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All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to Highlight Initiatives in Saratoga Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to Highlight Initiatives in Saratoga FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 24, 2024 News Tags:accredited aftercare, Accredited Organizations, Fasig Tipton, Fasig-Tipton Sales, NYRA, Saratoga Race Course, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Whitney Stakes LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will return to Saratoga this August to highlight accredited aftercare with a variety of initiatives at Saratoga Race Course and Fasig-Tipton. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present for both the weekend of the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney Stakes, and the following week of the Fasig-Tipton Selected Yearling sales. New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will feature Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as its Community Partner during the weekend of the Whitney Stakes. The 97th running of the Whitney Stakes will be held at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, August 3, 2024. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present at NYRA’s Community Outreach Booth on both Saturday and Sunday, where patrons and race fans can visit to learn about accredited aftercare. Branded merchandise will also be available at the booth in exchange for a donation, including a limited-edition Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance ‘Saratoga’ t-shirt. During the weekend of the Whitney Stakes, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be honored with a named race on Saturday’s undercard. After the named race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections, including a branded blanket and branded merchandise. Additionally, representatives from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will present the Best Turned Out Horse award on Saturday during the Fasig-Tipton Lure in the winner’s circle. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will host the winners of the Saratoga VIP Experience from the “Off to the Races” online benefit auction. This experience was generously donated by NYRA, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, and Anne’s Washington Inn. The winners will enjoy a horseman’s box for five, paddock and winner’s circle access for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance race, a tour with Tom Durkin at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, and much more. Fasig-Tipton, another supporting partner of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, is set to hold The Saratoga Sale featuring selected yearlings on August 5-6. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance representatives will be on-site to converse with consigners, buyers, and supporters to discuss accredited aftercare. In addition, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will hand out New York Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund co-branded rub rags to consigners of the New York Bred Yearlings Sale, which will be held August 11-12. “We are very excited to once again participate in so many industry events and spread awareness for accredited aftercare while we are at the NYRA Saratoga race meet,” said Stacie Clark Rogers, Operations Consultant, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “It’s wonderful to connect with supporters and partners during the race meet and the Fasig-Tipton Sale and to visit and meet with many of our New York accredited organizations.” While in Saratoga, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will visit accredited aftercare facilities to conduct inspections as part of the accreditation process. Staff will also meet with trainers, owners, and other supporters throughout the week to discuss accredited aftercare. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance board members will convene for an annual board meeting on Thursday, August 8. 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 Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to be Present at Saratoga Race Course for Belmont Stakes Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to be Present at Saratoga Race Course for Belmont Stakes FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 30, 2024 News Tags:Belmont Stakes, New York Racing Association, NYRA, Saratoga Race Course, Triple Crown LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present at Saratoga Race Course during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. The 156th Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024. This exciting final leg of the Triple Crown will kick off with a week of live racing beginning on Thursday, June 6. To highlight accredited aftercare, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) has honored Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance with a named race on the undercard on Friday, June 7. Following the running of the race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections, including a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance branded blanket and gift bag. “NYRA is pleased to welcome Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to Saratoga for this year’s Belmont Stakes Racing Festival,” said Patrick McKenna, Vice President of Communications, NYRA. “This ongoing partnership reflects our shared commitment to protecting and re-training these equine athletes when their racing days are done, and we thank Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance for all they do.” Representatives from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present to host the winners of the VIP experience that was auctioned off earlier in the year in the “Off to the Races” Campaign to support accredited aftercare. The winners of this experience will enjoy a table for four and a day of racing on Friday and Saturday, admission into the paddock on Friday, and much more. This exciting VIP experience was generously donated by NYRA. 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 Smith859-224-2882ssmith@thoroughbredaftercare.org   Emily Dresen352-362-6934edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org Share This Release

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous Post NYRA’s Commitment to Thoroughbred Aftercare NYRA’s Commitment to Thoroughbred Aftercare By: Jay Privman May 28, 2024 Supporter Feature Tags:Industry Stakeholder, New York Racing Association, NYRA, supporter, Supporter Feature, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Supporter Anticipation is high for this year’s Belmont Stakes, to be held for the first time at Saratoga Race Course June 8 during a special four-day race week. As host to the final leg of the Triple Crown, and with high-quality racing year-round, the New York Racing Association is among the nation’s leaders in showcasing the best racing has to offer, and NYRA’s focus doesn’t end when the race does. NYRA has been steadfast in its support of aftercare, with a multi-pronged approach that includes significant, mandated funding from its participants to aid Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. NYRA, in conjunction with the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, as well as the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, as well as owners who race at NYRA tracks, contribute more than $1.2 million annually to aftercare, according to David O’Rourke, the chief executive officer and president of NYRA. “In 2014, NYTHA adopted a per-start fee for owners of $5 that provided funding to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance,” O’Rourke said. “In July 2019, NYRA and NYTHA increased the per-start fee to $10. NYRA matches those contributions, and then donates the proceeds to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance at the conclusion of each race meet conducted at NYRA. “In 2019, NYRA and NYTHA launched an aftercare assessment program that requires owners claiming a horse subject to contribute a 1.5 percent aftercare assessment on top of the claiming price of the horse, with funding allocated to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and TTL,” he said, referring to Take The Lead, a retirement program for Thoroughbreds stabled at NYRA tracks. “For example, an owner claiming a horse for $50,000 will contribute an additional $750 toward aftercare. This program generates more than $250,000 per year.” Saratoga’s summer meeting is a major point of emphasis for NYRA’s relationship with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance plays a prominent role on-site during some of NYRA’s biggest days, including Whitney Day and others,” O’Rourke said. “In 2021, NYRA, NYTHA, and the NYTB held the inaugural Thoroughbred Aftercare Day at Saratoga Race Course to celebrate and highlight the work of the New York State aftercare community.” O’Rourke said aftercare is paramount in importance because NYRA believes “the athletes who have given so much to the sport deserve to retire with dignity when their racing days are done.” “New York is a national leader when it comes to supporting and investing in a variety of meaningful aftercare efforts,” O’Rourke said. “Fortunately, the New York racing community at-large cares deeply about Thoroughbred aftercare. That is reflected in the investments we see from NYTHA, NYTB, and so many groups and individuals who work to re-home and re-train these athletes. “We work to educate the public about these efforts because misconceptions abound.” Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s accreditation program is among the many ways quality control is maintained, and can be used as a concrete example to push back against those misconceptions. “Our friends at Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance recognized that establishing a clear set of standards for accreditation is incredibly important,” O’Rouke said, adding that Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is “an organization that enjoys national support from racing’s biggest entities because of their professionalism and care. “And they are passionate about the work!” he said. Learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s supporters: Industry Stakeholders Share This Article

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous PostNext Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Celebrates Successful Presence at Saratoga Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Celebrates Successful Presence at Saratoga FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 17, 2023 News Tags:Community Booth, Fasig Tipton Saratoga Sale, New York Racing Association, NYRA, Saratoga, Saratoga Race Course LEXINGTON, KY — During the recent festivities at Saratoga, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance made a resounding impact, solidifying its presence and eliciting a remarkable show of attention and support from both the enthusiastic racing community and a wider audience. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance was proudly showcased as the Community Partner of the day by the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) during the Grade 1 $1 million Whitney Stakes Day. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance was able to highlight their mission and commitment to the welfare and second careers of retired Thoroughbred racehorses through accredited aftercare. Throughout the two weeks in Saratoga, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance made a significant impact through multiple avenues: NYRA’s Community Outreach Booth showcased Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s efforts and accomplishments in supporting retired racehorses and promoting their transition to post-racing careers. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance was honored with the distinction of having two named races on August 5 and August 6, drawing attention to their vital work. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s mission received a significant boost when James and Shari Ough displayed their generosity through a substantial donation of $25,000. This contribution served to reinforce the organization’s efforts and impact on the industry through accredited aftercare. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance facilitated a memorable experience for the winners of the VIP package in the Off to the Races VIP Experience Auction, donated by NYRA and the National Racing Hall of Fame, providing an exclusive insight into the world of Thoroughbred racing and accredited aftercare at the renowned Saratoga racetrack. As part of their commitment to maintaining the highest standards and practices, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance visited various facilities in Saratoga to assess accreditation requirements, ensuring the well-being of retired racehorses. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance held their annual in-person board meeting, where the board convened to discuss strategies for advancing the organization’s goals. An additional highlight was the evening hosted by the David Cassidy Legacy Group, where attendees gathered to celebrate the accomplishments and stories within aftercare and the racing industry. Stacie Clark, Operations Consultant for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, addressed the Racing and Gaming Conference at Saratoga, shedding light on the significance of accredited aftercare and Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s mission. Finally, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who donated, with a special thank you to those within the racing community that came together and made donations in honor of Maple Leaf Mel, underscoring the collective dedication to supporting a safe landing for future Thoroughbreds. 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 On-Site in Saratoga Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance On-Site in Saratoga FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 20, 2023 News Tags:Community Booth, Ellen Skidmore, Fasig Tipton, Fasig Tipton Saratoga Sale, New York Racing, New York Racing Association, NYRA, Repole Stable, Saratoga, TAA, TAA Named Race, TAA Race, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Yearling Sale LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be on-site in Saratoga for a variety of activations in August during the weekend of the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney and the subsequent week of the Fasig-Tipton yearling sales. The 96th running of the Whitney will be held at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, August 5, 2023. New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will feature Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as its Community Partner of the Day. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be on-site all day at NYRA’s Community Outreach Booth to share information on accredited aftercare. Branded merchandise will be available in exchange for a donation, including a limited-edition Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance “Saratoga” t-shirt sponsored by Repole Stable featuring a unique design by artist and supporter Ellen Skidmore. Learn more about the NYRA Community Booth here: nyra.com/saratoga/visit/community-booth. “With so many events and industry participants in town for the Saratoga meet, it is a fantastic opportunity for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to be on-site and connect with supporters, partners, and some of our local accredited organizations,” said Jeffrey Bloom, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance President. “We look forward to continuing to share the mission of accredited aftercare with racing fans and we value all of our partnerships and supporters that give us the platform to do so during this premiere meet.” Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be honored with two named races to highlight accredited aftercare—one on Saturday, August 5, and the other on Sunday, August 6. Following the running of the race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections including a branded blanket and swag bag. Exact race times to be announced. In addition, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be honored with a generous donation of $25,000 from James and Shari Ough. The check presentation will be made during the running of the named race on Saturday, August 5. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will also facilitate guests on Whitney day from one of the VIP experiences auctioned off earlier this year in the “Off to the Races” campaign, promoting aftercare awareness. Winners from the VIP experience will enjoy a special track tour, a tour of the Saratoga Racing Museum and Hall of Fame, and a day of racing with paddock passes and winner’s circle access during the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance race. This experience was generously donated by NYRA and the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Fasig-Tipton, another longstanding supporting partner, is set to hold the Saratoga sale featuring selected yearlings on August 7-8. Representatives from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be on-site to meet with consignors, buyers, and other supporters and racing fans. While in Saratoga, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will visit accredited facilities for inspections as part of the accreditation standards and practices. Staff will also meet with trainers, owners, and other supporters throughout the week. Board members of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will convene for an annual board meeting on Thursday, August 10. 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 Represented at Belmont Park Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Represented at Belmont Park FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 6, 2023 News Tags:Belmont Park, Belmont Stakes, New York Racing Association, NYRA, Off to the Races, TAA, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, VIP, VIP Experiences LEXINGTON, KY — The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be represented at Belmont Park during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. The 155th Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Belmont Park. This exciting final leg of the Triple Crown will kick off with a week of live racing beginning on Thursday, June 8. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be honored with a named race to highlight accredited aftercare.  The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Race will be Race 10, on Thursday, June 8, with a post time of 7:45 PM ET. Following the running of the race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections including a branded blanket and swag bag. “NYRA is committed to supporting the work of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in ways that advance the shared mission of protecting, re-training and re-homing Thoroughbreds when their racing days are done,” said Kevin Quinn, NYRA VP of Sales and Hospitality. “The Belmont Stakes provides an ideal stage to expand the public’s understanding of the meaningful aftercare efforts underway in New York, and we are pleased to welcome the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance back to Belmont throughout the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.” Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be on-site to facilitate winning guests from one of the VIP experiences auctioned off earlier this year in the “Off to the Races” campaign, promoting aftercare awareness. Winners from the VIP experience will enjoy a weekend of racing with a table for six, buffet meals, parking, and paddock access. This experience celebrating the third leg of the Triple Crown was generously donated by NYRA. 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  

By: Mary Eddy/NYRA When a graded stakes-placed dark bay gelding named Digger crossed the finish line third in the 2011 Mister Diz at Pimlico Race Course, his connections knew it was time for the veteran of 39 starts to turn the page and look to a new life beyond the racetrack. It was then that he was sent to New Vocations – a non-profit that retrains and rehomes retired racehorses – and adopted by Verena Brassfield to spend the rest of his days on a tranquil 600-acre farm in Tennessee. “I’ve always had a thing for thoroughbreds and I couldn’t ask for a better horse,” said Brassfield. “I had a thoroughbred before him who passed away, and at first, I didn’t want another horse. But then someone gave my husband the website for New Vocations, and the first picture I saw was my baby. I said, ‘That’s him.’ A week after I applied, I got a call that I was approved.” Digger, a Maryland-bred son of Yonaguska, made his first outing as a juvenile in 2006 and graduated at fourth asking by an impressive 9 1/2 lengths that December at Laurel Park. As a sophomore, he captured three more stakes at Laurel in the Deputed Testamony by a dominating 11 3/4 lengths, the Northern Dancer and the Jennings Handicap to close out the year. In 2008, Digger moved north to the NYRA circuit, where he scored a pair of victories at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. The following year saw his greatest Empire State successes when he earned four victories at NYRA tracks, led by a determined score in the Gravesend to cap his productive campaign. Ridden by Rosie Napravnik, Digger showed his typical frontrunning tactics and raced with Pashito the Che tracking close in second. Digger put 1 1/2 lengths between him and Pashito the Che at the stretch call and was able to fend off his determined rival by a nose in a final time of 1:11.66 for six furlongs over the inner dirt. Digger earned one more stakes victory to kick off his 2010 campaign with a 3 3/4-length victory in Laurel Park’s Fire Plug, and visited the winner’s circle for the last time in March 2011 before owner Repole Stable and trainer Bruce Brown decided to retire the evergreen veteran at age 7. “I watched the replays of his races and if someone had told me then that one day he would be mine, I would have told them they were crazy,” Brassfield said. “He was a good racehorse, and he could run, and still can. When he takes off in the paddock, he leaves everybody behind.” Digger was sent to one of New Vocations’ Ohio facilities where he was cared for until Brassfield saw his posting and applied for adoption in the spring of 2012. It was not long before she was approved, and Digger found his forever home. While Digger needed a great deal of patience and commitment to learn how to be ridden beyond racing, Brassfield was determined to help the beloved gelding settle down and enjoy his retirement. New Vocations, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was founded by Dot Morgan in 1992 and is one of 81 facilities accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), an accrediting body that fundraises and awards funds to its accredited organizations throughout the year. The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and its horsemen support the efforts of the TAA with each owner who participates at a NYRA racetrack donating $10 per start to thoroughbred aftercare. Additionally, horsemen donate 1.5 percent of the purchase price of horses claimed on the circuit to the TAA and to the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association’s (NYTHA) TAKE THE LEAD program, which provides veterinary exams and the funds for transportation and retraining costs for horses at NYRA racetracks. “Digger was donated to our program on February 5, 2012, by Mike Repole and was in our program for four months before he was adopted,” said Anna Ford, the Thoroughbred Program Director for New Vocations. “He was a very classy guy.” Brassfield said Digger has been the best teacher she could ask for. “He’s so happy, but in the beginning, he was crazy,” said Brassfield, with a laugh. “He was headstrong and if the boy doesn’t like you, you’ll know it. He’s honest, and I said, ‘Even if I can’t ever ride him, he has his forever home.’ He gives me everything I need just by being here. He taught me more than any horse could have taught me.” 10 years after stepping off the racetrack and with much patience and gradual improvements, Digger enjoys some light riding and flatwork and has settled in beautifully to his retirement. Brassfield describes Digger as “a puppy,” his gentle nature and intelligence allowing him to teach even the youngest of horse lovers. “I started training him and working with him every day,” said Brassfield. “He’s good with kids – another boarder at the farm says Digger is the only horse she trusts with her 3-year-old daughter. He’s not spooky, he’s willing and there’s nothing I can’t throw at him that’s he’s not willing to accept. He has a sense of humor and likes things a certain way.” Digger, who once ran Beyer Speed Figures exceeding 100, leads a quieter life these days, enjoying his time out of the spotlight and with his devoted owner. Though he is a bit limited in his abilities under tack, Digger enjoys the occasional trail ride and flatwork, along with his time to himself in his large paddock with a herd of friends. “He does trail riding and we did lessons for a little dressage, but other than that, he’s leisure and pleasure. He has 30 or 40 acres to roam with about eight other horses. He loves it and loves being out there,” Brassfield said. “All the mares in the pasture are his according to him. He has made one friend that came two months ago, a quarter horse

As part of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)’s month-long Holiday Giving Campaign, Rick Schosberg has pledged to match all donations up to $1,000 made to the TAA on Dec. 30, 2022. A veteran horse trainer, Schosberg intends to kick off his first day of retirement from training by supporting a cause about which he is deeply passionate— Thoroughbred aftercare. After 35 years, 5,973 starts, and over $38 million in earnings, the New York horseman ran his final race Dec. 29 at Aqueduct with the stakes placed filly, Silken Dollar (NY). Schosberg’s participation in racing extends far beyond the shed row. He currently serves as president of New York aftercare initiatives TAKE THE LEAD and Take 2, first vice president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, and a member of the TAA Board of Directors. As he transitions out of training, Schosberg is eager to turn his full attention to promoting responsible aftercare and other industry initiatives to support the longevity of the sport and the safety of its Thoroughbred athletes. “Funding aftercare should be a top priority for every industry participant,” said Rick Schosberg. “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance does a great job vetting aftercare organizations to ensure the safety of retired Thoroughbreds, but the industry must envision more unique and creative funding mechanisms to generate more resources for the retirees that have so gallantly kept the sport going. I hope you’ll join me in donating today to the TAA’s year-end giving campaign.” “Congratulations to Rick on his retirement from training,” said TAA Operations Consultant, Stacie Clark Rogers. “While one door closes, we are so eager to see all the good that is to come from having him focused on advocating for aftercare and improving the sport. What better way to celebrate his first day of retirement than supporting the TAA’s Holiday Giving Campaign.” TAA’s Holiday Giving Campaign commenced November 29th and is scheduled to conclude New Year’s Eve. Those wishing to support the TAA, its 81 accredited organizations, and thousands of retired Thoroughbreds can donate through the TAA’s website or text DONATE to 56651. During the Holiday Giving Campaign, TAA is also offering donors the benefit of sending digital holiday cards to colleagues, friends, and loved ones. Throughout the end of the year, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will continue to host special one-day only donation matches with some of horse racing’s biggest names. For more chances to double your donation, watch the TAA’s social media, website, and industry advertisements for the next Holiday Giving match day announcement. To learn more and donate to the TAA’s Holiday Giving campaign, CLICK HERE.