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For a record-breaking third year, 300 riders from the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond walked, trotted, and cantered their horses across Pimlico Race Course on October 30th with proceeds to benefit the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA). In total, the 2022 Canter for a Cause raised over $20,000 for the TAA— a nonprofit which provides accreditation and grants to Thoroughbred aftercare organizations dedicated to the retraining, retiring, and rehoming of off-track Thoroughbreds. Sponsored by the Maryland Jockey Club, this annual event offers equestrians the unique opportunity to walk, trot, or canter around the historic Pimlico Race Course, home of the middle jewel of the Triple Crown. Riders also had the opportunity to take their horses through the starting gate and get their picture taken in the winner’s circle. “Canter For a Cause was a huge success last month at Pimlico,” said Maryland Jockey Club Vice President of Racing Development, Georganne Hale. “Everybody who rode around the historic track had a smile on their face, riders loved getting their picture taken in the winner’s circle, and all the proceeds went to an important cause for our industry— the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.” “We are incredibly grateful to Maryland Jockey Club for including the TAA as its beneficiary since 2019,” said TAA Operations Consultant, Stacie Clark. “From the riders who continue to attend Canter for a Cause year after year, to those that attended for the very first time, it is your participation that raised over $20,000 for the TAA. Thank you and we’ll see you next year.” PHOTO: Catherine Flowers

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced Nov. 18 that $3.6 million will be awarded as grants to 81 Thoroughbred aftercare organizations that currently hold TAA accreditation. Since inception in 2012, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has now awarded more than $28.1 million in grants to accredited Thoroughbred aftercare organizations. “As the industry’s leader in aftercare, the TAA is proud of what we have been able to accomplish in the last 10 years and of the collaborative effort of our industry stakeholders to help raise vital funds to assist our organizations,” said TAA President, Jeff Bloom. “Please consider a donation to the TAA this holiday season and beyond as we continue to strive to fund aftercare across North America.” In 10 years as an umbrella organization for aftercare, the TAA has grown from 23 to 81 accredited organizations and from $1 million to $3.6 million in annual grants. In total, TAA has awarded over $28.1 million in grants—earmarked specifically for equine care—to TAA-accredited organizations who have retrained, retired, and rehomed over 15,000 Thoroughbreds across approximately 180 facilities. “Congratulations to the 81 accredited organizations who were awarded grants from the TAA,” said TAA Accreditation and Grants Manager, Janice Towles. “Each aftercare organization accredited by the TAA has proven that they operate with the highest of standards, and while these organizations are busy day in and day out caring for thousands of retired racehorses, they can rest a little easier knowing the TAA is here to provide much-needed funding.” Accredited organizations undergo a thorough application and inspection process prior to accreditation being awarded to ensure they meet the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s Code of Standards, which covers five key areas: operations, education, horse health care management, facility standards and services, and adoption policies and protocols. Facility inspections are conducted at all facilities housing Thoroughbreds for each organization. Ongoing updates and re-inspections are required of all organizations as a condition of accreditation. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is supported by members from every aspect of the Thoroughbred industry, including owners, breeders, trainers, stallion farms, racetracks, sales companies, horsemen’s groups, foundations, veterinarians, horseplayers, racing fans, wagering technology companies, and many others. FAQ: Click here to see answers to TAA’s frequently asked questions. PHOTO: Mareesa Kelly

Prince of New York, piloted by professional trainer Chris Bennings, won the People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Achieve Equine, at the 2022 Thoroughbred Makeover. The achievement comes not only with the recognition of a job well done, but the liberty to choose an equine-related 501(c)3 nonprofit to receive a $2,500 donation sponsored by Achieve Equine. For Bennings–who’s first introduction to retraining off-track Thoroughbreds was with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)-accredited Florida TRAC–choosing the TAA as the beneficiary of the People’s Choice Award was a no-brainer. “My wife Celia and I knew that the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance carefully allocates its grant funds to off-track Thoroughbred nonprofits all over the country, and we are confident that this donation will be the most effective in their hands,” said Bennings. “We are honored to be the recipient of the People’s Choice Award donation,” said TAA Funding and Events Manager, Emily (Dresen) Scandore. “Every dollar counts and we thank Chris and sponsor Achieve Equine for this contribution to the TAA and our 81 accredited organizations.” In the preliminary round of competition at the Makeover, Bennings and Prince of New York dominated in both Show Jumpers and Show Hunters, finishing in the top three out of more than 70 competitors in each discipline. When Bennings called on the six-year-old stallion to again bring the heat in the Finale, Prince of New York answered in spades, proving victorious in Show Jumpers, earning reserve champion in Show Hunters, and being awarded by text-in popular vote the People’s Choice Award. The son of Cairo Prince sold for $100k as a yearling and made all eight career starts for owners Harold Lerner LLC, AWC Stables, Nehoc Stables, Scott Akman, and Paul Braverman. After a final start at Finger Lakes, Prince of New York retired from racing with a record of 2-1-1 and earnings of $40,256. “I’ve always been a Thoroughbred fan and a racing fan,” said Bennings. “Thoroughbreds are incredibly versatile, making them excellent sport horses. Prince has a lot of class and I’m eager to continue his career as a sport horse stallion at our Paris, Kentucky farm– Morning Line Equestrian.”

The TAA’s Fall Newsletter is here!  What’s Inside: Breeders’ Cup Celebrating 10 Years OTTB Horse Shows Holiday Giving Editorial Features News Success Stories Events Don’t FALL behind, read the latest from the TAA >> PHOTO: Suzie Picou-Oldham

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance announced today that 42 Thoroughbred aftercare organizations have been awarded accreditation for 2022. The 42 organizations include 41 previously accredited organizations and one that received accreditation for the first time. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the only accrediting body in Thoroughbred aftercare, now has a network of 81 organizations with approximately 180 facilities in North America. “Congratulations to the 42 organizations who earned their Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accreditation. Earning TAA accreditation is a true testament to an organization’s dedication to providing the best care possible for our Thoroughbreds,” said TAA President, Jeffrey Bloom. “TAA-accreditation proves to the racing industry that its Thoroughbreds are going to the best possible aftercare organizations in North America, and although this stamp of approval is reassuring, funding is still a concern to assist these groups and the thousands of retired racehorses in their care. We encourage everyone to support the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and its 81 accredited charities.” The 42 organizations earning accreditation this year are: After the Races, Bright Futures Farm, Inc., CANTER Kentucky, CANTER Michigan, Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare, Center for Racehorse Retraining, Central Kentucky Riding For Hope, Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Down The Stretch Ranch, Equestrian Inc., Equine Advocates Inc., Equine Rescue & Adoption Foundation, Final Furlong, Inc., Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program, Friends of Ferdinand, Inc., Galloping Out, Harmony and Hope Horse Haven, Inc., Healing Arenas, Inc., Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue, Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds, Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue, Illinois Equine Humane Center, Lollypop Farm, Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement, Inc., NEER North, Our Mims Retirement Haven, Inc., Out Side In, Inc., R.A.C.E. Fund, Inc., Remember Me Rescue, RVR Horse Rescue, Sandia Creek Ranch Auxiliary Foundation, Second Call Thoroughbred Adoption and Placement, Inc., Second Chance Thoroughbreds, Inc., Second Stride, Inc., Square Peg Foundation, The Foxie G Foundation, The Susan S. Donaldson Foundation, This Old Horse, Inc., Thoroughbred Athletes, Inc., Tranquility Farm – The Harry A. Biszantz Memorial Center for Thoroughbred Retirement, TRRAC Thoroughbred Retirement, Rehabilitation, and Careers, War Horses at Rose Bower. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organizations undergo a thorough application and inspection process prior to accreditation being awarded to ensure they meet the TAA Code of Standards, which covers five key areas: operations, education, horse health care management, facility standards and services, and adoption policies and protocols. Facility inspections are conducted at all facilities housing Thoroughbreds for each organization. Ongoing updates and re-inspections are required of all organizations as a condition of accreditation. “As the TAA’s tenth year of service comes to a close, we are grateful for the 81 accredited organizations who will move with us into the new year to continue the TAA’s mission to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding,” said TAA Accreditation and Grants Manager, Janice Towles. “I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to those that contributed to the TAA’s accreditation process: the TAA Accreditation Committee which met weekly for the last six months, TAA Accreditation Committee Chair Kristin Werner, TAA Inspections Administrator Suzie Picou-Oldham, and the dozens of volunteers across North America who perform facility inspections, many of whom give their time and resources to the TAA for free.” All organizations that hold Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accreditation are eligible to receive financial grants to support the care of their Thoroughbreds. Grant applications are currently being reviewed and the total grant amount awarded by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be announced this month. Since 2012, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has awarded $24.5 million to accredited organizations. Click below to learn more: Full list of TAA’s 81 accredited organizations TAA Accreditation Process TAA Code of Standards PHOTO: Jen Smith

It was an outstanding weekend for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) as the Official Aftercare Partner of the Breeders’ Cup. FanDuel honored the TAA with its third $100,000 donation in three years during a check presentation on FanDuel TV as part of its World Championship broadcast. The Breeders’ Cup continues to strengthen its partnership with the TAA through many activations, including presenting Future Stars Friday’s final undercard race, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes (G2). Trained by William Cowans, NEXT and jockey Luan Machado went gate-to-wire for owner Michael Foster. After winning the $350k mile and five-eighths marathon, the son of Not This Time bred by Silverton Hill has earned a total of $564,282 for his connections. FanDuel’s dedication to accredited Thoroughbred aftercare was the talk of the town during Future Stars Friday’s premiere race, the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1). FORTE and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. rallied down the stretch just in time to take the lead for owners St. Elias Stable and TAA supporter Repole Stable. Trained by Todd Pletcher and bred by South Gate Farm, FORTE concludes his two-year-old season with three Grade 1 wins and earnings of nearly $1.6 million. Of the eight undercard and 14 championship races, TAA supporting breeders, owners, and trainers found the winner’s circle 12 times during the world championships of racing in Lexington, Kentucky. 11/4 Future Stars Friday R1: (dead heat) B DAWK & Luis Saez Breeders: Small Batch Thoroughbreds & Robert Fetkin Owners: West Point Thoroughbreds and Besecker, Joseph E. Trainer: Doug O’Neill R1: (dead heat) BUSINESS MODEL & Tyler Gaffalione Breeder: Godolphin Owner: Qatar Racing Trainer: Brendan Walsh R2: BLACK FOREST & Irad Ortiz Jr. Breeder: Hidden Brook Farm & Godolphin Owner: St. George Stable LLC Trainer: Fausto Gutierrez R3: MARSALIS & Ricardo Santana Jr. Breeder: Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC Owner: Stonestreet Stables LLC Trainer: Steven Asmussen R6 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1): MISCHIEF MAGIC (IRE) & William Buick Breeder: Godolphin Owner: Godolphin, LLC Trainer: Charles Appleby R9 FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1): FORTE & Breeder: South Gate Farm Owner: Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable Trainer: Todd Pletcher 11/5 Breeders’ Cup Classic Day R1: ARABIAN KNIGHT & John Velazquez Breeder: Corser Thoroughbreds LLC Owner: Zedan Racing Stables, Inc. Trainer: Bob Baffert R4 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1): CARAVEL & Tyler Gaffalione Breeder: Elizabeth M. Merryman Owner: Qatar Racing, Detampel, Marc and Madaket Stables LLC Trainer: Brad Cox R5 Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1): CODY’S WISH & Junior Alvarado Breeder: Godolphin Owner: Godolphin, LLC Trainer: William Mott R8 FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile presented by PDJF (G1): MODERN GAMES (IRE) & William Buick Breeder: Godolphin Owner: Godolphin, LLC Trainer: Charles Appleby R10 Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1): REBEL’S ROMANCE (IRE) & James Doyle Breeder: Godolphin Owner: Godolphin, LLC Trainer: Charles Appleby R11 Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1): FLIGHTLINE & Flavien Prat Breeder: Summer Wind Equine Owner: Hronis Racing LLC, Siena Farm LLC, Summer Wind Equine LLC, West Point Thoroughbreds and Woodford Racing, LLC Trainer: John Sadler   PHOTOS: Suzie Picou-Oldham

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) accepted a $10,234 check from Commonwealth today, November 1 at Keeneland. With every share sold, the up-and-coming syndicate allocates funds for Thoroughbred aftercare. Despite Commonwealth’s Dubai World Cup (G1) winner Country Grammer foregoing the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, the organization felt it was important to acknowledge the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as the Official Aftercare Partner of the Breeders’ Cup with a check presentation at Breeders’ Cup 2022 host racetrack– Keeneland. “It’s an honor and a privilege to present this check to the TAA on behalf of Commonwealth shareholders,” said Commonwealth Head of Racing, Chase Chamberlin. “We’re nothing without the horse and it is our responsibility, as an industry, to make sure that our horses are cared for at every stage of their career. This check is just the beginning of Commonwealth’s ongoing commitment to supporting aftercare for racehorses.” Founded in 2019 by Brian Doxtator and Chase Chamberlin, Commonwealth offers micro shares in world-class racehorses with the goal of making racehorse ownership accessible and interactive, even for those on a limited budget. Since the beginning, it was of the utmost importance to Commonwealth that aftercare be a central component of its funding model. For every $50 share sold on the platform, Commonwealth and its members donate 2% to aftercare. “We wanted the company and our members to be invested in aftercare from the start,” said Chamberlin. “Ninety percent of our members are new to racing and we wanted their experience to begin in the right way. Together, we can do so much.” Just last year Commonwealth sat down with the TAA to learn more about Thoroughbred aftercare and what their shareholders can do to support not only the horses under their ownership, but the aftercare movement as a whole. “We are honored that Commonwealth chose the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as their aftercare beneficiary and look forward to partnering with them in the future,” said TAA Funding and Events Manager, Emily (Dresen) Scandore. “Although Commonwealth may be new on the syndicate scene, their initiative for supporting retired racehorses by donating to Thoroughbred aftercare will take them far.” Learn more about Commonwealth: Joincommonwealth.com

As the Official Aftercare Partner of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will be a part of a myriad of events during Breeders’ Cup Festival Week. Join the TAA staff for the premiere of “Celebrating Ten Years“–a short film in honor of the TAA’s 10-year anniversary–at The Kentucky Theatre’s Equine Film Festival on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 7:40 PM before the screening of Secretariat. Can’t make the premiere on Tuesday? ‘Celebrating Ten Years’ will have 2 additional screenings at the Kentucky theatre: 7:30 PM on Thursday, November 3 before the documentary, ‘Born to Rein’ 1:30 PM on Friday, November 4 before ‘Born to Rein’ Movie tickets are $6.50 per person and can be purchased in-person or online at Kentuckytheatre.org. During the 2-day Breeders’ Cup World Championships, the TAA will have a presence on-site at Keeneland. Patrons are encouraged to stop by the TAA’s booth to learn about the organization’s mission from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance representatives, and to make a donation in exchange for a variety of TAA swag. Racing fans can also show their support by opting to donate to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance throughout the championship weekend when cashing a winning ticket on an UnitedTote Systems self-service betting terminal. All donations are tax-deductible. The TAA will kick off Future Stars Friday by presenting its Grade 2 namesake race, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes (G2) and close out the day with the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1). As part of FanDuel’s commitment to support accredited Thoroughbred aftercare, the sports wagering digital cable and satellite television network will present a check to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance during Future Stars Friday. PHOTO: Eclipse Sportswire

In honor of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)’s 10-year anniversary, the Official Aftercare Partner of the Breeders’ Cup will premiere its short film, ‘Celebrating Ten Years’ at The Kentucky Theatre’s Horse: An Equine Film Festival. The historic downtown Lexington theatre will host the weeklong film festival from October 31 to November 4, 2022. The TAA’s ten-minute film, ‘Celebrating Ten Years,’ is scheduled to premiere three times at The Kentucky Theatre: 7:40 PM on Tuesday, November 1 before ‘Secretariat’ 7:30 PM on Thursday, November 3 before the documentary, ‘Born to Rein’ 1:30 PM on Friday, November 4 before ‘Born to Rein’ “Located, as we are, in the heart of horse country, The Kentucky Theatre is honored to host the premiere of a film that celebrates an organization that has done so much to promote the welfare of retired racehorses,” said The Kentucky Theatre director, Hayward Wilkirson. Produced by Emmy Award winner, Steve Scheidler, ‘Celebrating Ten Years’ features interviews from major proponents in Thoroughbred racing and aftercare advocacy including John Phillips, Michael Blowen, Terry Finley, Dora Delgado, Jeffrey Bloom, Dale Romans, Madeline Auerbach, Jimmy Bell, Natalie Voss, Nick Zito, and Nicole Walker. “The TAA has made a remarkable impact on the sport in 10 short years,” said producer, Steve Scheidler. “They have not only helped address issues of animal welfare in horse racing, but also led us to a new level of stewardship. A stewardship that compels us to continue to educate, advise, fund and care for something so critical, and to remind us always that at the end of the day– it’s all about the Horse. It’s been an honor to be a small part of sharing their story.” ‘Celebrating 10 Years’ is a short film that highlights the North American Thoroughbred industry’s initiative in the care of Thoroughbred racehorses after the conclusion of their careers on the racetrack. An international project that has provided a safety net for thousands of retired racehorses, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance celebrates 10 years of service in 2022. “The industry has taken major steps forward in terms of their understanding of aftercare in the last ten years, but now the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance must tackle the misconception that the problem of aftercare has been solved when, in fact, there is so much more work to be done,” said TAA operations consultant, Stacie Clark Rogers. “‘Celebrating Ten Years,’ pays homage to the last decade of TAA and we hope it ignites viewers to support not only the TAA’s mission but Thoroughbred aftercare as a whole.” Movie tickets are $6.50 per person and can be purchased in-person or online at Kentuckytheatre.org.