NEWS: nytb

Voting Opens for Down Broadway Retired Racehorse of the Year Award

Thursday, July 18th, 2024
Soaring Star, bred in New York by Patricia Moseley and a graduate of New Vocations, participates in last year's inaugural event. Susie Raisher photo.

New York-bred Aftercare Day on-track demonstrations with retrained retired racehorses. Photo cred: Susie Raisher

The voting for the first-ever Down Broadway Retired Racehorse of the Year Award opens today. The presentation of the Down Broadway Award, named for the first horse to retire through the TAKE THE LEAD Program back in 2013, will highlight New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day at Saratoga Race Course on Thursday, August 15.

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA), and New York Thoroughbred Breeders (NYTB) will host the fourth annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day, which showcases retired racehorses demonstrating the skills they’ve learned in second careers, and interviews with members of New York’s aftercare community. The $125,000 Rick Violette Stakes, named for the late trainer and NYTHA President who spearheaded the creation of the TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program and TAKE THE LEAD Retirement Program, will anchor the racing card.

Seven retired Thoroughbreds have been nominated by the organizations who participate in Aftercare Day. They include a classy stakes winner of more than $800,000; a hard-knocking veteran of 79 starts who bankrolled more than $300,000; and a gelding who was not cut out for the track and went winless in 12 tries.

The seven nominees are:

Fortunate Storm – Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
Kid Blast – Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga
My Boy Tate – ReRun, Inc.
Nucks – Second Chance Thoroughbreds
Ring of Fire – Lucky Orphans
Traffic Chief – ACTT Naturally
Zuzudini – New Vocations

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE DOWN BROADWAY NOMINEES.

“We have a very deserving group of nominees for the first Down Broadway Award,” said NYTHA and TAKE2 Executive Director Andy Belfiore. “We hope that reading their stories and learning more about the aftercare organizations who guided them to their second careers will help to raise awareness of our efforts on behalf of retired racehorses.”

The winner of the Down Broadway Award will be decided by a vote of racing fans, with the voting open July 17 through August 8. Wristbands for each nominee will be given away on Aftercare Day so that fans can show their support, and the presentation of the award will be made in the Saratoga winner’s circle after the first race that day.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE DOWN BROADWAY AWARD NOMINEE!

“Thoroughbred Aftercare Day reflects our ongoing commitment to re-training and rehoming these world-class equine athletes when their racing days are done,” said Andrew Offerman, NYRA Senior Vice President for Racing & Operations. “New York is the national leader when it comes to supporting and investing in meaningful aftercare efforts, and NYRA is pleased to host the fourth annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day at Saratoga Race Course on August 15.”

 


Register for NYTB Events in Saratoga this August!

Wednesday, July 17th, 2024

NYTB logoDear Members:

We look forward to celebrating the summer racing season in Saratoga and the 2024 Fasig-Tipton New York-bred Preferred Yearling Sales at the following NYTB events this August!

 

 

  • Join NYTB for our New York-Bred Yearling Pre-Sales Kickoff BBQ & Clam bake! From 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 8 at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Saratoga!

Guests will enjoy a BBQ selection and clam bake with complimentary beer and wine. Entertainment will be provided by the cover band The Wallies!

Guests MUST RSVP by August 5

Tickets: FREE admission with registration at nytbreeders,org/events 

  • On Thursday, August 22 at Saratoga Race Course NYTB will host a premium VIP experience in the Paddock suite for a day at the races.

Affectionately known as “The Treehouse” the paddock suite is an expansive structure featuring a climate-controlled lounge, bar and balcony overlooking the historic Saratoga Race Course saddling area. The paddock suite offers panoramic views of the paddock.

*This event is limited to 100 participants, so RSVP as soon as possible to secure your spot!

Tickets: $100 NYTB Members
$125 non-members.

Guests MUST RSVP by August 7 or a late fee will be applied. Register at nybreeders.org/events

 


NYTB Welcomes SUNY Administrators to Saratoga Race Course

Friday, July 12th, 2024

Administrators from SUNY colleges with NYTB board member Tom Gallo and NYRA analyst and retired NY Champion jockey Richard Migliore on their visit to Saratoga Race Course. Photo: Skip Dickstein/NYTB Photos.

One day before the start of this year’s Saratoga Race Course meet, on Wednesday, July 10, The New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc., led a group of senior administrators and Presidents from the State University of New York System to experience morning training at Saratoga Race Course and learn more about the various segments of the Thoroughbred Industry.

The tour was organized by NYTB board member and education committee chairman Tom Gallo and NYTB Executive Director Najja Thompson. Visitors included SUNY administrators and representatives from SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY Niagara, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Oswego and Clinton Community College. The group spent the early morning watching training at the Oklahoma training track and learning about the journey of a racehorse. From being foaled to training and racing on track and the care equine athletes receive day-to-day and also in thoroughbred retirement.

Retired Champion Jockey & NYRA TV Analyst Richard Migliore speaking with SUNY administrators at the Oklahoma Training Track at Saratoga Race Course. Photo: Skip Dickstein/NYTB Photos

Speakers included were NYRA TV Analyst and retired NY Champion Jockey Richard Migliore, NYRA Executive Vice President of Operations and Capital Projects Glen Kozack, and NYRA Board members and Education committee chair Tom Gallo.

 

Last year, NYTB launched an accredited Thoroughbred industry course with SUNY Cobleskill designed to expose upper-class students in the Animal Science program to all aspects of the Thoroughbred industry and this year NYTB is looking to build and expand on that program in partnership with more schools.

“Our goal in welcoming administrators across the SUNY system to experience and learn more about our industry. Additionally, the immersive tour and experience was an opportunity to expand on the Thoroughbred Industry course we partnered on with SUNY Cobleskill last year with more schools across the state,” said NYTB Board member Tom Gallo.

“It was a wonderful experience for me and my colleagues,” said Ken Knelly administrator in charge for Clinton Community College. “Thank you to the NYTB and NYRA for making it possible. We look forward to continuing to work together to ensure more students can learn about the various jobs and careers in the thoroughbred industry.”

 


NYTB Membership Services booth at Saratoga Race Course

Wednesday, July 10th, 2024

NYTB logoDear Members:

Following a successful Belmont Stakes Racing Festival in June, the traditional Saratoga summer racing meet is upon us!

To best support our members, NYTB will have a membership services booth located outside the paddock on select Fridays at the track.

As a reminder, your 2024 NYTB membership and pin grants you FREE general admission entrance to Saratoga Race Course on each live race day. 

If you need any help or assistance regarding your NYTB membership or want to direct friends, colleagues, and guests to a place where they can learn more about NYTB and the New York-bred program, please visit us.

Please find the schedule and operating hours for the Saratoga on-track NYTB Membership Services Booth (outside the paddock):

  • Friday, July 12 –  11a – 5p
  • Friday, July 26 – 11a – 5p
  • Friday, August 2 –  11a – 5p
  • Friday, August 23 –  11a – 5p
  • Friday, August 30 – 11a – 5p

Our collective goal is to be visible to our members during the Saratoga season and share our mission with attendees all summer promoting breeding and racing in New York.

The Saratoga annual summer meet is an exciting time that brings great racing, fantastic purses, and tremendous opportunities for New York-breds at the track. We hope to see you soon!

mapnytb_sar_booth_1

Retired Racehorse of The Year Award to Highlight New York Aftercare Day at Saratoga August 15

Monday, July 8th, 2024
Soaring Star, bred in New York by Patricia Moseley and a graduate of New Vocations, participates in last year's inaugural event. Susie Raisher photo.

Soaring Star, bred in New York by Patricia Moseley and a graduate of New Vocations, participates in last year’s inaugural event. Susie Raisher photo.

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA), and New York Thoroughbred Breeders (NYTB) will host the fourth annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day on Thursday, August 15, at Saratoga Race Course.

The event will be highlighted by the introduction of the Down Broadway Retired Racehorse of the Year Award. Named for the first horse retired through the TAKE THE LEAD Program back in 2013, the Down Broadway will feature nominations from the New York organizations that participate in Aftercare Day, with the winner to be decided by a vote of racing fans.

New York Aftercare Day showcases retired racehorses demonstrating the skills they’ve learned in second careers, and interviews with members of New York’s aftercare community. The $125,000 Rick Violette Stakes, named for the late trainer and NYTHA President who spearheaded the creation of the TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program and TAKE THE LEAD Retirement Program, will anchor the racing card.

Representatives of ACTT Naturally, Lucky Orphans, New Vocations, Old Friends at Cabin Creek, ReRun, Second Chance Thoroughbreds, Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, and Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation will be on hand in the Community Booth behind the jockeys’ quarters to talk about their efforts on behalf of New York’s retired racehorses.

“All of the members of New York’s racing industry, including, owners, trainers, breeders, jockeys, and racetrack management, are firmly committed to providing for our horses after they leave the track,” said TAKE THE LEAD President Rick Schosberg. “Collectively, we contribute more than $1.2 million a year to ensure they have the happy and healthy retirement they deserve. Aftercare Day is the perfect opportunity to showcase the success of our commitment.”

Milfer Farm-bred Uncle Sigh, multiple graded stakes placed, Kentucky Derby participant, and ReRun ambassador, meets fans at the 2021 event. Susie Raisher photo.

Milfer Farm-bred Uncle Sigh, multiple graded stakes placed, Kentucky Derby participant, and ReRun ambassador, meets fans. Susie Raisher photo.

“Thoroughbred Aftercare Day reflects our ongoing commitment to re-training and rehoming these world-class equine athletes when their racing days are done,” said Andrew Offerman, NYRA Senior Vice President for Racing & Operations. “New York is the national leader when it comes to supporting and investing in meaningful aftercare efforts, and NYRA is pleased to host the fourth annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day at Saratoga Race Course on August 15.”

“New York Aftercare Day is an important event on the Saratoga calendar because it allows us to celebrate the good work done by leading Thoroughbred Aftercare organizations that care and retrain our equine athletes,” said Najja Thompson, Executive Director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders. “We’re proud to collaborate with NYTHA, NYRA, and each participating organization in our collective efforts to highlight and bring awareness to Thoroughbred Aftercare across the industry.”

Schosberg, now himself retired from training, was Down Broadway’s conditioner when the decision was made to transition the New York-bred to a second career. Winless in 10 races, the handsome gray gelding was retired through New Vocations back in 2013 and is now living his best life in Ohio.

“After several successful years as a dressage horse, he’s living out in massive pastures at a friend’s farm in northeastern Ohio,” said adopter Megan Uditis. “He’s spoiled, so loved and happy as can be! He was by far my favorite to bring along, so sweet and kind, and he still is. He’s happy to have his forever home with his pasture mates.”

The nominations for the Down Broadway Award will be announced in mid-July, with voters casting their ballots online for the retired racehorse of their choice. Wristbands for each nominee will be given away on Aftercare Day so that fans can show their support, and the winner will be honored after the first race.

“The winner’s circle ceremony for Drafted last year was so popular, we wanted to find a way to celebrate one of our retired racehorses every year,” TAKE THE LEAD and NYTHA Executive Director Andy Belfiore explained. “Whether they were champions or never won a race, these horses have earned our love and respect, and we need to demonstrate that, not just on Aftercare Day, but every day.”


New York Showcase Day Brunch presented by Thirty Year Farm – Sunday, June 9

Tuesday, May 21st, 2024

Join NYTB & Thirty Year Farm for a brunch buffet & bar to kick off New York-bred Showcase Day on Sunday, June 9, closing day of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga!

Presented by Thirty Year Farm, the brunch will be a wonderful and exciting event and is an opportunity to interact with your fellow breeders, owners, NYTB members, and everyone in the program ahead of our first Showcase Day of 2024 in closing out the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. We look forward to seeing you there!

Purchase tickets by visiting nytbreeders.org/events

 


Maple Leaf Mel earns 2023 New York-bred Horse of the Year, multiple divisional honors

Monday, May 13th, 2024

Maple Leaf Mel, a two-time graded stakes winner last year, earned New York-bred Horse of the Year and a pair of divisional honors for 2023. NYRA Photo.

Multiple graded stakes winner Maple Leaf Mel earned New York-bred Horse of the Year, champion 3-year-old filly and champion female sprinter honors during the New York Thoroughbred Breeders Inc.’s Annual Awards Ceremony Monday night at Sacred Saratoga on the property of GMP Farm in Schuylerville.

Bred by Joe Fafone and campaigned by Bill Parcells’ August Dawn Farm, Maple Leaf Mel won the East View Stakes at Aqueduct against fellow New York-bred fillies before back-to-back successes in the Grade 3 Miss Preakness at Pimlico and Grade 3 Victory Ride at Belmont Park. The daughter of Cross Traffic suffered a fatal injury in the final strides – while on the lead and headed to a certain victory – of the Grade 1 Test Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. Trained by Melanie Giddings and Jeremiah Englehart, Maple Leaf Mel won five of six starts overall and earned $399,650.

The 2023 New York-bred Horse of the Year and divisional champions were chosen by a vote of New York turf writers, handicappers, photographers and television and radio hosts and analysts conducted by the NYTB.

A Commemorative Awards Dinner Program was written and produced by ST Publishing (the team behind The Saratoga Special and Thisishorseracing.com) for Monday night’s event and includes profiles of all the finalists. The program is available here.

New York’s 2023 honorees:
New York-Bred Horse of the Year, Champion Three-Year-Old Filly, Champion Female Sprinter
Maple Leaf Mel (Cross Traffic-City Gift, by City Place)
Breeder: Joe Fafone.
Owner: August Dawn Farm.
Trainers: Melanie Giddings and Jeremiah Englehart.
Foaling farm: Waldorf Farm in Valatie.

Champion Two-Year-Old Male
The Wine Steward (Vino Rosso – Call to Service, by To Honor and Serve)
Breeders: Sequel Thoroughbreds LLC, Lakland Farm and Mark Toothaker
Owner: Paradise Farms Corp. and David Staudacher
Trainer: Mike Maker
Foaling farm: Sequel Stallions in Hudson

Champion Two-Year-Old Filly
Cara’s Time (Not This Time – Zindra, by Macho Uno)
Breeder: Stephen Crestani Jr.
Owner: Richard Greeley
Trainer: Mitch Friedman
Foaling farm: New Hill Farm in Hoosick Falls

Champion Three-Year-Old Male
Hejazi (Bernardini – G Note, by Medaglia d’Oro)
Breeder: Chester and Mary Broman
Owner: Zedan Racing Stables Inc.
Trainers: Bob Baffert, Tim Yakteen
Foaling farm: Chestertown Farm in Chestertown

Champion Older Dirt Male
Dr Ardito (Liam’s Map – Delightfully So, by Indian Charlie)
Breeders: Fred Hertrich III and John Fielding
Owners: Michael Dubb and Michael Caruso
Trainer: Chad Brown
Foaling farm: Waldorf Farm in Valatie

Champion Older Dirt Female
Classy Edition (Classic Empire – Newbie, by Bernardini)
Breeders: Chester and Mary Broman
Owners: Robert and Lawana Low
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Foaling farm: Chestertown Farm in Chestertown

Champion Turf Male
Red Knight (Pure Prize – Isabel Away, Skip Away)
Breeder/Owner: Trinity Farm
Trainer: Mike Maker
Foaling farm: Keane Stud in Amenia

Champion Turf Female
Silver Skillet (Liam’s Map – Catcha Rising Star, by Red Giant)
Breeder: Robert Chasanoff
Owners: Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Tango Uniform Racing and Steven Rocco
Trainer: Christophe Clement
Foaling farm: Blue Chip Farms in Wallkill

Champion Male Sprinter
Bold Journey (Hard Spun – Polly Freeze, by Super Saver)
Breeders: Fred Hertrich III and John Fielding.
Owners: Pantofel Stable, Wachtel Stable and Gary Barber
Trainer: Bill Mott
Foaling farm: Waldorf Farm in Valatie

Steeplechaser
Kiyomori (First Samurai – The Grey Express, by King’s Theatre)
Breeder/Owner: Greg Hawkins
Trainers: Todd Wyatt and Janet Elliot
Foaling farm: River Valley Farm in Gansevoort

Broodmare of the Year: City Gift (City Place – For My Wife, by Not For Love)

New York-Bred Trainer of the Year: Linda Rice

New York-Bred Jockey of the Year: Manuel Franco

New York Breeder of the Year: Stonewall Farm

Click here for the 2023 NYTB Annual Awards Dinner program.


NYTB to honor Vivien Malloy with Lifetime Achievement Award

Wednesday, April 24th, 2024

Edition Farm’s Vivien Malloy will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the NYTB at the Annual Awards Dinner Monday, May 13.

The New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) is pleased to announce Thoroughbred breeder and owner Vivien Malloy will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence in the New York-bred program.

Malloy, who owned and operated Edition Farm for more than four decades and bought her first racehorse in 1971, will be recognized at the NYTB’s Awards Dinner sponsored by the New York Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund from 6-9 p.m. Monday, May 13 at Sacred Saratoga on the property of GMP Farm in Schuylerville.

“What a thrill it was to hear I’ll receive this award,” Malloy said, who first joined the NYTB board in the 1980s on the advice of the late prominent New York breeder Gerald Nielsen. “He called and she I should be on the board. I told him I needed to talk to my husband first, and Harry said “oh, don’t get into anything political.’ ”

“I told him it’s not political and that I hoped I’d be able to represent small breeders and help in any way I can. Then in the years following I thought, ‘it’s all political.’ I spent so much time in Albany with lobbyists and politicians, but it’s all been worth it.”

Malloy was honored by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association as the New York State Breeder of the Year in 2007 and 2010. She also earned the NYTB’s Breeder of the Year Award in 2010.

“Vivien has been an integral and influential person in the development of New York breeding and racing,” said NYTB President Dr. Scott Ahlschwede. “She has been involved in every facet of our industry from breeding to ownership and standing stallions. On behalf of our board of directors and membership, we are proud to honor and recognize her lifetime contributions.”

Malloy’s run of success in the Empire State was centered on her two farms – Edition Farm in Waccabuc and Edition Farm North in Hyde Park. Malloy is the breeder of A Shin Forward, a son of Forest Wildcat who sold for $125,000 at the 2006 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga selected yearling sale before going on to become a Grade 1 winner in Japan. A Shin Forward earned $3,416,216 in his career, which ranks him as the third highest earning New York-bred in history.

“A Shin Forward was picked for the select sale at Saratoga and after I had a discussion with Craig Bandoroff who told me, ‘you’re going to be lost in the select sale, go to the preferred, you’ll be a star,’ ” Malloy said of her longtime consignor who operates Denali Stud. “I told him I didn’t want to be a star, that it will be good for my ego just that one time to be in the select sale. And he did quite well in there.”

In addition to A Shin Forward, stakes winners bred or co-bred by Malloy or Edition Farm include Mine Tonight, Minetonightsfirst, Bayou Blurr, Mistah, Then She Laughs, Kiss the Pro, Cliffie and Zow.

“We look forward to celebrating Vivien’s contributions to the New York-bred program at our upcoming annual marquee event alongside our New York-bred Divisional Award nominees and Champions at what will be a wonderful event,” said NYTB Executive Director Najja Thompson.

Tickets are still available for the NYTB Awards Dinner – $150 for NYTB Members and $175 for non-members – and can be purchased at nytbreeders.org/events or by calling the NYTB Office at (518) 587-0777.


NYTB Legislative Update: 2025 NY State Budget Recap

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024

Following weeks of protracted budget negotiations, the Legislature and Executive reached an agreement that led to the final bills being printed early in the morning on Saturday, April 20, and voting was finished later that afternoon.  As a result, the New York State Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget was finalized totaling $237 billion.

Our aim is always to protect and grow New York breeding and racing. There is a perpetual need for advocacy for our sport and industry which we hope you can help contribute towards.

NYTB and our legislative affairs team in Albany continue to work on your behalf to ensure New York’s thoroughbred breeding program and racing industry continue to be the best in the nation.  Below, please find updates from the 2025 state budget regarding New York’s horse racing and the thoroughbred breeding industry. These developments are in addition to accomplishments in recent years made possible from support by NYTB members such as:

  • A state-backed loan for the redevelopment of a new and improved Belmont Park.
  • Increased Breeder Awards offering up to 40 percent for New York Sired progeny and 20 percent for Non-NY-Sired progeny.
  • Annual Fund Caps legislation that allows the Breeding Fund to payout program awards as advertised.
  • Groundbreaking anti-slaughter legislation with the support of the entire racing industry.
  • Continuing to prevent legislation that would impose sales tax on the sale on the purchase of thoroughbreds sold at auction in New York.
  • Protecting of Racing support payments made from Video-Lottery Terminal revenue from Resorts World Casino at Aqueduct racetrack which ensures increased purse levels in New York and the overall increase in value of stallions standing in New York.

We are thankful and appreciate the support of Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr. (D-15), chair of the New York Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, Assemblymember Gary Pretlow, Jr. (D-89), chair of the State Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee, and all members of the New York Senate and State Assembly who continue to recognize the importance of horse racing to the New York State economy.

It is clear that New York farms, breeders, and all stakeholders in our program depend on the policymakers in our State Capitol. This year is especially important as all New York State legislators are up for election this coming November, and those who are aligned with our priorities and help us achieve our policy goals are looking to the NYTB PAC for our support.  Our PAC can only be successful if it receives support from members like you.

Personal donations to the NYTB PAC can be made payable to the NYTB PAC online here and mailed to:

NYTB PAC
P.O. BOX 5120
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. 12866

NYTB will continue our work on your behalf and appreciates your support in these efforts.

Regards,
signature
Najja Thompson
Executive Director

New York Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget Thoroughbred Breeding Industry & Horse Racing Updates

 

  • EXTEND USE OF CAPITAL FUNDS BY OFF-TRACK BETTING CORPORATIONS

If certain conditions are met, Capital OTB is authorized to use $1 million in Fiscal Year 2025, and Catskill is authorized to use up to $2.5 million towards:

  • Expenditures necessary to accept authorized wagers;
  • Past due obligations, including funds owed to: New York licensed or franchised racing corporations or associations, other racing associations or organizations for the costs of acquiring a simulcast signal,the New York State Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund Corporation, the agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund, or the Harry M. Zweig Memorial Fund for equine research.
  • EXTEND PARI-MUTUEL TAX RATES AND SIMULCAST PROVISIONS FOR ONE YEAR
  • EXTEND NEW YORK JOCKEY INJURY COMPENSATION FUND, INC. AUTHORITY THROUGH 2027
  • BELMONT AT SARATOGA MEET

    Extend certain licensing flexibilities for the Belmont Festival to apply while conducted at Saratoga Race Course (through December 31, 2026).

*Contributions to the NYTB PAC are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Total contributions from a corporation or LLC may not exceed $5,000 per calendar year in the aggregate to all New York state and local candidates and committees. Any LLC that contributes will be required to provide the NYTB PAC with details regarding the LLC’S members and their ownership interests. It is strictly prohibited to reimburse another individual’s or entity’s contribution. All contributors must be either US citizens or permanent resident aliens (green card holders).


TRF, NYTB collaborate on sanctuary farm search in New York

Monday, March 25th, 2024

NYTB logoThe Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and the New York Thoroughbred Breeders Inc. are collaborating on an effort to expand the TRF sanctuary farm network in New York with a focus on bringing New York-breds back to the Empire State for their retirement.

The TRF, the country’s oldest and largest Thoroughbred retirement operation, set a goal of finding farms in the state to home rescued and retired New York-breds in 2024. Farm owners in the state are encouraged to consider partnering with the TRF to provide land for these Thoroughbreds, most of whom were raised, raced and reared in New York.

“It would be so impactful for the TRF to have a sanctuary farm in New York,” said TRF Chief Operating Officer Maggie Sweet. “These horses are born here, raised here and race here and it would be a true full-circle moment to retire them here as well.”

Based in Saratoga Springs and founded in 1983, the TRF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization entirely supported by private donations from individuals, organizations, and foundations.

The TRF is also known for its Second Chances Program, which provides incarcerated individuals with life-changing vocational training through an accredited equine care and stable management program. At eight correctional facilities across the U.S., including one juvenile justice facility, this program offers second careers to its horses and a second chance at life for program graduates upon release from prison.

The search for additional sanctuary farms in New York and the Northeast became necessary due to demand. The TRF will look to start small – two farms with 10 horses apiece, for example – with a goal to grow to a comfortable level based on need and support from the New York racing industry.

“We are thrilled to share this opportunity from the TRF with farm owners in New York state to create accredited sanctuary sites for the care of equine athletes beyond their career at the racetrack,” said New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. Executive Director Najja Thompson. “Thoroughbred aftercare is of the utmost importance to our organization and members. The TRF has proven to be a leader in that regard.”

Farm owners in New York who are interested in a partnership are encouraged to contact Chelsea O’Reilly, TRF Director of Equine Programs, at chelsea@trfinc.org.