Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

LEXINGTON, KY — The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be represented with a named race on Jeff Ruby Steaks Day at Turfway Park on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Jeff Ruby Steaks Day brings an afternoon of racing highlighted by the $700,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks, a Grade III prep-race for the Kentucky Derby. Held on the synthetic Tapeta track, the 1 1/8 mile race garners Kentucky Derby qualification points distributed as 100-40-30-20-10 to the top five horses. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Race will be Race 6, with a post time of 3:13 PM EDT. Following the running of the race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections including a branded blanket and swag bag. Turfway Park will feature and promote accredited aftercare awareness throughout the race day. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will have a booth to interact and promote accredited aftercare on-site. “Turfway is proud to stand behind the great work of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and host them once again on such a special day of racing,” said Turfway Park Director of Racing & Racing Secretary, Tyler B. Picklesimer. “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is excited to be back at Turfway for the 2023 Jeff Ruby Steaks!” said Emily Dresen, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Director, Funding & Events.  “We look forward to a fantastic day of racing and celebrating with fellow fans, industry participants and the Turfway Park team.” Contact Stacie Clark 859-230-5881 sclark@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 352-362-6934 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.    

LEXINGTON, KY — The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be featured at Tampa Bay Downs with a named race on the Tampa Bay Derby undercard on Saturday, March 11. 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. Tampa Bay Downs, a longtime supporter of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, will feature and promote accredited aftercare awareness throughout the race day and race meet. As part of Tampa Bay Down’s support, a VIP experience has been donated to the winners of the January 2023 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance “Off to the Races” online benefit auction of bucket list racing events.  This all-inclusive VIP experience consists of dining, premium seating, winner’s circle access, and more. “We are excited to have Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance on-site during the Tampa Bay Derby with a featured race and hosting a VIP experience,” said Margo Flynn, Vice President of Marketing and Publicity at Tampa Bay Downs. “We value aftercare and think this is a great opportunity to promote everything that the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance does on one of our biggest race days.” “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is thrilled to have such longstanding support from Tampa Bay Downs” said Emily Dresen, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Director, Funding & Events. “Accredited aftercare is important to Tampa Bay Downs, and they continue to promote safe and proper aftercare for our equine athletes through a variety of avenues, and we are so excited to be here for the Tampa Bay Derby.” Contact Stacie Clark 859-230-5881 sclark@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 352-362-6934 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.

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is pleased to announce the hiring of Samantha Smith, who will be joining the team as the new Director of Marketing and Communications, effective February 27, 2023. Samantha brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the position. A graduate from the University of Kentucky’s animal science program, Samantha has ten years of Thoroughbred industry work experience including five years of industry marketing and communications with a variety of equine associations, including TOBA, The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation, and the Horse Racing Women’s Summit. In her new role, Samantha will be responsible for leading and overseeing all marketing initiatives at the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. She will work closely with the executive team, the Communications Committee, and TAA’s accredited organizations to develop and implement marketing strategies that align with the company’s overall goals and objectives. “We are excited to have Samantha Smith join the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as our Marketing and Communications Director,” said TAA President Jeff Bloom. “As the TAA has grown over the years our demand for professional communications and marketing has expanded. Her wealth of experience in addition to her passion for aftercare will be a great asset to our team.” Already an advocate for Thoroughbred Aftercare, when not working Samantha can be found riding her Godolphin rehomed off-the-track Thoroughbred Superfection, aka “Shaylon.” “In my professional career I have a keen interest in the sport of Thoroughbred racing, particularly in any area where I can support efforts to promote and grow the sport, educate others, or improve safety, welfare, and aftercare initiatives,” Samantha said. “In my personal life, with my own former racehorse, I especially have a passion for Thoroughbred aftercare. I look forward to joining the team at TAA and promoting all the Thoroughbred has to offer after racing.”   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 352-362-6934 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org  

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

Centennial Farms sponsored the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Best Turned Out Horse Awards during the Pegasus World Cup card Jan. 28, 2023 at Gulfstream Park. 2023 marks Centennial’s fifth consecutive year Centennial Farms has sponsored the awards.   RACE 1 #12 QUALY Groom: Manuel Felipe Trainer: Saffie Joseph, Jr.   RACE 2 #9 PERFORM Groom: Marco Antonio Trainer: Claude McGaughey III   RACE 3 #4 SOLE VOLANTE Groom: Carlos Arantes Trainer: Patrick Biacone   RACE 4 — The South Beach presented by Pepsi #1 KAHIKO Groom: Nestor Ramos Trainer: J. Kent Sweezey   RACE 5 #11 JOURNEYMAN Groom: Javier Solis Trainer: Saffie Joseph, Jr.   RACE 6 — The La Prevoyante presented by Don Julio (G3) #4 BESIDE HERSELF Groom: Edwin Garcia Trainer: Todd Pletcher   RACE 7 — The Carousel Club presented by Seminole Hard Rock #8 GREYES CREEK Groom: Victor Mendoza Trainer: Paulo Lobo   RACE 8 — The Inside Information presented by Brightline (G2) #4 OBLIGATORY Groom: Ana Hernandez Trainer: William Mott   RACE 9 — The William L. McKnight presented by Davidoff Cigars (G3) #3 PAO ALTO (FR) Groom: Esteban Ramierz Trainer: Graham Motion   RACE 10 — The Fred W. Hooper presented by Whispering Angel (G3) #9 ENDORSED Groom: Edwardo Agustin Trainer: Mike Maker   RACE 11 — The TAA Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf Invitational presented by Pepsi (G3) #2 DALIKA Groom: Omar Bahena Trainer: Albert Stall, Jr.   RACE 12 — The Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational presented by Qatar Racing (G1) #6 LADY SPEIGHTSPEARE Groom: Anastasia Zemtsov Trainer: Roger Attfield   RACE 13 — The Pegasus World Cup Invitational presented by Baccarat (G1) #1 PROXY Groom: James Darjean Trainer: Michael Stidham

Just two months after completing his last work at Ellis Park, the Madaket Stables-owned, Steve Asmussen trainee retired with a record of 3-3-2 to TAA-accredited Second Stride.

Named after WWII war hero and MLB professional baseball player Leland Victor Brissie, meet Lou Brissie, the retired graded stakes winner.

Despite being the son of  Godolphin’s 2008 Eclipse Award winning stallion, Midshipman, Secret Deployment lacked interest in racing.

Impressive John R served as an equine-assisted therapy horse for 9 years at TAA-accredited Central Kentucky Riding for Hope.

  Join the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance at the America’s Best Racing Pre-Preakness party and silent auction on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at the Mt. Washington Tavern in Baltimore, Maryland. The silent auction will feature a variety of signed collectible racing memorabilia, certificates, specialty equine products, and more!   CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS   Storm Cat | Stallion Halter  In 20 years at stud, sired earners of more than $127 million, eight champions, and 108 graded stakes winners, including five winners of Breeders’ Cup races. Includes signed certificate of authenticity from Overbrook Farm.   Knicks Go | Stallion Halter  2021 Horse of the Year and Champion Older Male, Longines World’s Best Racehorse in 2021. 2021 Breeders’ Cup Classic Winner and 2020 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile Winner. Includes signed certificate of authenticity from TaylorMade Farm.   More Than Ready | Stallion Halter Leading Sire of Breeders’ Cup Winners, the only sire to have an Eclipse Award Champion each of the last four years, sire of more BTWs than any North American sire in history. Includes signed certificate of authenticity from WinStar Farm.   Essential Quality | Stallion Halter 2020 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Winner and Eclipse Champion Two-Year-Old, 2021 Belmont Stakes and Travers Stakes  Winner and Eclipse Champion Three-Year-Old.  Includes signed certificate of authenticity from Darley’s Jonabell Farm.   Cairo Prince | Stallion Halter Sire of more six-figure juveniles in 2021 than any other 4th crop sire with 29 winners from 57 starters and 4 stakes wins in his 4th crop. Includes signed certificate of authenticity from Airdrie Stud.   Irad Ortiz, Jr. Signed Bobblehead Three-time Eclipse Award winner as Outstanding Jockey in 2018, 2019, and 2020,and North America’s current 2022 leading rider by earnings.   John Velasquez Signed Bobblehead Two-time Eclipse Award winner as Outstanding Jockey in 2004 and 2005, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012, and North America’s all-time leading rider by earnings.   Tyler Gaffalione Signed Bobblehead 2015 Eclipse Award winner as outstanding apprentice jockey, and America’s second-ranked jockey by wins in 2017 and 2020.   Framed Kentucky Derby Autograph Collection 16×20 framed print of the Kentucky Derby trophy signed by winning owners, trainers, and jockeys of the Derby from 1966 through 2021. Notable autographs include Penny Chenery (Secretariat), Ron Turcott (Secretariat), Steve Cauthen (Affirmed), Dr. Jim Hall (Seattle Slew), Victor Espinoza (American Pharoah), Calvin Borel, D. Wayne Lukas, Edgar Prado, John Sheriffs, Kent Desormeaux, and more.   Framed and Signed Justify Print 16×20 framed print of Justify signed by Bob Baffert and Mike Smith. Photo by Suzie Picou-Oldham.   Budweiser Arlington Million Framed Art Framed official Budweiser Arlington Million poster from the 1985 race, known as the Miracle Million. The race was held 25 days after the entire Arlington clubhouse and grandstand were destroyed by fire.   Triple Crown Jockey Autograph Collection Framed collection of autographed photos of Triple Crown winning jockeys: Ron Turcotte (Secretariat, 1973), Victor Espinoza (American Pharoah, 2015), and Mike Smith (Justify, 2018). Each photo includes a certificate of authenticity.   Kentucky Derby Winner Rich Strike Framed and Autographed Collage Framed print of Rich Strike winning the 148th Kentucky Derby signed by trainer Eric Reed. Photos by Suzie Picou-Oldham.   Monomoy Girl 2018 Breeders’ Cup Distaff Bundle A 2018 Breeders’ Cup Distaff saddle towel signed by owner Sol Kumin (Monomoy Stables LLC), trainer Brad Cox, and jockey Florent Geroux, PLUS a 2018 Breeders’ Cup race-day program.   Bricks and Mortar 2019 Breeders’ Cup Turf Bundle A 2019 Breeders’ Cup Turf saddle towel signed by owner William H. Lawrence, trainer Chad Brown, and jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr., PLUS a 2019 Breeders’ Cup hat signed by owner William H. Lawrence and trainer Chad Brown.   Blue Prize (ARG) 2019 Breeders’ Cup Distaff Bundle A 2019 Breeders’ Cup Distaff saddle towel AND a 2019 Breeders’ Cup hat signed by owner John Moores (Merriebelle Stable), trainer Ignacio Correas,and jockey Joe Bravo, PLUS a 2019 Breeders’ Cup race-day program.   Vino Rosso 2019 Breeders’ Cup Classic Bundle A 2019 Breeders’ Cup Classic saddle towel signed by owner Mike Repole (Repole Stable), trainer Todd Pletcher, and jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. AND a 2019 Breeders’ Cup hat signed by trainer Todd Pletcher, PLUS a 2019 Breeders’ Cup race-day program.   Kentucky Oaks 146 Signed Saddle Towel A mini saddle towel signed by Brad Cox and Florent Geroux, trainer and jockey of winner Shedaresthedevil.   Kentucky Oaks 147 Signed Saddle Towel A mini saddle towel signed by the jockeys of the 2021 Kentucky Oaks.   Kentucky Derby 147 Signed Saddle Towel A mini saddle towel signed by the jockeys of the 2021 Kentucky Derby.   Kentucky Oaks 148 Signed Saddle Towel A mini saddle towel signed by the jockeys of the 2022 Kentucky Oaks.   Kentucky Derby 148 Signed Saddle Towel A mini saddle towel signed by the jockeys of the 2022 Kentucky Derby   Preakness Stakes 146 Bundle  A mini saddle towel signed by the jockeys of the 2021 Preakness Stakes and the race-day program signed by the jockeys of the 2021 Preakness Stakes.   2023 Uncle Lino Stallion Season One 2023 No Guarantee season to stallion Uncle Lino, currently standing at Northview Stallion Station in Chesapeake City, MD. Grade 1 performer and record setting SW Uncle Lino, by leading sire Uncle Mo and out of a half-sister to Leading sire Shackleford. No Guarantee purchase of stallion season is NON-REFUNDABLE UNDER ANY CONDITION including the unavailability, infertility or death of the stallion, or the mare’s death, inability to conceive or carry to term, once named and covered or for any other reason.   Christine A. Moore Millinery Fascinator Featured Milliner of Kentucky Derby 144, 145, 146, 147 & 148 and of the Preakness Stakes and The Florida Derby;  featured Milliner at Keeneland; Official Milliner of Breeders’ Cup and Jim McKay Maryland Million Day; Official Milliner of TOBA and the Iroquois Steeplechase; Official Hat Designer of America’s Best Racing.   Hagyard Equine Medical Institute Bundle A certificate for a FREE veterinary examination with Dr. Andie Fox in Lexington, KY PLUS a gift bag of Resolvet products. Valued at $550.   Brook Ledge Horse Transportation Voucher Voucher for one box stall shipment of a horse from