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All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights   Previous PostNext Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announced as Beneficiary for Maryland Jockey Club’s Canter for a Cause Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announced as Beneficiary for Maryland Jockey Club’s Canter for a Cause FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 17, 2023 News Tags:1/st, 1/ST Racing, Canter for The Cause, Maryland Jockey Club, Pimlico Race Course, TAA, Tbaftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present at Pimlico Race Course for the annual Canter for a Cause charity event on Sunday, October 29, 2023. Sponsored by the Maryland Jockey Club, Canter for a Cause is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT rain or shine, with all proceeds going to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Canter for a Cause is an annual event that gives riders the opportunity to ride their personal horse on a racetrack. The event serves as an excellent opportunity to promote second careers for Thoroughbreds and put accredited aftercare at the forefront, with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance being the sole beneficiary of the event. A representative from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be on-site at the event to answer questions about life after racing and accredited aftercare. Entries will be taken in four groups: Seabiscuit (walk, trot, canter, and gallop); Secretariat (walk, trot, and slow canter); War Admiral (walk and trot); and Ben’s Cat (lead line). Each participant will be assigned a ride time based on his or her group, and requests to ride with friends should be made in advance. All riders will have the opportunity to get a picture taken by the official track photographer, Jim McCue, in the Winner’s Circle. “Maryland Jockey Club is honored to host Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance at the Canter for a Cause event for another consecutive year,” said Georganne Hale, Vice President of Racing Development at the Maryland Jockey Club. “Our shared commitment to Thoroughbred aftercare ensures that retired racehorse have access to resources necessary to ensure a bright new future once they are done racing.” The registration deadline for Canter for a Cause is Monday, October 23, 2023, at 5 p.m. EDT. Space is limited and the entry deadline is firm, so it is suggested that anyone interested register as soon as possible. Entries may be submitted online: www.pimlico.com/canter-for-a-cause. About Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $31.9 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 86 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org. Contact Samantha Smith 859-224-2882 ssmith@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 352-362-6934 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org Share This Release  

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights   Previous PostNext Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Successful Week at Preakness Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Successful Week at Preakness FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 24, 2023 News Tags:1/st, 1/ST Racing, America’s Best Racing, Beyond the Wire, Black Eyed Susan, Black-Eyed Susan Day, Maryland Jockey Club, Pimlico Race Course, Preakness Stakes, TAA, TAA-accredited, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance LEXINGTON, KY — The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance had a successful week in Maryland during the Preakness week celebrations. Accredited aftercare awareness was promoted with several on-site activations, as well as an exceptional turn out for the America’s Best Racing’s Pre-Preakness Party. The ABR Pre-Preakness Party to benefit the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance kicked off the week at Mt. Washington Tavern. A total of $25,000 was raised from a silent auction, ticket sales, and donations. There were over 160 people in attendance throughout the night including owners, trainers, fans, and industry participants. “It was an absolute honor to once again partner with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance on what has turned into a must-attend event on the racing calendar every year,” said Dan Tordjman, Manager, Business Development/Sponsorships, America’s Best Racing. “We want to thank everyone who supported Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance at the party and via the online auction. We look forward to seeing this event grow next year and beyond.” A combined effort from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance partners 1/ST RACING, Maryland Jockey Club, and Pimlico Race Course put accredited aftercare on the frontline throughout Preakness week. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance presented Race #8 on Black-Eyed Susan Day, Friday, May 19. The winning horse, #2 Fort Warren, was trained by Brittany T. Russell, ridden by jockey Sheldon Russell, and owned by Madeket Stables LLC, Starlight Racing, SF Racing LLC, Robert E. Masterson, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Jay A. Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital LLC, and Catherine Donovan. On Saturday, May 20, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance presented the Sir Barton Stakes sponsored by Brandon and Diannah Perry to Benefit the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Paragon Farms, founded by Thoroughbred owners and breeders, Brandon and Diannah Perry, entered into an agreement to annually donate $100,000 to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as the title sponsor of the Sir Barton Stakes for three consecutive years beginning with Preakness 147. The winning horse, #4 Arabian Lion, was trained by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance supporter Bob Baffert and ridden by jockey John Velazquez. Owned by Zedan Racing Stables, Inc, Arabian Lion was also the winner of the Best Turned Out Horse Award for Race #4. “Diannah and I are privileged to be able to advance the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s mission, with our sponsorship of the Sir Barton Stakes,” said Brandon and Diannah Perry, Paragon Farms. “We are honored to be able to champion the rehabilitation, retraining, and rehoming of these amazing Thoroughbreds that give all of us so much joy. To see the horses that give everything to their owners, trainers, grooms, and fans be able to enjoy life after the race track is truly rewarding.” On both Black-Eyed Susan and Preakness Day, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance hosted the Best Turned Out Awards in the Pimlico Race Course winner’s circle for each race sponsored by Beyond the Wire and Fidelity First. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance also had a booth where race fans and participants could learn more about accredited aftercare and take home branded merchandise and race memorabilia in exchange for donations. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Operations Consultant, Stacie Clark Rogers, and Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance President, Jeffrey Bloom, continued to promote accredited aftercare through interviews with BloodHorse and America’s Best Racing. “The inclusion of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in the Preakness underscores the significance of aftercare within the Thoroughbred Industry,” said Stacie Clark Rogers. “We truly appreciate the ongoing support from ABR, 1/ST RACING, and Maryland Jockey Club as well as the ongoing endorsement from the winning connections and the generous sponsorship of Paragon Farm, Beyond the Wire, and Fidelity First.  These collaborative efforts serve as a reminder of our collective commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the horse.” About Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $31.9 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 86 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org. Contact Samantha Smith 859-224-2882 ssmith@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 352-362-6934 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org Share This Release  

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights   Previous PostNext Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Present at Preakness Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Present at Preakness FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 10, 2023 News Tags:1/st, 1/ST Racing, Black Eyed Susan, Maryland Jockey Club, Pimlico, Pimlico Race Course, Preakness Stakes, TAA, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance LEXINGTON, KY — The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be on-site this year with several activations during Preakness week. The 148th Preakness Stakes will take place at Pimlico Race Course on Saturday, May 20, 2023. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will kick off the week with America’s Best Racing’s Pre-Preakness Party. The eighth annual Pre-Preakness Party will be held on Wednesday, May 17, at the Mt. Washington Tavern in Baltimore, Maryland. The evening will consist of networking, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, an entertaining handicapping challenge with guest analysts, and a silent auction. All proceeds of the party and auction will benefit the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Tickets are still available online at: www.eventbrite.com/e/8th-annual-pre-preakness-party-by-thoroughbred-aftercare-alliance-abr-tickets-596988597967 Throughout the race days of Preakness week, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance supporters 1/ST RACING, Maryland Jockey Club, and Pimlico Race Course will promote aftercare awareness. “We are excited to have such an important organization celebrate Preakness weekend with us,” said Georganne Hale, Vice President of Racing Development of Maryland Jockey Club. “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is so important for the industry, and we are happy to showcase them when all eyes are on Preakness!” On Friday, May 19, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be recognized with a named race on the undercard of Black-Eyed Susan Day. Following the running of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections including a branded blanket and swag bag. On Saturday, May 20, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will present the Sir Barton Stakes Sponsored by Brandon and Diannah Perry to Benefit the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Paragon Farms, founded by Thoroughbred owners and breeders, Brandon and Diannah Perry, entered into an agreement to annually donate $100,000 to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as the title sponsor of the Sir Barton Stakes for three consecutive years beginning with the Preakness 147. Following the running of the race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections including a branded blanket and swag bag, as well as a check presentation to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance from Paragon Farms. On both Black-Eyed Susan and Preakness Day, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will host the Best Turned Out Awards in the Pimlico Race Course winner’s circle for each race. Additionally, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will have an information table to learn more about accredited aftercare and to make a donation in exchange for branded merchandise and Preakness-day memorabilia. Throughout the week, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will facilitate winning guests from one of the VIP experiences auctioned off earlier this year in the “Off to the Races” campaign, promoting aftercare awareness. In addition to the Pre-Preakness Party and a weekend of racing, this experience also includes a sunrise tour, the Alibi Breakfast, and access to join the simulcast for a race on the Black-Eyed Susan undercard. Finally, the guests will also join the winner’s circle for the Sir Barton Stakes on Preakness Day. This experience celebrating the second leg of the Triple Crown was generously donated by 1/ST RACING and America’s Best Racing. “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is extremely appreciative of how the 1/ST RACING has always opened its arms to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance,” said Jeffrey Bloom, President of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and Managing Director of Bloom Racing Stable. “Being a part of major race days is important to highlight that we as an industry are behind the care and welfare of our horses, and we are once again delighted to be representing our 81 accredited organizations across North America throughout Preakness week.” About Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $31.9 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 86 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org. Contact Samantha Smith 859-224-2882 ssmith@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 352-362-6934 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org Share This Release  

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present this year at the Santa Anita Derby on April 8, 2023. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be recognized with a named race on the Santa Anita Derby Day undercard. Following the running of the race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections including a branded blanket and swag bag. There will also be an opportunity for jockeys to pledge their jocks mount fee throughout the day to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.

LEXINGTON, KY — The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present once again this year at Gulfstream Park on Florida Derby Day. Held on April 1, 2023, the Curlin Florida Derby coined as “the biggest race day of the year in South Florida” is a Grade 1 Kentucky Derby prep-race. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has partnered with 1/ST RACING to have a variety of on-site activations during the day. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be recognized with a named race on the Florida Derby Day undercard. Following the running of the race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections including a branded blanket and swag bag. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will also present the Best Turned Out Horse Awards sponsored by 1/ST RACING and Gulfstream Park for all races of the day. Additionally, there will be an opportunity for jockeys to pledge their jocks mount fee to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. 1/ST RACING will promote accredited aftercare awareness throughout the day. Representatives from the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be on-site on Florida Derby Day as a VIP concierge for one of the VIP experiences that were auctioned off earlier this year in the “Off to the Races” campaign to promote aftercare awareness. This exciting VIP experience was generously donated by 1/ST RACING. “1/ST RACING and Gulfstream Park are proud to have supported the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance since 2014,” said Nicole Walker, Vice President, The Stronach Group and TAA Committee Member. “The mission of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is of the utmost importance to this industry, and we are happy to highlight aftercare awareness on such a big day of racing here at Gulfstream Park.” It was also announced that the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance would be the co-beneficiary for the Florida Derby Charity Golf Tournament alongside the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. The charity golf tournament, hosted by 1/ST RACING, will be held on Monday, March 27, at the Pembroke Lakes Golf & Country Club. Teams in the top three placings will receive gift bags from the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Interested participants can contact Stacy Nicks at Gulfstream Park for more information by email or phone: stacy.nicks@gulfstreampark.com / (954) 457-6284. “We are thrilled to be back at Gulfstream Park this year with a variety of promotions during the Curlin Florida Derby to draw attention to accredited aftercare,” said Emily Dresen, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Director, Funding & Events.  “It is especially exciting to have the added event of the Florida Derby Charity Golf Tournament, and we are honored that 1/ST RACING has appointed the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as a co-beneficiary.” About the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, the TAA has granted more than $28.1 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 81 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about the TAA, visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org. About 1/ST The Stronach Group is a world-class technology, entertainment, media, content and real estate development company with Thoroughbred horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering at the core.  The company’s consumer facing brand 1/ST (pronounced “First”) powers The Stronach Group’s forward-thinking 1/ST RACING & GAMING, 1/ST CONTENT, 1/ST TECHNOLOGY, 1/ST EXPERIENCE, and 1/ST PROPERTIES businesses, while advocating for and driving the 1/ST HORSE CARE mission. 1/ST represents The Stronach Group’s continued movement toward redefining Thoroughbred horse racing and the ecosystem that drives it. 1/ST RACING & GAMING drives the best-in-class horse racing operations and gaming offerings at the company’s premier racetracks and training centers including: Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields and San Luis Rey Downs (California); Gulfstream Park – home of the Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series and Palm Meadows Thoroughbred Training Center (Florida); the Maryland Jockey Club at Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course – home of the legendary Preakness Stakes and Rosecroft Raceway (Maryland). 1/ST CONTENT is the operating group for 1/ST’s media and content companies including: Monarch Content Management, Elite, TSG Global Wagering Solutions (GWS) and XBTV. 1/ST TECHNOLOGY is horse racing’s largest racing and gaming technology company offering world-class products via its AmTote, Xpressbet, 1/ST BET, XB SELECT, XB NET, PariMAX and Betmix brands. 1/ST EXPERIENCE blends the worlds of sports, entertainment and hospitality through elevated national and local venue management and hospitality, strategic partnerships and sponsorships. 1/ST PROPERTIES is responsible for the development of the company’s live, work and play communities surrounding its racing venues, including: The Village at Gulfstream Park (Florida) and Paddock Pointe (Maryland).  As the advocate for critical industry reforms and by making meaningful investments into aftercare programs for retired horses and jockeys, 1/ST HORSE CARE represents The Stronach Group’s commitment to achieving the highest level of horse and rider care and safety standards in Thoroughbred horse racing on and off the track. For more information, please visit www.1st.com or follow @1ST_racing on Twitter or @1stracing on Instagram and Facebook. Contact Stacie Clark 859-230-5881 sclark@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 352-362-6934 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org

LEXINGTON, KY — The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be the beneficiary of a special charity Pick 5 wager featured on CNBC during its next stop on the 1/ST RACING TOUR on Saturday, March 4. The upcoming day of coast-to-coast racing features 13 stakes races including the G1 Santa Anita Handicap and two Triple Crown Preps – Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park and San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita Park. NBC Sports will produce and air a 2-hour telecast from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. (ET) on CNBC. Five of the six stakes broadcast on the show will be part of a special All-Graded Stakes 1/ST COAST-TO-COAST PICK 5. The bet is a $1 minimum with a 15% takeout. 1/ST RACING & GAMING and NBC are working together on the special charity Pick 5 bet with the winnings to be allocated to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. NBC reporters Nick Luck and Britney Eurton will team up to face off against NBC analysts Randy Moss and Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey in a friendly competition. Each team will have $500 to bet on the Coast-To-Coast Pick 5 with the winnings being donated to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. 1/ST RACING & GAMING will donate $1000 to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance no matter the outcome of the wagers. “We are proud to support the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and are always looking for ways to raise awareness and donations to support their great work. This Saturday’s 1/ST RACING TOUR is shaping up to be an epic day of racing. With 13 stakes races and 263 horses entered at Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park we thought we’d add to the excitement with a little help from our friends at NBC,” said Aidan Butler, Chief Executive Officer, 1/ST RACING & GAMING. Races included in the Coast-To-Coast Pick 5 are listed below: LEG TRACK RACE # POST TIME (ET) Leg A Gulfstream Park Race 12 4:37 PM ET Leg B Santa Anita Park Race 5 *4:55 PM ET Leg C Gulfstream Park Race 13 5:09 PM ET Leg D Santa Anita Park Race 6 *5:27 PM ET Leg E Gulfstream Park Race 14 5:43 PM ET Race names R12        Davona Dale presented by Fan Duel – Gulfstream Park R5          Buena Vista – Santa Anita R13        Mac Diarmida – Gulfstream Park R6          San Felipe – Santa Anita R14        Fountain of Youth – Gulfstream Park The Pick 5 tickets will be released Saturday morning at 1/ST RACING & GAMING’s twitter handle Tune in to CNBC at 4:00 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, March 4 to watch. We encourage everyone to join in the action! About the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, the TAA has granted more than $28.1 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 81 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about the TAA, visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org.   About 1/ST The Stronach Group is a world-class technology, entertainment, media, content and real estate development company with Thoroughbred horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering at the core.  The company’s consumer facing brand 1/ST (pronounced “First”) powers The Stronach Group’s forward-thinking 1/ST RACING & GAMING, 1/ST CONTENT, 1/ST TECHNOLOGY, 1/ST EXPERIENCE, and 1/ST PROPERTIES businesses, while advocating for and driving the 1/ST HORSE CARE mission. 1/ST represents The Stronach Group’s continued movement toward redefining Thoroughbred horse racing and the ecosystem that drives it. 1/ST RACING & GAMING drives the best-in-class horse racing operations and gaming offerings at the company’s premier racetracks and training centers including: Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields and San Luis Rey Downs (California); Gulfstream Park – home of the Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series and Palm Meadows Thoroughbred Training Center (Florida); the Maryland Jockey Club at Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course – home of the legendary Preakness Stakes and Rosecroft Raceway (Maryland). 1/ST CONTENT is the operating group for 1/ST’s media and content companies including: Monarch Content Management, Elite, TSG Global Wagering Solutions (GWS) and XBTV. 1/ST TECHNOLOGY is horse racing’s largest racing and gaming technology company offering world-class products via its AmTote, Xpressbet, 1/ST BET, XB SELECT, XB NET, PariMAX and Betmix brands. 1/ST EXPERIENCE blends the worlds of sports, entertainment and hospitality through elevated national and local venue management and hospitality, strategic partnerships and sponsorships. 1/ST PROPERTIES is responsible for the development of the company’s live, work and play communities surrounding its racing venues, including: The Village at Gulfstream Park (Florida) and Paddock Pointe (Maryland).  As the advocate for critical industry reforms and by making meaningful investments into aftercare programs for retired horses and jockeys, 1/ST HORSE CARE represents The Stronach Group’s commitment to achieving the highest level of horse and rider care and safety standards in Thoroughbred horse racing on and off the track. For more information, please visit www.1st.com or follow @1ST_racing on Twitter or @1stracing on Instagram and Facebook. Contact Stacie Clark (859) 230-5881 sclark@thoroughbredaftercare.org Samantha Smith (859) 224-2882 ssmith@thoroughbredaftercare.org

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance closed its second annual Off to the Races online auction Friday, Feb. 3rd and the Lexitonian Stallion Season online auction on Feb. 6th. Due to the generosity of their donors, the TAA raised over $56,000 from the 17 offered VIP experience packages and No Guarantee Season to Lexitonian. From Jan. 26th to Feb. 3rd the public had the opportunity to bid on VIP experience packages on 17 major race days in 2023 and 2024. Each VIP experience package offered a unique itinerary of horse racing-related bucket list activities and tickets to the specified race day(s). On Feb. 6th from 6pm – 9pm EST, breeders were welcomed to bid on a 2023 No Guarantee season with breed back to Lexitonian donated by trainer Jack Sisterson and his dedicated team at JWS Racing. Bred and campaigned by Calumet Farm, Lexitonian stands at Lane’s End for a 2023 fee of $7,500. “We love this horse, he was impressive as a race horse and he is a physically stunning animal,” said Celia Bennings of Morning Line Equestrian and winner of the 2023 season. “Lexitonian compliments our mare well and we are excited to see that he is a freshman sire by Speightstown. It will be exciting to see what his offspring does on the racetrack.” In total, 26 sponsors contributed to the 17 VIP experiences packages offered in the TAA Off to the Races auction and Lexitonian Stallion Season auctions: 1/ST, America’s Best Racing, Anne’s Washington Inn, Arkansas Thoroughbred Retirement and Rehabilitation Foundation, Breeders’ Cup Ltd., Tom Cannell, Canterbury Park, Christine A. Moore Millinery, Christine Lee’s Restaurant, Churchill Downs Inc., David Dunkley Fine Millinery, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Fran Taylor and Tom Cheek, Frank & Dino’s Restaurant, Hotel at Arundel Preserve, Keeneland Association, LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society, Monmouth Park, Mt. Washington Tavern, National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, New York Racing Association, Old Friends, Jack Sisterson, Second Stride, Tampa Bay Downs, Win Place Home, Woodbine Entertainment. “Thank you to everyone who participated in our Off to the Races and Lexitonian Stallion Season auctions,” said TAA president Jeffrey Bloom. “We are thrilled with the outcome of these events, and so proud of all the partnerships we have formed along the way with the racetracks, sponsors, and individuals who make all of this possible. We are all here for the horses and so excited by the impact these fundraisers will make on accredited aftercare.” Businesses or individuals wishing to become involved or sponsor items for TAA auctions and events can contact TAA Funding and Events Manager Emily Dresen at Edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org.   About the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, the TAA has granted more than $28.1 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 81 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about the TAA, visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org.   CONTACT Stacie Clark 859-230-5881 sclark@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 859-224-2851 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org