Stacie Clark-Rogers

The need to ensure responsible ownership at all stages of a racehorse’s life was a recurring theme at this week’s Thoroughbred Owner Conference, which was held July 25-26 in the 1863 Club at Saratoga Race Course. The event, which attracted more than 100 attendees, was presented by the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and hosted by The Jockey Club and Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. The keynote address of the conference was delivered by Stacie Clark-Rogers, operations consultant for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA). Clark-Rogers summarized the evolution of aftercare over the last 50 years and its increased prioritization among those involved in the Thoroughbred industry. She touched on the various organizations and initiatives formed by the industry to support aftercare, including the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, Thoroughbred Charities of America, Retired Racehorse Project, Thoroughbred Incentive Program, and TAA. She talked about the importance of the TAA and its role as racing’s accrediting and funding body for aftercare. Among the organizations accredited by the TAA are groups that offer equine-assisted therapy (EAT) by utilizing off-the-track Thoroughbreds, and Clark-Rogers advocated for EAT as an option for these horses. “These programs in my opinion are greatly undervalued, and we could be doing so much more to connect people with retired Thoroughbreds, and in return, promote the horse, the industry, and the sport of horse racing,” she said. “If we have learned anything over the last 20 years of aftercare initiatives, we all need to work together in all aspects of this industry, not just so the aftercare groups can succeed, but so the industry can be more accountable and thus succeed as a responsible, ethical sport.” Other topics of focus at the conference included buying at the sales, selecting a trainer, equine safety, partnerships, and international racing. The second day of the event featured a panel composed of a family of jockeys: Dylan Davis was joined by his sister Katie and her husband, Trevor McCarthy, with an appearance by Dylan and Katie’s father, former jockey Robbie Davis. The discussion was moderated by Eclipse Award-winning jockey Richard Migliore, who currently works as a racing analyst for NYRA. Tony Allevato, chief revenue officer for NYRA and president of NYRA Bets, opened the conference by describing efforts NYRA has made to improve the racing and ownership experience. For example, during NYRA’s racing coverage on Fox Sports, the production team makes it a priority to interview owners before and after each race. “It’s important for us as an operator to make the experience as good as possible,” he said. “If an owner thinks that there’s a chance that they can get on national TV, we think that adds to the experience.” The conference began with a reception at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, and attendees enjoyed the races at Saratoga on Wednesday. “After being postponed for two years due to COVID-19, we were delighted to finally bring the Thoroughbred Owner Conference to Saratoga for the first time,” said Gary Falter, project manager for OwnerView. “Competing at Saratoga is a dream for any Thoroughbred owner and a fitting location for this conference, where we provide existing, new, and prospective owners the opportunity to learn about all aspects of owning racehorses while facilitating networking with the industry’s most prominent names.” Tom Durkin served as the master of ceremonies. Participants on the panels included owners Tina Bond, H. James Bond Racing Stable and Song Hill Thoroughbreds; Michelle Borisenok, Old Tavern Farm; Peter Brant; Terry Finley, West Point Thoroughbreds; Tom Gallo, Dream Maker Racing; Len Green, D.J. Stable; Jack Knowlton, Sackatoga Stable; and others. A video replay of all panels at the conference will be available at ownerview.com within the next week. OwnerView is a joint effort spearheaded by The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association to encourage ownership of Thoroughbreds and provide accurate information on aspects of ownership such as trainers, public racing syndicates, the process of purchasing and owning a Thoroughbred, racehorse retirement, and owner licensing. The need for a central resource to encourage Thoroughbred ownership was identified in the comprehensive economic study of the sport that was commissioned by The Jockey Club and conducted by McKinsey & Company in 2011. The OwnerView site was launched in May 2012. Additional information about OwnerView is available at ownerview.com or by contacting Gary Falter at gfalter@jockeyclub.com or 859-224-2803.   Photo: Daniel Segal

As spring racing gets underway, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will be featured on two big race days. TAA supporters Gulfstream Park and Turfway Park will promote aftercare awareness on the undercard of the Jeff Ruby Steaks and the Florida Derby. A presentation of a TAA blanket and swag bag to the winning connections will be made following the running of each race. Gulfstream Park’s Race 2 presented by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will go off at 11:59 AM Saturday, March 27. A limited number of patrons will be in attendance for the action-packed Florida Derby day at Gulfstream. “Aftercare of our amazing equine athletes is vital to our industry and to me personally,” said Aidan Butler, Chief Operating Officer of 1/ST and President of 1/St Content. “1/ST is proud to support the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in all they do to ensure Thoroughbreds have many safe options upon retirement from racing.” Aftercare support will continue under new ownership at Turfway Park, where the TAA is set to present race 3 at 2:10 PM prior to the 50th running of the Jeff Ruby Steaks. Due to construction in preparation for the new racing and gambling property, Turfway is not permitted to host fans for live racing at this time. Simulcast wagering will be available through Newport Racing & Gaming and Twinspires.com. “The mission of the TAA has always been near and dear to the hearts of Turfway Park,” said Chip Bach, Turfway Park General Manager. “Having TAA represented during our biggest day of the year has been a great tradition. It serves to remind us all of the importance of ensuring that our equine athletes have careers long after they retire from racing.” “Turfway Park has been a longtime supporter of the TAA and we are very pleased they are able to be part of Jeff Ruby Day,” said Tyler Picklesimer, Director of Racing/Racing Secretary at Turfway Park. “We look forward to supporting them for years to come.” “The TAA is grateful to both Gulfstream and Turfway Park for their commitment to include the TAA during such exciting race days,” said Stacie Clark, TAA Operations Consultant. “Race presentations help the TAA fulfill its mission to spread awareness of accredited Thoroughbred aftercare which facilitates the funding of our 81 accredited organizations.” Both Gulfstream Park and Turfway Park are committed to financially supporting OTTBs and the TAA. Photo: Suzie Picou-Oldham

On the Pegasus World Cup card Jan. 25 at Gulfstream Park, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and approximately 25 of its accredited aftercare organizations accepted a check for $80,000 from Gulfstream Park.