Coinciding with E.P. Taylor Stakes Day for the second year, Woodbine Aftercare Day included a dedication to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA). After the third race on the Oct. 8th card at Woodbine Racetrack, TAA accepted a check for $5,000 from Woodbine Cares. Additionally, 17 jockeys and 14 jock’s room employees designated a portion of their Saturday earnings, resulting in an additional $6,500 donation to TAA. Supporting Jockeys: Emma Jayne Wilson, Kirk Johnson, Slade Jones, Luis Contreras, Kazushi Kimura, Daisuke Fukumoto, Sahin Civaci, Skye Chernetz, David Moran, Patrick Husbands, Eswan Flores, Rafael Henandez, Justin Stein, Jeffrey Alderson, Jason Hoyte, Declan Carroll, Doug Gibbons Supporting Jock’s Room Team Members: Alison Read, Dino Luciani, Paul Ravera, Billy O’Connor, Charlie Nash, Daren Gomez, Nick Kaklikos, Steve O’Brien, Brad Cuthbertson, Shaikh Saeed, Des McMahon, Nick Webb, Tyler Gaskin, Moises Guce “Woodbine Aftercare Day was a big success for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance,” said TAA Funding Committee Chair, Yvonne Schwabe. “I’m so grateful to our wonderful jockeys and valets who donated in support of the TAA during Saturday’s festivities. The level of dedication to accredited Thoroughbred aftercare displayed this weekend was overwhelming and incredibly encouraging, and we hope to continue nurturing this partnership for years to come.” The TAA also hosted the Best Turned Out Horse Awards on E.P. Taylor Stakes Day, sponsored by Josham Farms Limited, providing a cash prize and gift bag to the winning groom of the Best Turned Out Horse for each of the five stakes races on the card: the Woodbine Cares Stakes, Nearctic Stakes (G2T) presented by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Durham Cup (G3), E.P. Taylor Stakes (G1T), and the Ontario Racing Stakes. In addition to the Best Turned Out Horse Awards, the TAA presented the Nearctic Stakes (G2T) won by Brendan Walsh trainee CAZADERO and Patrick Husbands for owner Marc Detampel. Woodbine Aftercare Day TAA Best Turned Out Horse Award Sponsored b y Josham Farms Limited Winners RACE 3— The Woodbine Cares Stakes #4 WITCH HAZEL (ON) Groom: Joel Garcia Trainer: Katerina Vassilieva   RACE 7— The Nearctic Stakes (G2) #3 WEDGEWOOD (ON) Groom: Amanda Cameron Trainer: Michael Keogh   RACE 8— The Durham Cup (G3) #7 HOMBRE (ON) Groom: Ramon Lafond Trainer: Roger Atfield   RACE 9— The E.P. Taylor Stakes (G1) #3 MOIRA (ON) Groom: Peter Lopez Trainer: Kevin Attard   RACE 10— The Ontario Racing Stakes   #4 KEEN FLATTER (ON)_ Groom: Steve Powell Trainer: Josie Carroll   PHOTO: Michael Burns (1 & 2)

The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) will host two championship shows in 2022: The T.I.P. Championships & Eastern Dressage Championships will be held October 6 through 9 in Aiken, South Carolina, and the T.I.P. Western Championships & Central Dressage Championships will take place October 12 through 15 in Lexington, Kentucky, in conjunction with the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover. Stable View Equestrian Center will host the South Carolina Championship show, which welcomes hunter, jumper, English pleasure, dressage, combined test and English in-hand competition. The Kentucky Horse Park will host dressage, Western dressage, barrel racing, Western pleasure, Western halter, ranch riding, and competitive trail competition. Both championship shows will feature in-hand classes, including classes designed to specifically celebrate horses that have started 50 or more times, have won more than $100,000 in earnings, and were adopted from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organizations or Thoroughbred Charities of America grantees. Six special awards will be given at each show, recognizing the youngest, oldest, most recently raced, highest earning, highest sale price, and most raced Thoroughbred. The 2022 shows are poised to welcome nearly 350 Thoroughbreds competing in 38 divisions. Each division will be awarded $2,000 in prize money with awards through 10th place. “We are excited to expand a full T.I.P. championship horse show to two locations in 2022 after offering just a barrel racing division in Kentucky in 2021,” said Kristin Werner, senior counsel for The Jockey Club and administrator of T.I.P. “Splitting the disciplines between both facilities will allow us to better highlight the versatility of the Thoroughbred in a range of disciplines; it will also allow even more competitors to show off their mounts.” View the virtual program for the T.I.P. Championship at https://tjctip.com/resources/2022_TIP_Champs_Program.pdf. Created and announced in October 2011, T.I.P. recognizes and rewards the versatility of the Thoroughbred through sponsorship of Thoroughbred classes and high point awards at sanctioned horse shows, performance awards, and non-competition awards. In addition to the complete schedule of T.I.P.-sponsored shows, other information about the program is available on the T.I.P. website, tjctip.com. Those interested in T.I.P. can follow the program at facebook.com/tjctip.   The Jockey Club, founded in 1894 and dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred breeding and racing, is the breed registry for North American Thoroughbreds. In fulfillment of its mission, The Jockey Club, directly or through subsidiaries, provides support and leadership on a wide range of important industry initiatives, and it serves the information and technology needs of owners, breeders, media, fans and farms. It founded America’s Best Racing (americasbestracing.net), the broad-based fan development initiative for Thoroughbred racing, and in partnership with the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, operates OwnerView (ownerview.com), the ownership resource. Additional information is available at jockeyclub.com.     Cover Image: Suzie Oldham-Picou  

For the second consecutive year, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will be promoted at Woodbine Racetrack‘s Aftercare Day on October 8th, 2022. TAA will be recognized throughout the race day, including in the presentation of the Nearctic Stakes (G2). The Toronto, Ontario-based track invites patrons to join in supporting the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance during a day of racing that includes jockey pledges, TAA Best Turned Out Horse Awards, and the presentation of the Nearctic Stakes (G2). The day will culminate in Woodbine Entertainment Group presenting a check in honor of the TAA. Jockeys will have the opportunity to designate their earnings to the TAA for any races won on Saturday, October 8. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Best Turned Out Horse Awards will be conducted in conjunction with the five stakes races on the card and are generously sponsored by Josham Farms Limited. Following the running of the Nearctic Stakes (G2), the TAA will be included in two presentations, first the blanket presentation made to the winning connections, then a check presentation to the TAA on behalf of Woodbine Entertainment Group. Support for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance runs deep among Canadian horse people. Woodbine Racetrack plays host to numerous TAA supporting trainers throughout the racing calendar, including Kevin Attard, Roger Attfield, Josie Carroll, John Charalambous, Catherine Day Phillips, Elizabeth Elder, Nick Gonzalez, Mike Keogh, and Robert Landry. Whether in Canada, the U.S., or beyond–trainers have the opportunity to pledge any percentage of their earnings in support of the TAA, its 82 accredited organizations, 180 facilities, and the thousands of Thoroughbreds in their care. “Aftercare of retired racehorses is a vital component of the sport and important to the team at Woodbine,” said Chief Executive Officer of Woodbine Entertainment Group, Jim Lawson. “We are honored to welcome the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to the second installment of Woodbine Aftercare Day. Last year was a great success and we look forward to working with the TAA again.” “I’m thrilled to see the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance center-stage on another Woodbine Aftercare Day,” said TAA Funding Chairwoman, Yvonne Schwabe. “The TAA has designated considerable funds to Canada’s retired racehorses– the support of not only Woodbine Racetrack, but its jockeys, horsemen, and patrons is certainly a worthwhile celebration.” PHOTO: Yvonne Schwabe

When One More Broad arrived at Hope’s Legacy in September of last year, he had already lived two lives- one as a racehorse, the other as a show horse. 
After only six starts on the track, earning just $4,260, the son of Broad Brush spent the next 21 years as a competition horse before he was ready to enjoy retirement. At the ripe old age of 24, it was certainly time.

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) once again enters as a sponsor of the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover. In conjunction with sponsoring the makeover, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance High Point Award will continue to be offered to the highest placed Thoroughbred adopted from or is owned by a TAA-accredited organization. The showcase of recently retrained off-track Thoroughbreds will take place at the Kentucky Horse Park October 12th to the 15th. Of the 377 horses entered across 10 divisions, 57 contestants are eligible to win the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance High Point Award, including a $1,000 cash prize split between the rider and the TAA-accredited organization from which the horse was adopted. The TAA and RRP have intersecting missions to facilitate horses retiring from racing in finding suitable second careers upon the conclusion of their racing careers. Currently, the TAA has 82 accredited organizations across North America, of those, 19 TAA-accredited organization have ties to horses competing in the Thoroughbred Makeover. “The success of the Retired Racehorse Project is another hallmark in the progression of Thoroughbred aftercare, and the TAA is proud to once again be a contributing sponsor to the Thoroughbred Makeover,” said TAA Operations Consultant, Stacie Clark Rogers. “The makeover is a first step towards a fulfilling second or third career for many Thoroughbreds and highlights what we already know to be true– Thoroughbreds are a versatile and intelligent breed capable of much success on and off the track.” Photo: Suzie Picou-Oldham

Tuesday’s action-packed Virginia Derby Day included a dedication to Thoroughbred aftercare. After the sixth race on the Virginia Derby card Sep. 6 at Colonial Downs, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) accepted a check for $66,000 from Colonial Downs and the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA). Initiated in 2019, Colonial Downs and the Virginia HBPA have each pledged $15 per start at the Colonial Downs meet to the TAA. “Colonial Downs is once again proud to support the TAA during our record breaking 2022 racing season,” said Jill Byrne, Colonial Downs’ Vice-President of Racing Operations. “The care of horses, both during and after their racing careers, is of the utmost importance and the TAA does such a great job to make sure this is accomplished. We were delighted to have TAA on site at the Virginia Derby and happy to present an even larger check than in past years.” “Tuesday was a great day for Virginia horsemen, and we were thrilled to honor the TAA on our biggest day of racing,” said Virginia HBPA’s Executive Director, Frank Petramalo Jr. “The funds we donate to the TAA are the most important way we can support our Thoroughbreds after they retire from racing.” The TAA also hosted the Best Turned Out Horse Awards on Virginia Derby Day, sponsored by the Virginia HBPA, providing a cash prize and gift bag to the winning groom of the Best Turned Out Horse for each of the six stakes races on the card: the Hidden Figures Overnight Handicap, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Kitten’s Joy Stakes, the Woodford Reserve Da Hoss Stakes, the Exacta Systems Rosie’s Stakes, the Woodford Reserve Virginia Oaks, and the New Kent County Virginia Derby (G3T). The winning horses and grooms for the TAA Best Turned Out Horse Awards Sponsored by Virginia HBPA are as follows: R4 Hidden Figures Overnight Handicap: JILTED BRIDE and groom Jorge Gonzalez R6 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Kitten’s Joy Stakes: DETERMINED CRUSH and groom Gervin Hernandez R7 Woodford Reserve Da Hoss Stakes: NOBODY LISTENS and groom Octavio Rodriguez R8 Exacta Systems Rosie’s Stakes: OPPOSITES ATTRACT and groom Louis Solario R9 Woodford Reserve Virginia Oaks: SPARKLE BLUE and groom Jesus Catalun R10 New Kent County Virginia Derby (G3T): TWO SOCKS (IRE) and groom Bernie Sanchez “Both Colonial Downs and the Virginia HBPA are outstanding partners of the TAA who are committed to supporting our equine athletes,” said TAA’s Funding and Events Manager, Emily (Dresen) Scandore. “The TAA is honored to showcase our partnership on such an exciting day of racing.” In addition to the Best Turned Out Horse Awards, the TAA presented the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Kitten’s Joy Stakes, won by Steve Asmussen trainee GIGANTE and Feargal Lynch for owners Iapetus Racing and Diamond T Racing. Photo: Coady Photography

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) is hosting the Best Turned Out Horse Awards in partnership with the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent Protection Agency (VHBPA) and Colonial Downs during Virginia Derby Day. For a third year, VHBPA sponsored the groom cash prize during the Tuesday September 6, 2022 race card. A cash prize and TAA gift bag will be presented to the winning groom of the Best Turned Out Horse for the six stakes races on the card. Representatives from the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, VHBPA, and Colonial Downs will select the horse in each race that was deemed to be the best presented, and that horse’s groom will receive a gift bag and cash prize. The winning groom will be congratulated on the live simulcast feed. Stay tuned for live updates all day on the winners of the TAA Best Turned Out Horse Awards Sponsored by Virginia HBPA.   Virginia Derby Day Best Turned Out Horse Award Winners RACE 4— The Hidden Figures Overnight Handicap #4 JILTED BRIDE Groom: Jorge Gonzalez Trainer: Steve Asmussen   RACE 6— The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Kitten’s Joy Stakes #8 DETERMINED CRUSH Groom: Gervin Hernandez Trainer: Phil Schoenthal Breeder: Godolphin   RACE 7—The 16th Running of The Woodford Reserve Da Hoss Stakes #8 NOBODY LISTENS Groom: Octavio Rodriguez Trainer: Michael Lovell   RACE 8—The 3rd Running of The Exacta Systems Rosie’s Stakes #4 OPPOSITES ATTRACT Groom: Louis Solario Trainer: Michael J. Trombetta   RACE 9— The 13th Running of The Woodford Reserve Virginia Oaks  #9 SPARKLE BLUE Groom: Jesus Catalun Trainer: H. Graham Motion   RACE 10— The 19th Running of The New Kent County (Grade III) Virginia Derby #2 TWO SOCKS (IRE) Groom: Bernie Sanchez Trainer: H. Graham Motion

Legendary Pimlico Race Course will once again play host to the popular Canter for a Cause Sunday, October 30.

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) hosted its Second Annual Calendar Photo Contest. Twelve winning photos were chosen to be featured in the 2023 TAA calendar. Entries for the contest were collected online from April 5 until June 11, 2022. Contestants had the opportunity to win the top prize of a Tipperary 9800 Devon with MIPS helmet, sponsored by Tipperary. The top 12 winners received a TAA swag bag and copy of the 2023 calendar. The first-place submission, which is also featured on the cover of the 2023 TAA Calendar, was won by Erin Degnan and her adopted off-track Thoroughbred Cackle the Cuda, courtesy of John Miller, Spectrum Photography. Cackle the Cuda made 43 starts before retiring from racing with a record of 8-11-6 and earnings of $118,790. Now this Kentucky-bred warhorse is enjoying a life of competitive trail and endurance riding. TAA-accredited After the Races began retraining Cackle the Cuda for a second career after racing, before placing him for adoption which ultimately led the son of Candy Ride (ARG) to Degnan. The 12 photographs chosen for the 2023 calendar photo contest are as follows: “Caribbean Meets Cowboy” by Chelsey Burris – TAA-accredited Organization: Friends of Ferdinand “Cackle the Cuda” by Erin Degnan (Photo by: John Miller of Spectrum Photography) – TAA-accredited Organization: After the Races “Hard Work Working Hard” by Natalie DePinto (Photo by: AK Dragoo Photography) – TAA-accredited Organization: Thoroughbred Placement Resources “Cyrus Looks to The Future” by Robin Doniger – TAA-accredited Organization: Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation “Just A Girl and Her Heart Horse” by Lyndsy McLendon – TAA-accredited Organization: Equine Rescue of Aiken “Three Bears” by Anita Motion – TAA-accredited Organization: Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation “Peekaboo, I see you!” by Sarah Mowat – TAA-accredited Organization: Illinois Equine Humane Center “Learning Something New” by Natasha Roberson – TAA-accredited Organization: Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare “Let’s Rumble” by Courtney VanErstvelde (Photo by: Jessika Lester Photography) – TAA-accredited Organization: After the Races “Winter Walks” by Justine Watson (Photo by: Glenn Watson) – TAA-accredited Organization: After the Races “Playing in the Pond” by CJ Wilson (Photo by: Philip Martin) – TAA-accredited Organization: Win Place Home “Splish Splash” by Wendy Wooley – TAA-accredited Organization: Secretariat Center For the second consecutive year, the TAA calendar is sponsored by Repole Stable. “The TAA is an awesome organization that we are always thrilled to support,” said Mike Repole. “Their calendar is a great way to show off what our amazing Thoroughbreds can do off the track.” “Congratulations to all our Photo Contest winners, and thank you to everyone who entered,” said TAA Office Manager, Catherine Flowers. “We received many wonderful photos of Thoroughbreds excelling in their second careers, and we look forward to sharing these photos and stories with TAA supporters and donors. Thank you also to our generous sponsors Tipperary and Repole Stable for enabling us to put on this fun contest and produce this beautiful calendar for the second year.” The 2023 TAA Calendar is now available for pre-order. Every $20 donation to the TAA is eligible to receive a calendar upon request. Calendars will begin shipping in November. To preorder the 2023 TAA Calendar, click here.

Another successful Colonial Downs race meet will culminate on Virginia Derby Day, highlighted by a dedication to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA). The Kitten’s Joy Stakes will be presented by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance on Virginia Derby Day. A presentation of a TAA blanket and swag bag will be made to the winning connections following the running of the race. “We’re thrilled to again partner with the TAA in sponsorship of the Kitten’s Joy Stakes,” said Colonial Downs Vice-President of Racing Operations, Jill Byrne. “We appreciate and value the importance of what the TAA provides to the industry and are happy to recognize their great efforts on our biggest day of the year, especially with a race named after one of the greatest Virginia Derby winners ever.” The TAA will host the Best Turned Out Horse awards sponsored by the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent Protective Association (HBPA) for every stake race on the Sep. 6 card. Winning grooms of the Best Turned Out Horse awards sponsored by the Virginia HBPA will receive a $100 cash prize and a TAA swag bag and will be streamed on the live simulcast feed at the New Kent, Virginia-based track. “The Virginia HBPA is happy to sponsor and recognize the fine care that grooms provide our horses,” said Virginia HBPA Executive Director, Frank Petramalo Jr. “We at the Virginia HBPA are so appreciative of what the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and its accredited organizations provide for these horses after they retire.” Initiated in 2019, Colonial Downs and the Virginia HBPA have each pledged $15 per start at the Colonial Downs meet to the TAA. “Both Colonial Downs and the Virginia HBPA are staunch supporters of the TAA, and we are thankful for their recurring inclusion of the TAA on Virginia Derby Day,” said TAA President, Jeffrey Bloom. “We look forward to this event every year and the opportunity it provides to work alongside TAA supporting racetracks and horsemen’s groups to promote Thoroughbred aftercare.” PHOTO: Suzie Picou-Oldham