The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is partnering with StableDuel and friends of the Maryland Jockey Club to present the Best Turned Out Horse Awards on Preakness Day and Black-Eyed Susan Day at Pimlico Race Course.
On Friday, May 17, the friends of the MJC—a group that includes Erin McElwee, Super C Racing, Jim Wolf, Helen Marshall, Tracy O’Dowd, and John Lenzini—will sponsor the cash prize and gift bag to be given to the winning groom of the Best Turned Out Horse for every race on the card.
On Saturday, May 18, StableDuel will sponsor the cash prize and gift bag for the winning grooms for the stakes races on the Preakness Day card.
Guest judges will select the horse in each race that is deemed to be the best presented. Ronnie Stanley, offensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens and first round NFL Draft pick in 2016, will be among the StableDuel guest judges on Preakness Day.
The TAA, StableDuel, and MJC-associated properties will promote the winners on their social media platforms, and the winning groom will be mentioned on the live simulcast feed.
“StableDuel is extremely proud to support the TAA and its acknowledgement of all of racing’s hard-working members that so often go unrecognized,” StableDuel CEO Augie Greiner said. “StableDuel was founded with the purpose of giving back and supporting the horse racing industry and we are extremely grateful for all the professionals that are critical to this sport and look forward to saluting the winning grooms on Preakness Day.”
“I have been blessed to live my dream as a racehorse owner for 10 years,” said Erin McElwee, the organizer behind the Friends of MJC sponsorship. “The grooms that have unconditionally loved and cared for my horses always hold a special place in my heart. Any chance that affords them an opportunity to shine and be recognized is triumph for our industry. I hope to encourage and challenge other owners to support the TAA and other organizations that advocate for our athletes in their second careers. If we all make a commitment to donate, sponsor, or volunteer the development of this mission will be incredibly rewarding.”
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance – Charity of Choice for the 144th Preakness Stakes.
Photo: Suzie Picou Oldham
