Last week, The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA), and New York Thoroughbred Breeders (NYTB) announced that Saratoga Race Course will host the first New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day on Wednesday, July 21.
Named after the late NYTHA President, the featured race will be the Rick Violette Stakes; Violette spearheaded the creation of the TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program and TAKE THE LEAD Retirement Program, and was a founding member of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA). In a statement, trainer Rick Schosberg said, “We’re proud to carry on Rick Violette’s work in promoting and protecting our equine athletes,” and added that it is “our duty to make sure they have safe haven when their racing careers are over.” Over 800 race horses from NYRA tracks have retired through TAKE THE LEAD.
The New York Thoroughbred industry donates more than $1.28 million to racehorse retirement each year, making them one of the industry leaders in aftercare.
Racing fans can show their support by texting AFTERCARE2021 to 44321 and donating to TAKE THE LEAD, or by opting to make a donation to the TAA when cashing a winning ticket on an AmTote International self-service betting terminal. Donations are tax deductible.
Those who attend Saratoga Race Course on New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day can learn more about many aftercare initiatives in New York through video presentations and live broadcasts.
Tickets are on sale now at NYRA.com/Saratoga.
