Thoroughbred Charities of America

Latest TCA News

TCA NAMES PONS TO BOARD
LEXINGTON, KY. -- Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) announced today the appointment of Josh Pons to its Board of Directors. Pons will serve a three-year term as a new member. A two-time Eclipse Award winner for his writing in The Blood-Horse, Pons manages his family’s Country Life Farm in Bel Air, Maryland. In partnership with his brother Michael, Pons also owns and operates Merryland Farm, a breaking and training center in Hydes, Md. Pons is the author of two books on farm life, entitled Country Life Diary, Three Years in the Life of a Horse Farm, and Merryland, Two Years in the Life of a Racing Stable. “Josh Pons has been an active supporter of TCA from the very beginning,” said Herb Moelis president of TCA. “The Pons’ family farm, Country Life, was perhaps the first donor of a stallion season to the initial TCA stallion season auction 20 years ago. We welcome him as a director.” “I have been a fan of the TCA since the inception of the idea in Herb and Ellen Moelis’ living room 20 years ago,” said Pons. “Our stallion season donations help fund a ‘horseman’s scholarship’ at Father Martin’s Ashley, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Havre de Grace, Maryland. It’s not only horses, but horse people as well, who benefit from the TCA’s thoughtful allocation of funds.” Pons joins current board members Amy Adkins, Jimmy Bell, Gary Biszantz, Nadia Sanan Briggs, Kathleen Crompton, Gretchen Jackson, Michael Levy, Bob Manfuso, Dan Metzger, Ellen Moelis, Dr. Jim Orsini, Dan Rosenberg, Rob Whiteley, Jack Wolf and Chris Young. TCA initiated its annual fundraiser, the TCA Stallion Season Auction, twenty years ago to raise and distribute funds for charities in the Thoroughbred industry which provide a better life for Thoroughbreds both during and after their racing careers by supporting retirement, rescue, research and by helping the people who work with them. TCA is the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA). To date, over $16 million has been distributed to approximately 200 equine charities who dedicate themselves to providing a better life for horses and the people who care for them on a daily basis.
THE JOCKEY CLUB RENEWS RETIREMENT CHECKOFF PROGRAM

January 5, 2010 -- The Jockey Club is once again offering owners and breeders the opportunity to contribute, through a voluntary checkoff program, to Thoroughbred aftercare programs at the time they register their foals in 2010, it was announced today by James L. Gagliano, the president of The Jockey Club. The retirement checkoff program, created in 2009, is administered by The Jockey Club, and it raises funds to assist the retirement, retraining and adoption efforts of Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF). The Jockey Club, through its four commercial subsidiaries, donated $100,000 to each of those two charities in 2009 and will make donations for that same amount in 2010. The four companies are: The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc.; The Jockey Club Technology Services Inc.; InCompass Solutions Inc.; and The Jockey Club Racing Services Inc. “We are grateful to those who participated in the checkoff in 2009 and we hope that additional individuals and organizations will do their part this year to help ensure adequate post-racing care for Thoroughbreds,” said Gagliano. “The treatment and use of racehorses at the conclusion of their racing careers should be of concern to all industry participants.” “The checkoff is important because it provides a steady source of funding for essential TCA activities,” said TCA president Herb Moelis. “We appreciate the contributions that have been made through the checkoff and we are grateful to The Jockey Club for maintaining the checkoff program. We hope other organizations will follow its lead and enact similar programs that benefit retirement efforts.” “With across-the-board decreases in charitable giving, it’s more important than ever for the Thoroughbred industry to take care of its own and we urge owners and breeders to make contributions through The Jockey Club’s checkoff program,” said Diana Pikulski, the executive director of Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. TCA raises funds and distributes grants to a variety of non-profit organizations designed to improve conditions for horses and people in the Thoroughbred industry. Funds from The Jockey Club checkoff program are directed specifically to TCA’s Thoroughbred re-training and adoption initiatives. Additional information about TCA is available at thoroughbredcharities.org. Founded in 1983, the TRF is dedicated to providing humane retirement options for Thoroughbreds at the end of their racing careers, and it operates vocational training in equine care for inmates at nine correctional facilities around the country. Funds from The Jockey Club checkoff program are designated specifically for the TRF’s vocational training at correctional facilities. Additional information about TRF is available at trfinc.org. Thoroughbred breeders have the option of selecting one of four graduated amounts ($25, $50, $75, or $100) to be designated for these Thoroughbred aftercare programs or they can fill in the amount of their choice on the Application for Foal Registration form. These contributions do not qualify as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. The Jockey Club, founded in 1894 and dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred breeding and racing, is the breed registry for North American Thoroughbreds. In fulfillment of its mission, The Jockey Club provides support and leadership on a wide range of important industry initiatives and it serves the information and technology needs of owners, breeders, media, fans and farms, among others. Additional information is available at jockeyclub.com.
20TH ANNUAL TCA STALLION SEASON AUCTION GROSSES $1.7 MILLION
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The 20th annual Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) Stallion Season Auction raised a gross amount of $1.7 million compared to $1.2 million in 2008. The auction began with a three-day telephone auction and concluded with a live auction last Friday at the Keeneland Entertainment Center. Over 250 people attended the live auction sponsored by Brushwood Stable, Cobra Farm, CandyLand Farm, Lael Stables and Rosenberg Thoroughbred Consulting while volunteers from Fasig-Tipton were on-hand to conduct the auction. The majority of the stallion seasons were sold during the telephone auction and 28 seasons including A.P. Indy, Arch, Bernardini, Candy Ride, Distorted Humor, Dixie Union, Exchange Rate, Giant’s Causeway, Malibu Moon, Medaglia D’Oro, Smart Strike, Street Cry, Street Sense and Tiznow were included in the live auction. The highest priced seasons of the evening were no guarantee seasons to Street Cry and Medaglia d’ Oro that sold for $140,000 and a live foal A.P. Indy season that sold for $150,000. “The TCA auction would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and stallion season donors,” said Erin Crady, executive director of TCA. “The generosity of the many breeding farms, trainers and other season donors has been truly remarkable.” Herb and Ellen Moelis and the late Allaire duPont were recognized as the founders of TCA. Beverly Strauss and Ginny duPont Suarez of MidAtlantic Horse Rescue were presented with the TCA Industry Service Award. Herb Moelis, president of TCA stated “in view of the economic climate I am very pleased and encouraged by the results of this auction.” Moelis, who announced his intention to retire as president at the end of his term in June, further stated “the excellent results of this event give me confidence that TCA and the Thoroughbred industry will come out of this recession stronger than ever.” TCA was formed in 1990 to raise and distribute funds for charities in the Thoroughbred industry which provide a better life for Thoroughbreds both during and after their racing careers by supporting retirement, rescue, research and by helping the people who work with them. TCA is the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA).
TCA AWARDS $879,547 IN GRANTS FOR 2008
July 17, 2009, Lexington, Ky– Thoroughbred Charities of America, (TCA) has announced grants of $879,547 have been awarded to 86 Thoroughbred industry-related non-profits which rescue, retrain and re-home retiring racehorses, educate, research, provide services to the backstretch and jockeys and utilize Thoroughbreds in their therapeutic riding programs. TCA is the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA). TCA Executive Director Liz Harris said, “Along with my entire Board of Directors of TCA, I am personally grateful for the incredible support of all the season donors and bidders and TCA’s top 4 supporters for 2008: Darley, Todd Pletcher, Betty Moran and Adena Springs.” She added, “We are appreciative of Keeneland’s sponsorship and strong support in allowing TCA to use the Keeneland Entertainment Center. We also could not have raised the money we did, without Walt Robertson and Terence Collier of Fasig-Tipton who graciously volunteer their services to run the auction. The donors will be happy to know the charities under the TCA umbrella are doing valuable work on highly efficient budgets, with the grants made possible last year.” TCA is already preparing for their 20th Annual auction Dec. 4, 2009 to raise funds for those charities in the Thoroughbred industry which provide a better life for Thoroughbreds both during and after their racing careers by supporting retirement, rescue, research and by helping the people who work with them.
BREEDERS' CUP SELECTS TCA AS BENEFICIARY
June 24, 2009, Lexington, Ky-The Breeders’ Cup announced today it has selected Thoroughbred Charities of America, (“TCA”), as a beneficiary of the 2009 Breeders’ Cup World Championships to be held November 6-7 at Santa Anita Park located in Arcadia, California. Breeders’ Cup Charities was formed in 2008 to partner with and raise funds and awareness for broad-based charitable organizations. The Breeders’ Cup will assist TCA in its fundraising efforts through public service announcements, online and trackside presence, and fan directed contributions to increase the awareness of the organization’s initiatives. “Over the years, the TCA has been a vital and generous supporter of important Thoroughbred causes that effect our industry in so many positive ways,” said Greg Avioli, Breeders’ Cup President and CEO. “We are honored to extend our relationship with TCA and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association for this year’s World Championships.” TCA was formed in 1990 to raise funds for those charities in the Thoroughbred industry which provide a better life for Thoroughbreds both during and after their racing careers by supporting retirement, rescue, research and by helping the people who work with them. TCA is now the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, (TOBA). TOBA, based in Lexington, Ky., was formed in 1961 and is a national trade organization of leading Thoroughbred horse breeders and owners. TOBA’s mission is to “improve the economics, integrity and pleasure of the sport on behalf of Thoroughbred owners and breeders.” Projects managed by TOBA include the American Graded Stakes Committee, The Racing Game, Sales Integrity Program and Claiming Crown. TOBA is the owner of The Blood-Horse Inc., and is represented on the Board of Directors of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association as a founding member.
TCA TO MANAGE FASIG-TIPTON'S BLUE HORSE CHARITIES
June 17, 2009, Lexington, Ky-Fasig-Tipton has announced the assignment of the day-to-day management of their wholly-owned subsidiary, Blue Horse Charities, to Thoroughbred Charities of America, (“TCA”), the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA). Blue Horse Charities was formed in 2001 to financially assist those organizations which find adoptive homes for Thoroughbreds off the racetrack. The charity is financed by buyers, sellers, consignors and Fasig-Tipton. A buyer, seller or consignor can donate one quarter of one percent of a sales activity with Fasig-Tipton, which is matched 100% by Fasig-Tipton. Terence Collier, Director of Marketing for Fasig-Tipton, noted, “Fasig-Tipton’s new ownership group, Synergy, very willingly made a long-term commitment to continuing the good work of Blue Horse Charities. Through our past association with Herb Moelis and Liz Harris at TCA, we are delighted they will handle all aspects of our liaison with Thoroughbred adoption agencies. Fasig-Tipton will continue collections and most accounting functions, but TCA will be our link to the many wonderful organizations giving support to our retired racetrack warriors.” “TCA is pleased to take on the management of Blue Horse Charities because it is a good fit. The Blue Horse Charities method of grant-giving is entirely sustainable and TCA’s accreditation system is stringent,” said TCA Executive Director, Liz Harris, “ensuring every dollar granted is wisely spent.” Added Herb Moelis, President of Thoroughbred Charities of America, “I am greatly pleased that with this affiliation, the vision of my good friend John Hettinger will be carried on for many years.”
RACEHORSE RETRAINING & RETIREMENT FUND
Dec. 1, 2008, Midway, Ky-Thoroughbred Charities of America (“TCA”) will officially launch its newly established Racehorse Retraining and Retirement Fund (“RRRF”) on December 5 th at the TCA Stallion Season auction. This fund will help provide support for the programs which address the growing problem of the fate of the racehorse once its racing career has ended. The auction will be held at the Keeneland Entertainment Center . Herb Moelis, president of TCA stated that “the initiative taken by the Jockey Club in instituting a new Foal Registration check off enables TCA to establish our RRRF program. We now intend to solicit support for this program from all participants in the Thoroughbred industry including racetracks, race owners, sales companies, etc.” “With the support of most stallion farms who donate seasons for our auction, TCA has distributed more than $15,000,000 in annual grants including those to equine adoption centers for the retired racehorse. The Jockey Club initiative, together with support from racing's other sectors, will help combat the problem of the unwanted horse before it tarnishes our industry” commented Liz Harris, TCA Executive Director. Donations for the RRRF may be sent to TCA, PO Box 3856 , Midway, KY 40347 or call for credit card donations: 859-312-5531.
TCA BRINGS IN $1.3 MILLION AT 19th ANNUAL STALLION SEASON & ART AUCTION
Dec. 16, 2008-Midway, Ky-Despite the global economic slump, Thoroughbred Charities of America,was able to raise a gross of $1.1 million dollars at its annual Stallion Season and Art Auction Dec. 5. With premium sponsors such as Brushwood Stable, Cobra Farm, CandyLand Farm, Keeneland, Darley and OCD, a Live Auction was conducted by volunteers from Fasig-Tipton Sales Company of stallion seasons to Bernardini, Big Brown, Elusive Quality and Tiznow, vacations, a Triple Crown Package and an original artwork by Andre Pater. Over 300 people attended the festivities at the Keeneland Entertainment Center which included a silent auction of vehicles, art and equine memorabilia with music provided by The Jimmy Church Band. Four-time Eclipse Award winner and North America 's outstanding trainer, Todd Pletcher, was honored with the TCA Charity Leadership Award and Dot Morgan, Founder and Executive Director of New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program received the TCA Industry Service Award. Due to vast industry and public support, TCA donates over 96 cents of every dollar raised throughout the year to the 5 sectors of Thoroughbred Charities: Racehorse Retraining/Adoption, Education/Scholarships, Backstretch/Jockey, Research and Therapeutic Riding. For more information contact Liz Harris: 859-312-5531 or Liz@speedbeam.com.
TCA & JOCKEY CLUB ANNOUNCE CHECKOFF PROGRAM
When Thoroughbred owners and breeders in North America submit their foal registration applications on or after January 1, 2009, they will be able to participate in a voluntary checkoff program, created and administered by The Jockey Club, which will assist in providing post-racing care for Thoroughbreds. Read complete story...

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