NEWS (WHAT'S NEW)

 

Retired Racehorse Trainer Challenge Debuts at Maryland and Pennsylvania Horse World Expos: January 21-22 and February 25
Davidsonville, MD - Clinics and training demos will be held at these two expos to increase demand for Thoroughbred ex-racehorses through public education. This is a real life educational clinic in horse shopping, with online education and support for those unable to attend the expo in person. More info is at www.retiredracehorsetraining.org (December 12, 2011)

A New Charitable Organization Devoted to Increasing Demand for Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses Has Been Launched
Davidsonville, MD - A group of sport horse and racing enthusiasts announced this week creation of the Retired Racehorse Training Project (RRTP), a charitable organization whose mission is to increase demand for Thoroughbred ex-racehorses through public education and promotion. "We received our 501(c)3 status from the IRS last spring, and have been working since then to build an interactive web site that provides the tools to help us fulfill our mission," said the group's founder Steuart Pittman, an event rider who operates Dodon Farm in Maryland. RRTP details can be found at www.retiredracehorsetraining.org (December 12, 2011)

The Jockey Club Launches Incentive Program for Thoroughbred Sport Horses
New York, NY - The Jockey Club today announced the launch of the Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.), which will recognize and reward the versatility of the Thoroughbred through sponsorship of Thoroughbred classes and high point awards at locally, nationally or internationally sanctioned horse shows. The Jockey Club has committed $100,000 to the Thoroughbred Incentive Program for a pilot program in 2012. Sponsorships are available for a variety of disciplines, including eventing, dressage, hunters, jumpers and western and English pleasure, and will include ribbons, prizes and in some cases, purse money. In addition, Thoroughbred Incentive Program will also offer two annual awards in 2012: The T.I.P. Thoroughbred of the Year Award and The T.I.P. Young Rider of the Year Award. More details are at www.tjctip.com (October 14, 2011)

Enhancement to "Thoroughbred Connect" Announced by The Jockey Club
New York, NY - The Jockey Club announced today an enhancement to Thoroughbred Connect™, the organization’s online resource for rehoming Thoroughbreds at the conclusion of their racing or breeding careers. Under this new feature, persons in possession of Thoroughbreds in need of aftercare can now list those horses publicly on thoroughbredconnect.com. Those willing to provide assistance for a Thoroughbred appearing on the list may request their contact information be sent automatically to the person in possession of the horse. Since its introduction in May 2011, more than 830 Registry customers have signed up to use the service, and over 1,700 horses have been enrolled. To raise further awareness and use of the service, The Jockey Club has added the Thoroughbred Connect logo and website address on the back of the Certificate of Foal Registration. More details are at http://www.jockeyclub.com/mediaCenter.asp?story=519 Editor's note: The press release announcing the initial program launch on May 16, 2011, is at http://www.jockeyclub.com/mediaCenter.asp?story=490 (September 27, 2011)

Equineline Reports Now Accessible from Mobile Devices
New York, NY - Industry professionals can now access detailed racing, breeding and pedigree information on their mobile devices, it was announced today by Carl Hamilton, chairman and CEO of The Jockey Club Information Systems (TJCIS). The mobile site, which was launched last year with free five-cross Thoroughbred pedigrees, now also offers for purchase the following Equineline reports: Lifetime Starts in Past Performance Format , Tabulated Race Record with Lifetime Starts, Mare’s Produce Record with Tabulated Race Records, Premium Edited Catalogue Style Pedigree, and the Unedited 2 Dam Catalogue Style Pedigree. Mobile.equineline.com has been optimized for modern smartphone technology and is also accessible by going to equineline.com on any mobile device. The complete story is at http://www.jockeyclub.com/mediaCenter.asp?story=516 (August 30, 2011)

The Jockey Club Commits Five Years of Funding Towards Sustainable Growth for Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding
New York, NY - At this morning’s Round Table Conference on Matters Pertaining to Racing in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., The Jockey Club’s President and Chief Operating Officer James L. Gagliano announced that the organization’s board of stewards has committed funding over the next five years to implement many of the wide-ranging recommendations contained in the major industry study entitled, “Driving Sustainable Growth for Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding.” The nine recommendations outlined in the study focus on: Increased television coverage; Free-to-play website; Fewer, better races and better scheduling to increase field size and showcase the best product ; Creation of a social game; Innovative wagering platforms; Track-integrated ADW; Racing integrity reforms; Encouragement of ownership through greater transparency; as well as dissemination of best practices from tracks around the country. The complete press release is at http://www.jockeyclub.com/mediaCenter.asp?story=513 (August 14, 2011)

Contributions to Retirement Checkoff Program Now Tax Deductible
New York, NY - Contributions by owners and breeders to The Jockey Club’s retirement checkoff program in support of Thoroughbred aftercare now qualify as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes, it was announced today by The Jockey Club’s President and Chief Operating Officer James L. Gagliano. The retirement checkoff program was implemented in 2009 with proceeds benefiting the retirement, retraining and adoption efforts of Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF). Proceeds are directed specifically to TCA’s Thoroughbred re-training and adoption initiatives and to TRF’s vocational training programs with retired Thoroughbreds at correctional facilities. The retirement checkoff program is administered by The Jockey Club: Thoroughbred owners and breeders have the option of selecting one of four amounts ($25, $50, $75, or $100) or they can fill in the amount of their choice on the Application for Foal Registration form. The complete press release is at http://www.jockeyclub.com/mediaCenter.asp?story=498 (July 11, 2011)

Thoroughbred Connect Assists in Placement of Horses
New York, NY - The Jockey Club today announced the launch of Thoroughbred Connect™, a free online service designed to assist with placement of Thoroughbreds following the conclusion of their racing or breeding careers. Here customers can express their willingness to be contacted by the possessor of a horse in the event the horse is in need of placement. Similarly, a person who is seeking placement for a Thoroughbred in his possession can log into Thoroughbred Connect. "Thoroughbred Connect is a natural extension of our ongoing effort to enhance the safety and welfare of Thoroughbreds and leverages our database and easy-to-use technology platform,” James L. Gagliano, President & Chief Operating Officer of The Jockey Club, said. Thoroughbred Connect is accessible directly at thoroughbredconnect.com, with information also available at registry.jockeyclub.com. The complete press release is at http://www.jockeyclub.com/mediaCenter.asp?story=490 (May 16, 2011)

Medications on Race Day: A Statement from The Jockey Club
New York, NY - James L. Gagliano, President & Chief Operating Officer of The Jockey Club, stated today the elimination of race-day medication is essential to achieving optimal stewardship of the horse, the sport, the public perception and confidence, and the business of Thoroughbred racing. The Jockey Club welcomes the fresh opportunity, created by the current attention to furosemide, to steer back to a more proper path and urge the development of a comprehensive plan to phase in reforms, including medication-free competition.The complete statement can be found at http://www.jockeyclub.com/mediaCenter.asp?story=489
(April 28, 2011)

The Jockey Club Launches App for the iPhone
New York, NY - Thoroughbred owners and breeders can now use the camera within their iPhones to take and submit identification photos for foal registration. In addition to facilitating the photo requirement for registration, the app links to Registry mobile, where customers can access the Online Names Book, the list of recently released names and tattoo lookup. The Jockey Club Registry app can be downloaded for free from the iTunes store at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-jockey-club-registry/id415303226?mt=8. A version for the Android operating system is scheduled for release later this year. The complete press release is at http://www.jockeyclub.com/mediaCenter.asp?story=480
(February 01, 2011)

State Fact Books Launched on The Jockey Club's Website
New York, NY - The Jockey Club has published a Fact Book for the past 20 years as a statistical guide to the Thoroughbred industry in North America and is now, for the first time, making available state fact books as online statistical guides to the Thoroughbred industry in 33 states and Canadian provinces. The state fact books, available at no charge within the Publications and Resources section of jockeyclub.com, provide more in-depth state and provincial Thoroughbred information than is available in the Fact Book and Online Fact Book. Each PDF book contains sections devoted to breeding, racing and auction sales, with data provided by The Jockey Club, The Jockey Club Information Systems and Equibase Company. The complete press release is at http://www.jockeyclub.com/mediaCenter.asp?story=452 (September 01, 2010)

The Jockey Club Safety Committee Announces New Recommendations
New York, NY - The Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Safety Committee, formed in May 2008 to review every facet of equine health and to formulate recommended actions to be taken by the industry to improve health and safety in Thoroughbred racing, issued four new recommendations Sunday at the 58th annual Round Table Conference on Matters Pertaining to Racing in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The new recommendations pertain to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), drug testing and laboratory standards, pre-race inspections and the Rider Accident Database. Copies of the entire text of the four new recommendations are available at jockeyclub.com/tsc.asp . The complete press release is at http://www.jockeyclub.com/mediaCenter.asp?story=449 (August 22, 2010)

Share Your Ideas About Thoroughbred Racing's Future
We are blessed with an industry that can appeal to children and adults, the rich and the poor, and people from every culture in the world. We all have ideas about how to bring our game back to the forefront of sports and entertainment, and you are innviited to share your ideas at Racingfuture.com. Ideas are welcome from people who represent every segment of our industry, and from people who may not have had a chance to have their voices heard. (July 15, 2010)

Kentucky Horse Park’s First Thoroughbred Hunter Division a Great Success
Hilliard, Ohio - New Vocation’s goal to draw retired racehorses back into the show ring is off to a great start after the Kentucky Horse Park’s Country Heir Horse Show on June 17th and 18th .  “It was definitely a success and we were very impressed wsith the turnout,” shared Anna Ford, New Vocations program director. “Many of the trainers and exhibitors openly shared their appreciation of having a division for the Thoroughbreds.”  More Thoroughbred classes will be held on July 11 at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Robert Murphy Horse Show.  There will be a $2,500 Thoroughbred Mini Prix sponsored by Castleton Lyons and a $2,500 Thoroughbred Hunter Classic sponsored by the NTRA and National HBPA friends of New Vocations. The event is open to the public and all interested are encouraged to come and watch.  For more information please visit www.horseadoption.com (July 01, 2010)

The Jockey Club Has Enhanced its Free Tattoo Identification Services by Adding Access to the Auction Sales History of Identified Thoroughbreds
New York, NY - Tattoo Identification Services was launched in April 2009 to help owners identify tattooed but unknown Thoroughbreds in their possession, and it has been visited more than 200,000 times since then. A link is now provided to the equineline.com Free Auction Results Search for the identified horse so that an individual can view public sales results, including the last purchaser at auction, as an aid in researching the horse’s history. Links to a five-generation pedigree from equineline.com and to racing information from equibase.com are also provided. "Adding the auction sales history provides additional information to potential owners of off-the- track Thoroughbreds and to all of the re-training and retirement groups that provide post-racing care for Thoroughbreds,” said Andrew Chesser, customer service coordinator for The Jockey Club. “We have worked closely with these groups in developing and enhancing Tattoo Identification Services, and we will continue to communicate with them and seek additional ways to assist them in their efforts.” Comprehensive information on Tattoo Identification Services is available at jockeyclub.com and registry.jockeyclub.com. The complete press release can be found at http://www.jockeyclub.com/mediaCenter.asp?story=429 (June 15, 2010)

15 New Equine Projects Launched by Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation
New York, NY - Fifteen new research projects to benefit the horse will be launched this year through funding from the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. In addition, four other projects begun in 2009 will be funded in their second and concluding year, with a total allocation of $889,697 for the 19 projects. The new projects will address a wide range of problems and conditions that affect a large number of horses: validating a laboratory process for evaluating racetrack materials with the aim of maximizing safety; analyzing the effects on horses’ hooves of different degrees of racetrack banking; equine herpesvirus-1, bone regeneration utilizing adult stem cells, protection against endotoxemia, equine botulism, and early fetal loss. Descriptions of the new projects are available on the foundation’s website, grayson-jockeyclub.org. The complete press release, this is a short exerpt, is available at jockeyclub.com.  http://www.jockeyclub.com/mediaCenter.asp?story=416 (March 19, 2010)

Online Fact Book Available on The Jockey Club's Website
New York, NY - The Jockey Club’s 2010 Online Fact Book, published annually as a statistical and informational guide to the North American Thoroughbred industry, was released today on the organization’s website at jockeyclub.com. The 20th edition of the printed version will be published and distributed in early May. The Online Fact Book includes state-by-state analysis and multi-year reports. Statistics in the Breeding section, which by their very nature change constantly, are updated regularly. A printer-friendly page option on all pages in the Breeding, Racing and Sales sections condenses the width of the online page so that it can be printed in a “portrait” format. 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.  http://www.jockeyclub.com/mediaCenter.asp?story=413 (March 02, 2010)

The 2010 Thoroughbred Celebration Series is Underway for March, June, and November
Lexington, VA - The Virginia Horse Center Foundation is dedicated to the promotion of Off the Track Thoroughbreds, and through the Thoroughbred Celebration Horse Shows, will continue to offer equestrians who partner with these off-the-track horses a friendly and first class venue. Each in the “Triple Crown” series features  two-day Hunter/Jumper competition, Fasig-Tipton Model Class, and silent auctions that benefit Thoroughbred orgs such as Blue Horse Charities, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, and Thoroughbred Placement and Rescue, Inc. For more information about these shows, please visit the Virginia Horse Center website: horsecenter.org  (February 07, 2010)

New Horse Search Feature on Equibase.com Will Serve Horseplayers and Potential OTTB Owners
New York, NY - "This latest innovation on equibase.com will undoubtedly enhance the user experience for serious horseplayers and casual fans alike," said Alan Marzelli, chairman of Equibase Company. "It is also a perfect complement to The Jockey Club's free Tattoo Identification Services and will serve as a valuable tool for potential owners who are considering retraining and second careers for off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs)." The complete press release can be found at   http://www.jockeyclub.com/mediaCenter.asp?story=400   (October 27, 2009)

Industry Groups Announce Pledges to Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
New York, NY - The New York Racing Association (NYRA) and many members of the Jockeys' Guild who ride at its three racetracks, along with the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) and The Jockey Club, have jointly pledged more than $100,000 in financial support in 2009 to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), which provides humane retirement options for Thoroughbreds at the end of their racing careers, it was announced today. The complete press release is at   http://www.jockeyclub.com/mediaCenter.asp?story=380 (July 09, 2009)

The Jockey Club Adds Access to Markings to Enhance Free Tattoo Identification Services
New York, NY - The Jockey Club announced today that it has enhanced its free Tattoo Identification Services by adding access to its markings database to the tattoo research module. The new features will enable customers to obtain potential matches of registered Thoroughbreds based upon identification characteristics they supply. Official markings of possible matching Thoroughbreds are returned for comparison to the horse in question.   Comprehensive information on Tattoo Identification Services is available at www.jockeyclub.com and www.registry.jockeyclub.com . The complete press release is at http://www.jockeyclub.com/mediaCenter.asp?story=378   (July 01, 2009)

The Jockey Club Now Provides Free Tattoo Identification Services
New York, NY - The Jockey Club announced today that it has established Tattoo Identification Services, a free resource to help owners identify tattooed but unknown Thoroughbreds in their possession. For legible tattoos, an owner can use a free tattoo lookup feature available from The Jockey Club's website, www.jockeyclub.com, and the Registry homepage, www.registry.jockeyclub.com. For illegible tattoos or partial tattoos, customer service representatives from the Registry will provide free research of a Thoroughbred's identity using the information contained in The Jockey Club's database, including color, markings, and photographs. "We hope that Tattoo Identification Services will be a valuable tool for individuals and organizations seeking to retire, re-train and find suitable homes for Thoroughbred racehorses when their racing careers are over," said Matt Iuliano, vice president of registration services for The Jockey Club. The complete press release can be found http://www.jockeyclub.com/mediaCenter.asp?story=367 (April 15, 2009)

Hunters, In Hand, and Dressage Riders Welcome at New Vocations Charity Show
July 25 - 26, 2009
Marysville, OH - New Vocations Charity Horse Show will be held at the Delaware County Fairgrounds at 236 Pennsylvania Avenue, Delaware, OH. There are Thoroughbred Divisions and Divisions open to all breeds, points earned in open to all classes can be applied to North American Series Awards. There will be nice prizes for all. Free first year membership in North American Series Awards or the WorldWide Trails Program is offered by North American Thoroughbred Society to Champions and Reserve Champions in all Thoroughbred Division Classes. Prize List and additional information can be found at http://horseadoption.com/new-vocations-charity-show-july-25-26th-2009 (April 14, 2009)

All are Welcome to Participate in A Tribute to the Majesty of Thoroughbreds
San Diego, CA - After the Finish Line's 2009 annual charity fundraiser, A Tribute to the Majesty of Thoroughbreds, is planned for July 30. After the Finish Line is a national funding non-profit organization who donates to Thoroughbred rescues organizations throughout the United States. Monetary and in-kind sponsorships are available and silent or live auction items can be donated. Volunteers are also welcome. Information and documents are available on line: Invitation at http://www.afterthefinishline.org/donate/Invite2009Print2.pdf and Donor Agreement at http://www.afterthefinishline.org/donate/DonorAgreement.pdf . For more info, contact Dawn directly at dawn@afterthefinishline.org  (April 11, 2009)

NATBS Launches Annual USEA Performance Awards
Madison, NJ - This award program recognizes the achievements of NATBS member Thoroughbreds competing at USEA-recognized competitions. Performance data will be provided to NATBS by the USEA, and awards will be given in the following categories: Beginner Novice: Junior Rider, Young Rider, Adult, Adult Amateur. Novice: Junior Rider, Young Rider, Adult, Adult Amateur. Training: Junior Rider, Young Rider, Adult, Adult Amateur. Prelim: Young Rider, Adult, Adult Amateur. Intermediate: Young Rider, Adult, Adult Amateur. Advanced: Young Rider, Adult, Adult Amateur. NATBS awards will adhere to the official USEA competition year, which runs from December through November. All award specifications are in accordance with the USEA National Year-end Awards criteria. Results will be posted both on www.useventing.com   and at www.hellohorse.com by December 31, 2009. NATBS standings will also appear in the USEA Eventing USA magazine's awards issue. Certificates will be mailed end of January. For more info see the AWARDS OFFERED page on this website. (March 09, 2009)

Sponsor to Fellow NATBS Member Offers Discounts to You and Your Friends
In addition to sponsoring competitor and USEA Certified Instructor Sally Buffington, Neddys is offering a 40% discount on their already wonderful pricing and quality products. The discount code for riding breeches and apparel is SALLY09 . This code will enable the purchaser to a 40% discount off all purchases for all of 2009. The website is www.neddys.com (January 31, 2009)

Charles Town Races and Slots Provides Grant to CANTER Mid Atlantic Chapter
Charles Town, W.VA - Off the track Thoroughbreds will now benefit from a financial grant whereby more can be funded for rehabiliation and retrained for second careers. Currently CANTER Mid Atlantic is caring for 24 ex-racers. It is expected the grant will enable this facility to care for an additional 15 to 20 horses per year. To find an ex-racehorse, volunteer, or to make a donation to CANTER, visit canterusa.org (January 19, 2009)

Rasmuson Recognizes OTTBs Participating in 2009 USDF All Breeds
Bordentown, NJ - Off the track Thoroughbreds with North American Thoroughbred Society in the USDF All Breeds Program are automatically eligible for Lisa Rasmuson's Hell's Angel Off the Track Thoroughbred Award. Overall High Score Champion and Reserve Champion ribbons will be directly distributed by Rasmuson to US-bred Thoroughbreds who raced at least one time in any country. Median High Score Results will be taken from USDF records, and, because of the increased difficulty in each higher level of dressage, a weighted advantage will be added to determine Champion and Reserve: Training Level, no additional points; First Level, 1 point; Second Level, 2 points; Third Level 3 points; Fourth Level 4 points; FEI Level 5 points. For additional information, please contact Lisa Rasmuson at lrasmuson@comcast.net . (January 4, 2009)

Grant For Dressage Education Offered To OTTBs
Bordentown, NJ - Adult amateur riders of off the track Thoroughbreds are encouraged to apply for the fourth annual 2009 Hell's Angel Off the Track Thoroughbred Grant in Education. The grant is for $250.00 and is to be used for dressage lessons. Application deadline is November 08, 2009, and the recipient will be announced by January 31, 2010. For application (click here) inquiries or for additional information, please contact Lisa Rasmuson at lrasmuson@comcast.net . The grant is available to amateurs over age 25 in any USA region, to a US-bred Thoroughbred who raced at least one time in any country. (December 14, 2008)

The Jockey Club To Benefit Ex-Racehorses
New York, NY - When Thoroughbred owners and breeders in North America submit their foal registration applications on or after Jan. 1, 2009, they will be able to participate in a voluntary checkoff program, created and administered by The Jockey Club, which will assist two organizations, Thoroughbred Charities of America and Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. As an incentive to encourage participation, The Jockey Club will match the checkoff on a dollar-to-dollar basis up to $200,000 in 2009. Checkoff proceeds and matching funds will be distributed to Thoroughbred Charities of America and Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. The matching funds will come from The Jockey Club's four commercial subsidiaries: The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc.; The Jockey Club Technology Services Inc.; InCompass Solutions Inc.; and The Jockey Club Racing Services Inc. Originally published by Blood-Horse, the complete article can be found at http://www.thehorse.com//ViewArticle.aspxID=13070&eID=89261 (November 10 2008)

CANTER Opens New Chapter at Mountaineer Racetrack in West Virginia
Chester, W.VA - The Communication Alliance To Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses, known as CANTER, will offer a new chapter at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort of Chester, W.Va. This program offers a free horse sale listing service to trainers and owners looking to sell racehorses too slow to run, or otherwise ready to retire from the track. CANTER will be contacting trainers to list and photograph horses for sale. Rachael Paris, director of volunteers for the Mountaineer Canter Chapter, can be contacted at 304/564-5958 should anyone wish to list their horses. Mountaineer horses available for sale or placement will be now available to the general public at canterusa.org. To find an ex-racehorse, volunteer, or to make a donation, visit canterusa.org (November 10, 2008)

Thoroughbred Adoption Database Launched For FREE Horses
Lexington, KY - Bloodhorse.com and TheHorse.com are teaming up to bring Thoroughbreds in need of homes to the attention of hundreds of thousands of horse owners across the United States. With the Thoroughbred Adoption Services, any registered Thoroughbred, of any age, is eligible to be placed on this database of FREE horses. The database will be housed on TheHorse.com and will be promoted in the Thoroughbred industry by The Blood-Horse and Bloodhorse.com in the pleasure horse and sport horse industries. Please visit TheHorse.com were you can visit Add A Horse to add a horse or Horses Available to view horses seeking new homes. In addition, BloodHorse.com offers an online directory of welfare and rescue organizations, as does the Unwanted horse Coalition. For complete information please visit http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspxID=1300 (October 31, 2008)