NY Thoroughbred Aftercare Day to Honor Racetrack Ponies

There are many second-career opportunities for retired racehorses. Some head to the breeding shed to produce the next generation of potential stars, some become show horses, some help humans through equine-assisted therapy programs—and some provide support to their fellow Thoroughbreds, accompanying them in training and to the starting gate in the essential role of racetrack pony. This year, New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day will honor the former racehorses who now serve as ponies. This sixth annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day will be held Friday, July 24, in conjunction with the $200,000 Rick Violette Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. More than a dozen racetrack ponies will parade before the first race on Aftercare Day, sporting saddle towels that show off their racing names, and one will be named as this year's winner of the Down Broadway Award for the Retired Racehorse of the Year. The event was created by the New York Racing Association (NYRA), New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA), New York Thoroughbred Breeders (NYTB), and New York Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund (NYTBDF) in 2021 to highlight the New York Thoroughbred industry's commitment to aftercare. Collectively, the state's owners, trainers, breeders, jockeys and NYRA contribute more than $1.8 million to aftercare efforts each year. "New York leads the way when it comes to coordinated Thoroughbred aftercare efforts, and this is a day to celebrate that success and pay tribute to the organizations working to re-home and re-train these athletes," said Andrew Offerman, NYRA SVP of Racing & Operations. "We thank NYTHA, NYTB and the Fund for helping to establish the annual Thoroughbred Aftercare Day at Saratoga, and our many partners in the aftercare community." NYTHA President Tina Marie Bond said, "There is a lingering misconception that the racing industry does not have a structure in place to provide for safe retirement for our racehorses. That couldn't be further from the truth. All of the stakeholders in the Thoroughbred industry in New York are united in our support, both financial and organizational, of aftercare, and this event is the perfect opportunity to showcase both our efforts and our retired racehorses." Tracy Egan, Executive Director of the Breeding Fund, added, "As you watch yesterday's racehorses performing professionally today as 'track ponies,' you will gain a better understanding of why we are confident that ex-racehorses can make the best equine partners, whether you want a backyard riding horse or a top-level hunter or jumper." "We are proud to once again join with NYTHA, NYRA, and the Fund in celebrating New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day. This day reflects our industry's shared commitment to the lifelong care and well-being of our equine athletes while highlighting the many organizations that support Thoroughbreds after their time on the racetrack. We are especially pleased to recognize racetrack ponies this year, whose continued service and dedication exemplify the versatility, intelligence, and lasting value of the Thoroughbred," said Najja Thompson, NYTB Executive Director. In addition to the Racetrack Pony Parade, representatives of ACTT Naturally, Long Shadows Charitable Foundation, Lucky Orphans, New Vocations, Old Friends at Cabin Creek, Second Chance Thoroughbreds, Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, and Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation will be on hand in the Community Booth behind the jockeys' quarters from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to talk about their efforts on behalf of New York's retired racehorses. There will also be interviews and videos about aftercare aired throughout the day. The Rick Violette Stakes was named in memory of the late NYTHA President, who championed the aftercare cause during his tenure at the helm of the horsemen's association. Violette launched the TAKE2 Program, a second-career incentive program that provides awards and prize money in Thoroughbred-only Hunter and Jumper classes across the country; and TAKE THE LEAD, which works with owners and trainers to find homes with accredited aftercare organizations for horses retiring from the NYRA circuit. "TAKE THE LEAD will soon reach a milestone, with 1,500 horses transitioned to second careers through our program since we started," said TAKE2/TAKE THE LEAD President Rick Schosberg. "Rick brought Thoroughbred retirement to the forefront in New York, and it's an honor to carry out his mission."