BALTIMORE – The Maryland Jockey Club announced today that a community-wide fundraising effort helped raise more than $65,000 for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) during the Preakness Meet at Pimlico Race Course.
Events and fundraising included Canter for the Cause, an All-Female Handicapper Challenge, the raffle of a John Deere Gator, and Karaoke for the Cause.
In addition to being named the sponsor of the $300,000 Pimlico Special (G3), Sagamore Racing donated $30,000 to the TAA.
“The fundraising for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance that was conducted in Maryland for the Preakness was a huge success, having raised more than $65,000,” said Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance President Jimmy Bell. “Our special thanks go to Kevin Plank’s Sagamore Racing and The Stronach Group along with the women who participated in the Handicapper Challenge, who donated their handicap competition winnings, and pulled together to help such a worthy cause. Through their collective efforts, the TAA continues to gain national awareness and significance throughout the thoroughbred industry.”
Said Sal Sinatra, President and General Manager of the Maryland Jockey Club; “Aftercare has always been a priority with our Chairman Frank Stronach, his family, and everyone at The Stronach Group. We’re happy with the efforts by all of those who helped in raising awareness and funds for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance during this year’s Preakness. Our hope is to continue to partner with the TAA during the Preakness and the rest of the year and build on this year’s success.”
About Pimlico Race Course
Historic Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness® Stakes, the middle jewel in horse racing’s famed Triple Crown, first opened its doors on October 25, 1870, and is the second oldest racetrack in the United States. Pimlico has played host to racing icons and Baltimoreans have seen the likes of legendary horses such as Man o’ War, Seabiscuit, Secretariat, Affirmed, American Pharoah and Cigar thunder down the stretch in thrilling and memorable competition. For more information on Pimlico, visit www.pimlico.com.
Pimlico Race Course is a Stronach Group company, North America’s leading Thoroughbred racetrack owner/operator. The Stronach Group racetracks include Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park & Casino, Golden Gate Fields, Portland Meadows, Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, home of the world-famous Preakness. The company owns and operates the Palm Meadows Training Center in Florida and is one of North America’s top race horse breeders through its award-winning Adena Springs operation. The Stronach Group is one of the world’s largest suppliers of pari-mutuel wagering systems, technologies and services. Its companies include AmTote, a global leader in wagering technology; Xpressbet, an Internet and telephone account wagering service; and Monarch Content Management, which acts as a simulcast purchase and sales agent of horseracing content for numerous North American racetracks and wagering outlets. The Stronach Group is also a leading producer of social media content for the horseracing industry. For more information contact David Joseph at david.joseph@marylandracing.com or call 954.457.6451.
About Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance
Based in Lexington, KY, the TAA is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization designed to serve as both an accrediting body for aftercare facilities that care for Thoroughbreds following the conclusion of their racing careers, and a fundraising body to support these approved facilities. Funded initially by seed money from Breeders’ Cup, Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is comprised of and supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals and other industry groups. In 2013, TAA awarded $1,000,000 to 23 accredited organizations and gave out an additional $2,400,000 to 42 accredited organizations in 2014.
