October 17, 2013 – The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) is teaming up with California Retirement Management Account (CARMA) at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park on November 1-2, 2013 to promote awareness of Thoroughbred aftercare. The two aftercare organizations will be providing wristbands for fans to wear to show their support for retired Thoroughbreds.
Breeders’ Cup attendees may pick up these aqua-colored wristbands at the TAA and CARMA booth located by the fountain near the south entrance to Santa Anita. They will be distributed free of charge with donations welcomed. TAA and CARMA representatives will also be present to answer questions and provide information on Thoroughbred aftercare and their organizations.
“With the best Thoroughbreds coming together to compete in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to highlight the importance of caring for these great athletes after their racing careers are over,” said Mike Ziegler, Executive Director of TAA. “The wristbands are an easy and visible way for fans, horsemen and other participants to show their support, and we hope that everyone attending will wear them with pride.”
“An important part of CARMA’s mission is to promote industry support and awareness for Thoroughbred aftercare, and these wristbands are the perfect way to demonstrate that support,” said Lucinda Mandella, Executive Director of CARMA. “Breeders’ Cup is the highlight of our year and the perfect spot to pay tribute to the equine stars that have given their all on the track, and now need our support in retirement.”
For more information on the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, please visit the Breeders’ Cup web site, www.breederscup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media platforms, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Based in Lexington, KY, the TAA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to serve as both an accrediting body for aftercare facilities that care for Thoroughbreds following the conclusion of their racing careers, and a fundraising body to support these approved facilities. Funded initially by seed money from Breeders’ Cup, Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is comprised of and supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, jockeys, aftercare professionals and other industry groups. To support the TAA, please visit thoroughbredaftercare.org or call 859-224-2756.
CARMA, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, raises money for retired thoroughbred racehorses that have raced in California and grants funds to CARMA-accredited aftercare partners. It is run by an independent board of directors and is responsible for hosting fundraising events, educating owners and trainers on equine retirement and working to unify the industry in support of retiring equine athletes. It is a member of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, which works toward a national solution to issues surrounding retired racehorses.