Source:  News Release

 

 

TRF Saratoga Gala Overflows with Industry Support

Saratoga Springs, NY - The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s annual Gala at Saratoga Springs, Sunday evening was a sellout success. A record crowd of over 600 attended the dinner/dance, hosted by celebrities Bobby Flay and Carolyn Conley.
Initial estimates show more than $500,000 was raised through ticket sales and auctions of donated stallion seasons and unique travel experiences.

Earle Mack, Gala Committee co-chairman said, “It was rewarding to see the whole industry come together for this event. We had tables of leading jockeys, tables of trainers, tables of racehorse owners and breeders all united because everyone who benefits from this sport is starting to understand we have a responsibility to the horses.”

Mack continued, “We did not solve the problem last night, but we did restore confidence in the TRF to lead in rehabilitating, retraining and re-educating racehorses.”

At the start of the evening, Mack presented Frank Stronach with the inaugural Earle Mack Retirement Foundation Champions’ Award for his individual leadership in starting the first ever, in-house program at Adena Springs Farms. Each of Stronach’s retired racehorses is evaluated to determine whether to retire them to pasture, or how best to rehabilitate and retrain the horses. The successful program now has a waiting list of screened people willing to make a commitment to the life-long care and well being of the horse.

“But, Frank didn’t stop with taking responsibility for his own horses. He became the first track operator to partner with the horsemen at Gulfstream and Santa Anita and match dollar for dollar deductions from wagering revenue to establish retirement programs for horses who race there. His leadership and desire to do what is right for the horses can be a template for all racing in North America”, said Mack.

In accepting the award, Frank Stronach said, "I am very honored to receive this award, especially from Earle, who has been a real champion for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. Each of us has a responsibility to see that our horses are cared for after racing. When some in the sport do not meet their responsibility, then it is up to the rest of us to support programs like the TRF that serve as a safety net. I will continue to do everything I can to assure racehorses receive the care they need throughout their lives."

Mack closed the evening by thanking the staff of the TRF for their hard work organizing the Gala and said, “I know that not everyone here has a farm and staff to take care of their retired horses, but all of us here tonight have money that we can give to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, so that they can do the job for us.”

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation will follow with a release showing complete list of auctioned items.

About The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation:

For 28 years, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) has been dedicated to saving Thoroughbred horses, no longer able to compete on the racetrack, from possible neglect, abuse, and slaughter. Currently, the TRF proudly cares for more than 1,100 horses nationwide, many of them at correctional facilities where inmates participate in a vocational training program. Horses suitable for second careers are reschooled and adopted out to loving homes, while others live out the rest of their days at our farms.