As part of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)’s month-long Holiday Giving Campaign, Jack Damico and East Cost Partners have pledged to match all donations up to $3,000 made to the TAA on Dec. 27, 2022. Jack Damico joined the TAA Board of Director’s in 2022, but has been a fierce supporter of Thoroughbred aftercare for decades. The forensic CPA & certified arbitrator has been involved with racing since 1986 as an owner and breeder. Damico also manages The Posse Racing Stable and East Coast Partners Racing Stable, which primarily race on the East Coast. Now, Damico asks those in the racing industry to make a donation to the TAA on Dec. 27 in support of the TAA’s Holiday Giving Campaign. “The Damico family and our East Coast Partners Racing Stable have a passion for Thoroughbreds and a commitment to ensure that these magnificent athletes have a safe and caring home upon their retirement from racing,” said Damico. “We firmly believe that Thoroughbreds love what they do on the track and need a new job at the end of their racing careers. Whether they are retrained to be sport/event horses, track ponies, riding horses, or just pasture pals at a sanctuary, we do our very best to be sure that there is proper aftercare for our horses. “When invited to join the TAA Board of Directors, I was honored to say yes, because the TAA is making a huge difference in aftercare,” Damico continued. “The effort of TAA is such a bright spot in our industry, to counter those organizations and people who wrongly try to drag our sport into the gutter. I hope that along with my friends at East Coast Partners Racing Stable we can continue to be a small but important part of TAA’s future.” “The TAA is making great strides this holiday season to fundraise on behalf of our 81 accredited charities and we are so excited to have Jack Damico’s support and generous pledge today,” said TAA Funding and Events Manager. Emily Dresen. “We invite everyone to join us and double your impact with Jack’s match.” TAA’s Holiday Giving Campaign commenced November 29th and is scheduled to conclude New Year’s Eve. Those wishing to support the TAA, its 81 accredited organizations, and thousands of retired Thoroughbreds can donate through the TAA’s website or text DONATE to 56651. During the Holiday Giving Campaign, TAA is also offering donors the benefit of sending digital holiday cards to colleagues, friends, and loved ones. Throughout the end of the year, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will continue to host special one-day only donation matches with some of horse racing’s biggest names. For more chances to double your donation, watch the TAA’s social media, website, and industry advertisements for the next Holiday Giving match day announcement. To learn more and donate to the TAA’s Holiday Giving campaign, CLICK HERE.

As part of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)’s month-long Holiday Giving Campaign, Aidan Butler and his beloved off-track Thoroughbred Cannonstone have pledged to match all donations up to $2,500 made to the TAA on Dec. 24, 2022. A major pillar in racetrack stewardship, Butler strives to elevate the sport of racing through safety, innovation, and a long-term commitment to fund sustainable aftercare initiatives— including the TAA. Long before Butler’s induction to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Board of Directors in 2022, the Chief Executive Officer of 1/ST RACING & GAMING had proven his dedication to supporting the TAA through numerous 1/ST racetrack funding initiatives. Butler adopted “Stone” from TAA-accredited Secretariat Center in 2019. Cannonstone represents one out of approximately 15,000 retired racehorses whose transition from racing to second career was facilitated by funding from the TAA. Now, Butler and Stone wish to support the TAA and its 81 accredited organizations during the TAA Holiday Giving Campaign. “The TAA is vital to the success and longevity of our racing industry,” said 1/ST RACING & GAMING Chief Executive Officer, Aidan Butler. “On a personal level, I wouldn’t have my beloved horse Cannonstone without the TAA and their network of accredited groups (or the vet bills, but he’s worth it). We are all in this together and if we continue to put the horse first, success will follow. Please join Stone and I to give back to the horses that truly give us everything.” “We appreciate Aidan’s commitment to the TAA and to the Thoroughbreds,” said TAA Operations Consultant, Stacie Clark. “Aidan’s horse Cannonstone has been a wonderful mascot not only for aftercare but for all fans of Thoroughbreds and racing.” TAA’s Holiday Giving Campaign commenced November 29th and is scheduled to conclude New Year’s Eve. Those wishing to support the TAA, its 81 accredited organizations, and thousands of retired Thoroughbreds can donate through the TAA’s website or text DONATE to 56651. During the Holiday Giving Campaign, TAA is also offering donors the benefit of sending digital holiday cards to colleagues, friends, and loved ones. Throughout the end of the year, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will continue to host special one-day only donation matches with some of horse racing’s biggest names. For more chances to double your donation, watch the TAA’s social media, website, and industry advertisements for the next Holiday Giving match day announcement. To learn more and donate to the TAA’s Holiday Giving campaign, CLICK HERE.

Godolphin’s Lifetime Care Ensures Safety Net for Its Horses, Worldwide By: Alexandra Kokka Godolphin has cemented its place among Thoroughbred racing’s most renowned owners and breeders worldwide, demonstrating the possibility to achieve success at the highest level of the sport spanning four continents. The same world-class effort Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin has displayed in breeding and racing horses also applies to aftercare. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance recently caught up with Godolphin’s strategic adviser for charities, Diana Cooper, to discuss the evolution of aftercare in the organization. “Since the very beginning of Godolphin, we have had an aftercare program that has evolved over the years,” Cooper recalled. “About seven years ago we became more proactive about formalizing the programs we had in each country under the Godolphin banner, and so the Godolphin Lifetime Care brand name came to fruition. Our objective is to create a greater awareness, passion, and care for these Thoroughbreds throughout their lives, to provide and encourage the best possible lifelong care.” Godolphin Lifetime Care representatives around the world were among those in attendance for these early meetings and annually hold court with aftercare and racing representatives. Every Thoroughbred who is a part of the flagship ownership entity has a safety net for the duration of its life, long after retiring from racing. “In each country where Godolphin operates, we have a lifetime care program that reflects the culture and fits in with the infrastructure of the industry in that country,” Cooper explained. “We are very proud to be able to promote the secondary careers of these horses around the world.” Because of differences in practices, policies, and demand for Thoroughbred aftercare among countries, GLC programs in Europe, Australia, United States, and Japan have individualized protocols. More than anything else, the depth of the GLC program depends on the level of preexisting aftercare infrastructure already in place in that racing jurisdiction. UNITED STATES In the U.S., Godolphin’s Lifetime Care program is overseen by Godolphin racing office and sales manager Emma Browne Lovatt, who has been under the Godolphin umbrella for 20 years. Although she wears many hats for the U.S. racing and breeding operation, Lovatt takes great pride in the success of the aftercare program. “The Lifetime Care program is a very important aspect of the business model: It’s part of the way we do business, and it has to be included in what we do,” Lovatt said. “Their racing career is the smallest part of their life, and we’ve got to try to ensure that the rest of their lives, whether it be the next 15 to 20 years, is somewhere they will be well taken care of.” Since 2014, Lovatt estimates she has helped rehome nearly 184 Godolphin horses. Horses are either rehomed directly following their letdown period or are transferred to an aftercare organization that provides retraining and adoption resources. “I have a wait-list of people interested in adopting Godolphin graduates—it’s ginormous,” Lovatt said. “I also use TAA-accredited New Vocations and the Secretariat Center.” Horses that transition through TAA-accredited organizations are protected under the TAA’s Code of Standards. Thanks to the preexisting infrastructure the TAA and its 81 accredited organizations provide, Godolphin horses that otherwise would be rehomed with no retraining have the opportunity to discover what discipline they are best suited for in building a foundation toward a second career. For example, Godolphin-trained gelding Regiment made two career starts and never broke his maiden. The decision was made to retire the son of Indian Charlie from racing, thus activating the next phase of his life—transitioning through the GLC program. Regiment spent six months in training at the Secretariat Center in Lexington, where it was quickly determined that, with the right adopter, “Reggie,” had the potential to be an upper-level eventer. Fast forward seven years to 2022, Regiment and adopter McKenzie Dey Cumbea have successfully completed numerous four-star events. EUROPE Across the pond sits Godolphin’s most in-depth Lifetime Care program, where retired racehorses receive rehabilitation as well as retraining for a second career. However, rehoming is not the only mission that the European Lifetime Care program serves. It also houses select retirees to help promote the path for retired racehorses. “In Europe our retraining program is based in the U.K.,” Cooper explained. “At our Newmarket retraining facility, we look after horses that have been particular friends to us. We retrain them, and they become our ambassadors.” Among the most beloved of the UK Lifetime Care program ambassadors is 2004 Ascot Gold Cup (G1) winner, Papineau. Just this fall, the now 22-year-old gelding launched the new school year at the Newmarket Academy, accompanied school children to pay their respects at the statue of Her Majesty The Queen, welcomed more than 790 visitors during the Sir Henry Cecil Open Weekend, and even brought joy to some patients at the Newmarket Hospital. “The horses that we’ve used for racehorse parades to be our flag-bearers include African Story and Prince Bishop, winners of the Dubai World Cup (G1), Ascot Gold Cup winner Papineau, and (trainer) Charlie Appleby’s Melbourne Cup (G1) winner, Cross Counter,” Cooper said. AUSTRALIA Similar to Godolphin’s efforts in America, the GLC program in Australia provides direct rehoming or retraining, depending on each horse’s needs. The southern hemisphere operation also maintains flag-bearers to represent Godolphin during race parades and open houses. “In Australia, the majority of horses that we rehome fit into programs that already exist,” Cooper explained. “These programs really suit the industry and adapt our horses as much as possible for their future careers. Hartnell was a champion racehorse and is now a champion in aftercare competitions.” JAPAN Yasuko Sawai has been with Godolphin for 16 years, first working in the Darley Japan foaling barn for 10 years before taking on the responsibility of managing the Japanese GLC program in 2015. “We do our Lifetime Care program two ways. One, we have a rehoming program for our racehorses and, two, we want to improve aftercare by educating racing people,” Sawa explained. “We have rehomed around

As part of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)’s month-long Holiday Giving Campaign, Kurtis Coady & Megan Devine have pledged to match all donations up to $500 made to the TAA on Dec. 20, 2022. Best known for their contributions to the national horse racing scene as track photographer and on-air analyst, the powerhouse racing media couple also own retired racehorses at their home, Cardinal Creek Farm. Now, the Coady Photography and VidHorse businessowners seek to double their investment to aftercare by supporting the TAA Holiday Giving Campaign. “The Thoroughbred has given us everything, both personally and professionally,” said Devine & Coady. “We met at a racetrack and consider ourselves so lucky to have enjoyed careers in the racing industry. We believe it’s incredibly important to give back to the horses, and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance provides an excellent avenue to do so. On our own, we have rescued a few Thoroughbreds and provided both a forever home and a second career. But with your support, the TAA can help so many more horses find a soft landing after their time on the racetrack.” “Besides being exceptional photographers both on the racetrack and the backside, Kurtis and Megan care deeply for Thoroughbred aftercare and even provide for a few off-track Thoroughbreds of their own,” said fellow racetrack photographer and TAA Inspections Administrator, Suzie Picou-Oldham. “The media is a vital component of the industry, and I am proud to highlight two very talented members of our racing media today as part of the TAA Holiday Giving Campaign.” TAA’s Holiday Giving Campaign commenced November 29th and is scheduled to conclude New Year’s Eve. Those wishing to support the TAA, its 81 accredited organizations, and thousands of retired Thoroughbreds can donate through the TAA’s website or text DONATE to 56651. During the Holiday Giving Campaign, TAA is also offering donors the benefit of sending digital holiday cards to colleagues, friends, and loved ones. Throughout the end of the year, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will continue to host special one-day only donation matches with some of horse racing’s biggest names. For more chances to double your donation, watch the TAA’s social media, website, and industry advertisements for the next Holiday Giving match day announcement. To learn more and donate to the TAA’s Holiday Giving campaign, CLICK HERE.

As part of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)’s month-long Holiday Giving Campaign, Dr. Pug and Susie Hart have pledged to match all donations up to $1,000 made to the TAA on Dec. 19, 2022. Longtime supporters of Thoroughbred aftercare—the Ocala-based couple have been fierce advocates of the TAA since inception. Despite Hart’s required rotation off the TAA Board of Directors in 2023 after serving five consecutive years, she and Dr. Pug are determined to continue to uphold their responsibility as racing industry participants by supporting the TAA Holiday Giving Campaign. “We want to double donations today as a way of paying it forward to the horses who enrich our lives and to whom we owe our livelihood,” said Hart. “We want to continue in our efforts to promote aftercare and pay homage to all 81 accredited groups who play such a big role. As the umbrella and oversight organization of aftercare, we hope you consider making the TAA your charitable choice this year.” “Dr. Pug and Susie have been great advocates for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and Susie will be sorely missed on our Board of Directors,” said TAA Funding & Events Manager, Emily Dresen. “People like Dr. Pug and Susie are what make our industry great, and to have them as supporters and mentors is a great asset to the TAA. Please join our friends in supporting the TAA Holiday Giving campaign today.” TAA’s Holiday Giving Campaign commenced November 29th and is scheduled to conclude New Year’s Eve. Those wishing to support the TAA, its 81 accredited organizations, and thousands of retired Thoroughbreds can donate through the TAA’s website or text DONATE to 56651. During the Holiday Giving Campaign, TAA is also offering donors the benefit of sending digital holiday cards to colleagues, friends, and loved ones. Throughout the end of the year, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will continue to host special one-day only donation matches with some of horse racing’s biggest names. For more chances to double your donation, watch the TAA’s social media, website, and industry advertisements for the next Holiday Giving match day announcement. To learn more and donate to the TAA’s Holiday Giving campaign, CLICK HERE.

As part of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)’s month-long Holiday Giving Campaign, Siena Farm has pledged to match all donations up to $5,000 made to the TAA on Dec. 17, 2022. Siena Farm excels in not only breeding and racing Thoroughbreds—such as their syndicate ownership in undefeated 2022 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner, Flightline—but within their endeavors to support the industry from all angles, including Thoroughbred aftercare. Now, the boutique breeding and racing farm seeks to invite fellow industry participants to match their donation to the TAA Holiday Giving Campaign. “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance plays a vital role through its accreditation of aftercare organizations and grants to safeguard the most vulnerable of our retired Thoroughbred racehorses and Siena Farm is very proud to participate in the TAA Holiday Giving Campaign,” said Siena Farm President, David Pope. “We invite all industry participants to join us this holiday season and show your support to a great organization.” “We are so happy to continue to build on our partnership with Siena Farm,” said TAA Funding and Events Manager, Emily Dresen. “Siena leads with class and integrity, proving that when you put the horse first, success will follow. We are thrilled to have this world-class breeder and owner bestow such a generous match to the TAA today.” TAA’s Holiday Giving Campaign commenced November 29th and is scheduled to conclude New Year’s Eve. Those wishing to support the TAA, its 81 accredited organizations, and thousands of retired Thoroughbreds can donate through the TAA’s website or text DONATE to 56651. During the Holiday Giving Campaign, TAA is also offering donors the benefit of sending digital holiday cards to colleagues, friends, and loved ones. Throughout the end of the year, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will continue to host special one-day only donation matches with some of horse racing’s biggest names. For more chances to double your donation, watch the TAA’s social media, website, and industry advertisements for the next Holiday Giving match day announcement. To learn more and donate to the TAA’s Holiday Giving campaign, CLICK HERE.

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) Board of Directors voted at its meeting Dec. 14 to add six new directors in 2023. For a second consecutive year, Jeffrey Bloom, managing partner of Bloom Racing Stable, will serve as president of the TAA. “It has been incredibly humbling and rewarding to serve as President of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance over the past year, and I am honored to uphold my role in 2023,” said Bloom. “I would like to extend a warm welcome to the six new directors joining our cause. As Directors for the TAA, it is our duty to act as liaisons for aftercare within the racing industry and to facilitate the TAA’s mission to accredit, inspect, and award grants to our 80+ accredited aftercare organizations.” TAA directors may serve up to five consecutive years and after five years are required to rotate off the board for a minimum of two years before being eligible for renomination. However, directors are still eligible to serve on TAA committees. James G. Bell, former president and racing manager of Godolphin, served as TAA president in 2014, 2021, and remained on the TAA’s board and executive committee for 2022 as immediate past president. After devoting five years of their time, expertise, and resources, Bell, Walt Robertson, Susie Hart, and Nicole Walker will rotate off the TAA Board of Directors come January 2023. “It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance board all these years,” said Bell. “As the old saying goes: ‘We’ve come a long way, but we have a long way to go.’ Awareness and Aftercare are now in the same sentence, and the focus now must shift to obligation and sustainability. We are grateful to all those that have embraced this very important component to our industry.” Bloom is joined on the executive committee by TAA Vice Presidents Craig Bandoroff, owner of Denali Stud and Madeline Auerbach, founding board member of the TAA, founder of the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA), and a Thoroughbred owner and breeder; TAA Treasurer Melissa Hicks, director of tax services at Dean Dorton; TAA Secretary Walter Robertson, attorney at Stites & Harbison; Aidan Butler, chief executive officer of 1/ST Racing & Gaming; Terry Finley, founder and chief executive officer of West Point Thoroughbreds. The directors beginning service in 2023 are: Price Bell, general manager of Mill Ridge Farm; Dr. Bonnie Comerford, DVM, veterinarian at Tiegland, Franklin, & Brokken; Joe De Francis, HISA director and managing partner of Gainesville Associates, LLC; Georganne Hale—returning for a second term–vice president of racing development of Maryland Jockey Club; Ric Waldman, president of Ric Waldman Thoroughbred Consulting, Inc, Kentucky Thoroughbred Association member; Mark Simendinger, former development manager and general manager of Kentucky Speedway, former member of Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, and former president of Turfway Park. They join current TAA Directors: Bloom, Madeline Auerbach, Craig Bandoroff, Laura Barillaro, Dr. Jeffrey Berk, Simon Bray, Donna Brothers, Boyd Browning, Aidan Butler, Tom Cannell, Jack Damico, Terry Finley, Melissa Hicks, John Keitt, Chip McGaughey, Josh Rubenstein, Richard Schosberg, Tom Ventura.

As part of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)’s month-long Holiday Giving Campaign, Sol Kumin has pledged to match all donations up to $5,000 made to the TAA on Dec. 14, 2022. No stranger to the winner’s circle, Kumin’s ventures into racehorse ownership have seen the likes of Justify, Authentic, Monomoy Girl, Exaggerator, Whitmore, and Lady Eli, among others. In addition to Kumin’s success on the racetrack, the American business leader and philanthropist has been a supporter of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance since 2017. “I believe as owners we have an obligation to make sure that these horses have a safe place to land when the crowds are gone and their racing days are over,” said Sol Kumin, Madaket Stables. “The TAA works tirelessly to not only ensure that these safe places exist, but that they also get the funding necessary to move on to their second careers.” “We are so happy to have Sol’s support and match for the day,” said TAA Funding and Events Manager, Emily Dresen. “Madaket Stables is a great example of responsible ownership that doesn’t end at the track.” TAA’s Holiday Giving Campaign commenced November 29th and is scheduled to conclude New Year’s Eve. Those wishing to support the TAA, its 81 accredited organizations, and thousands of retired Thoroughbreds can donate through the TAA’s website or text DONATE to 56651. During the Holiday Giving Campaign, TAA is also offering donors the benefit of sending digital holiday cards to colleagues, friends, and loved ones. Throughout the end of the year, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will continue to host special one-day only donation matches with some of horse racing’s biggest names. For more chances to double your donation, watch the TAA’s social media, website, and industry advertisements for the next Holiday Giving match day announcement. To learn more and donate to the TAA’s Holiday Giving campaign, CLICK HERE.

As part of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)’s month-long Holiday Giving Campaign, West Point Thoroughbreds has pledged to match all donations up to $5,000 made to the TAA on Dec. 12, 2022. West Point Thoroughbreds, well known for their Gold Standard in partnerships and success on the track, also emphasizes this gold standard in their aftercare initiatives and responsibilities. Two months after reaching the pinnacle of racehorse ownership—thanks to Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner, Flightline—West Point Thoroughbreds aims to bolster fundraising for the industry’s most expansive aftercare funding solution, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is an initiative that we all need to stand behind,” said West Point Thoroughbreds Chief Operating Officer, Erin Birkenhauer. “A large portion of racehorses are not destined for the breeding shed, but that doesn’t mean their wellbeing is no longer our responsibility. The due diligence performed by the TAA and their accredited organizations saves horse’s lives, it saved King Congie, and we at West Point are proud to support this vital undertaking. “The TAA was put in place to ensure aftercare organizations operate with the gold standard and to fairly distribute the grants that we, as an industry, need to provide. One donation to the TAA supports the many, many horses in need. It’s as simple as that.” “The importance of including aftercare in your business plans couldn’t be more important,” said TAA Operations Consultant, Stacie Clark Rogers. “West Point continues to show the value they place on their equine athletes, and we are so excited to include them in our Holiday Giving Campaign.” TAA’s Holiday Giving Campaign commenced November 29th and is scheduled to conclude New Year’s Eve. Those wishing to support the TAA, its 81 accredited organizations, and thousands of retired Thoroughbreds can donate through the TAA’s website or text DONATE to 56651. During the Holiday Giving Campaign, TAA is also offering donors the benefit of sending digital holiday cards to colleagues, friends, and loved ones. Throughout the end of the year, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will continue to host special one-day only donation matches with some of horse racing’s biggest names. For more chances to double your donation, watch the TAA’s social media, website, and industry advertisements for the next Holiday Giving match day announcement. To learn more and donate to the TAA’s Holiday Giving campaign, CLICK HERE.  

By: Mary Eddy/NYRA

In January of 2006, a plain bay named Strummer made his connections proud as he crossed the finish line first in the $65,000 Jimmy Winkfield to score his first stakes victory.

Nearly 17 years after posting his biggest accomplishment on the racetrack, Strummer is still putting smiles on the faces of those around him as one of 16 retired racehorses who have found a home at Old Friends at Cabin Creek in Greenfield Center, N.Y.