland Association, LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society, Monmouth Park, Mt. Washington Tavern, National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, New York Racing Association, Old Friends, Jack Sisterson, Second Stride, Tampa Bay Downs, Win Place Home, Woodbine Entertainment. “Thank you to everyone who participated in our Off to the Races and Lexitonian Stallion Season auctions,” said TAA president Jeffrey Bloom. “We are thrilled with the outcome of these events, and so proud of all the partnerships we have formed along the way with the racetracks, sponsors, and individuals who make all of this possible. We are all here for the horses and so excited by the impact these fundraisers will make on accredited aftercare.” Businesses or individuals wishing to become involved or sponsor items for TAA auctions and events can contact TAA Funding and Events Manager Emily Dresen at 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.   CONTACT Stacie Clark 859-230-5881 sclark@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 859-224-2851 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org  

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will offer a Lexitonian 2023 breeding season for auction on Monday, Feb. 6 from 6-9 PM EST. Donated by Lexitonian’s trainer, Jack Sisterson, the offer entails a 2023 No Guarantee Season with a Breed Back. Standing at Lane’s End for $7,500 LFSN, the grade 1 winner’s first foals will arrive this year. “He’s a horse who fights,” said trainer Jack Sisterson. “He has the talent, the will, and the heart. He’s a class act winning and placing second in multiple Grade 1 races. I’ve had a tremendous amount of confidence in him throughout his career because you can run him over any track, and he always knows what to do. Lexitonian brought a lot of great opportunities to our barn which we are forever grateful for— if it were not for the horses, we wouldn’t be here. I’m happy for this opportunity to give back to these wonderful horses.” “This is such an exciting opportunity both for the TAA and breeders to have an opportunity to breed to such a talented and beautiful second year sire, Lexitonian, while supporting the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance,” said TAA Funding and Events Manager, Emily Dresen. “A special thank you to Jack Sisterson for donating his share in Lexitonian’s 2023 breeding season and to Lane’s End for their support.” To register and bid in the one-day only auction, CLICK HERE.   About Lexitonian An impressive two-year-old debut winner at Belmont, the son of champion Speightstown went on to win the Grade 3 Chick Lang Stakes at three along with the Concern Stakes before hitting the board in the Grade 2 Phoenix Stakes at Keeneland. At four, he ran second by a nose to Collusion Illusion in the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes. In his five-year-old campaign, he ran second by a head to Flagstaff in the hotly contested Grade 1 Churchill Downs Stakes on Kentucky Derby Day and scored a huge victory in the Grade 1 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap at Saratoga, defeating 2020 Champion male sprinter Whitmore and Grade 1 winners Mischevious Alex and Firenze Fire. To learn more about Lexitonian, click here. PHOTO: Amy Lanigan Photography

Off to the Races, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)’s online benefit auction, closes Friday, Feb. 3 at 10 PM EST. Beginning last Thursday, Jan. 26, the TAA has proudly offered the public the opportunity to bid on 17 VIP experience packages on major race days in 2023 and 2024. Each experience package offers a unique itinerary of horse racing-related bucket list activities and tickets to the specified race day(s). CLICK HERE to view and bid on all items. Bidding CLOSES Friday, Feb. 3, 2023 at 10 PM EST. Featured Packages: 2023 VIP Last Chance/First Chance NHC Qualifier 2023 VIP Tampa Bay Derby 2023 VIP Florida Derby 2023 VIP Arkansas Derby 2023 VIP Santa Anita Derby 2023 VIP Blue Grass Stakes 2023 VIP Kentucky Oaks & Kentucky Derby 2023 VIP Preakness 148 2023 VIP Belmont Stakes 2023 VIP Haskell Stakes 2023 VIP Whitney Stakes 2023 VIP King’s Plate 2023 VIP Pacific Classic 2023 VIP Maryland Million Day 2023 VIP Breeders’ Cup World Championships 2023 VIP Canterbury Park Experience 2024 VIP Pegasus World Cup “We are thrilled with level of bidding we have seen over the last week in the Off to the Races auction,” said TAA Funding and Events Manager, Emily Dresen. “With less than 24 hours to go, there is still time and opportunity to bid and raise funds for our accredited organizations. We are so grateful to all our sponsors who have donated to our auction and made all of this possible. Good luck to everyone participating!” “The Off to the Races auction is such an exciting way to support retired racehorses,” said TAA President, Jeffrey Bloom. “The TAA staff and our supporters have already done a tremendous job making this year’s auction bigger and better than last year. Bid now and join the TAA at one of our amazing 17 race-day experiences.”

On Saturday, January 28th, 1/ST paid special tribute to a more than decade long partnership with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) following the running of the TAA Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf presented by Pepsi. For the second consecutive year, the race was named in honor of the TAA, and in a presentation following the race, TAA representatives accepted a check for $50,000 from 1/ST. The TAA accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Since 2012, the TAA has granted more than $28.1 million to accredited aftercare organizations and 15,500 Thoroughbreds have been retrained, rehomed, or retired by accredited organizations. “1/ST RACING & GAMING stands behind the efforts of the TAA and we are proud to make continued contributions to ensure our Thoroughbred athletes receive the best care following their racing careers,” said Aidan Butler, Chief Executive Officer, 1/ST Racing & Gaming. “We are proud of our long history and partnership with 1/ST Racing,” said TAA Operations Consultant, Stacie Clark. “1/ST continues to provide the TAA with a foundation of support through which we can promote the great and vital work done by our accredited organizations. We were thrilled to join our partners here once again at Gulfstream Park to enjoy a fantastic day of racing and to support our industry’s deserving horses and the accredited organizations they call home.” 1/ST executives and Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance committee and board members, Nicole Walker, Vice President, The Stronach Group and Aidan Butler, presented the trophy for the TAA Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf to the connections of winning mare Queen Goddess. Following the trophy presentation, Walker and Butler were joined by fellow TAA Board Members, TAA staff, and representatives from TAA-accredited organizations for the $50,000 check presentation. The TAA also presented Best Turned Out Horse Awards sponsored by Centennial Farms. 2023 marks the fifth consecutive year that Centennial Farm’s Don Little, Jr. and son Donald Little have presented the Best Turned Out Horse awards at Pegasus. See the full list of Best Turned Out Horse winners on the TAA website at https://www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/pegasus-world-cup-taa-best-turned-out-awards-sponsored-by-centennial-farms/. About The Stronach Group & 1/ST The Stronach Group is a world-class technology, entertainment 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, Gulfstream Park West and Palm Meadows Thoroughbred Training Center (Florida); the Maryland Jockey Club at Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course – home of the legendary Preakness Stakes, Rosecroft Raceway and Bowie Training Center (Maryland). 1/ST CONTENT is 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 innovative content development, elevated national and local venue management and hospitality, strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and procurement development. 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 email david.joseph@gulfstreampark.com, visit www.1st.com or follow @1ST_racing on Twitter or @1stracing on Instagram and Facebook. 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. CONTACT Stacie Clark 859-230-5881 sclark@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 859-224-2851 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org

Centennial Farms sponsored the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Best Turned Out Horse Awards during the Pegasus World Cup card Jan. 28, 2023 at Gulfstream Park. 2023 marks Centennial’s fifth consecutive year Centennial Farms has sponsored the awards.   RACE 1 #12 QUALY Groom: Manuel Felipe Trainer: Saffie Joseph, Jr.   RACE 2 #9 PERFORM Groom: Marco Antonio Trainer: Claude McGaughey III   RACE 3 #4 SOLE VOLANTE Groom: Carlos Arantes Trainer: Patrick Biacone   RACE 4 — The South Beach presented by Pepsi #1 KAHIKO Groom: Nestor Ramos Trainer: J. Kent Sweezey   RACE 5 #11 JOURNEYMAN Groom: Javier Solis Trainer: Saffie Joseph, Jr.   RACE 6 — The La Prevoyante presented by Don Julio (G3) #4 BESIDE HERSELF Groom: Edwin Garcia Trainer: Todd Pletcher   RACE 7 — The Carousel Club presented by Seminole Hard Rock #8 GREYES CREEK Groom: Victor Mendoza Trainer: Paulo Lobo   RACE 8 — The Inside Information presented by Brightline (G2) #4 OBLIGATORY Groom: Ana Hernandez Trainer: William Mott   RACE 9 — The William L. McKnight presented by Davidoff Cigars (G3) #3 PAO ALTO (FR) Groom: Esteban Ramierz Trainer: Graham Motion   RACE 10 — The Fred W. Hooper presented by Whispering Angel (G3) #9 ENDORSED Groom: Edwardo Agustin Trainer: Mike Maker   RACE 11 — The TAA Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf Invitational presented by Pepsi (G3) #2 DALIKA Groom: Omar Bahena Trainer: Albert Stall, Jr.   RACE 12 — The Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational presented by Qatar Racing (G1) #6 LADY SPEIGHTSPEARE Groom: Anastasia Zemtsov Trainer: Roger Attfield   RACE 13 — The Pegasus World Cup Invitational presented by Baccarat (G1) #1 PROXY Groom: James Darjean Trainer: Michael Stidham