Cindy McDonald Joins Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Board of Directors

Saratoga Springs, NY — December 18, 2024 — The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) is proud to announce the appointment of Cindy McDonald, Senior Vice President at KeyBank, to its Board of Directors. Cindy brings extensive expertise in finance, strategic planning, and community engagement, making her a valuable addition to the TRF as it continues its mission of providing lifelong care for retired Thoroughbred racehorses.

“I am honored to join the TRF Board of Directors. I look forward to leveraging my 30 years of nonprofit experience to help drive the mission forward and support the extraordinary work TRF does for retired Thoroughbreds,” said Cindy McDonald.

As Senior Vice President at KeyBank, Cindy has been a leader in developing innovative financial strategies and fostering community partnerships. Her passion for equine welfare and philanthropy aligns seamlessly with TRF’s dedication to improving the lives of retired Thoroughbreds and the people who care for them.

Patrick Mackay, Chairman of the TRF Board of Directors, expressed his enthusiasm for Cindy’s appointment. “We are thrilled to welcome Cindy McDonald to our board,” said Mackay. “Her expertise in finance and her deep commitment to giving back to the community will undoubtedly strengthen our efforts to provide a secure future for the horses in our care. We are excited to have her perspective and leadership as we move forward.”

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About TRF: Founded in 1983, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is a national organization devoted to providing a lifetime sanctuary for Thoroughbreds after their racing careers as well as opportunities for people wishing to improve their well-being through the undeniable healing power of horses.

Best known for its pioneering Second Chances Program, the organization provides incarcerated individuals with life-changing vocational training through an accredited equine care and stable management program. At eight correctional facilities across the US, 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.

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Michelle Keating Joins Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Board of Directors

Saratoga Springs, NY — December 18, 2024 — The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) is delighted to announce the addition of Michelle Keating, former CEO of Alder Foods and former Chairwoman of Fisher House Boston, to its Board of Directors. Michelle’s extensive leadership experience and dedication to community service make her a welcome asset to the TRF as it advances its mission.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the TRF. As a horse owner, I want to make sure all horses are taken care of once they come off the racetrack. Sharing my career experience, I hope to help the TRF continue to build awareness through fundraising events and impactful marketing,” said Michelle.

Michelle’s distinguished career as CEO of Alder Foods has been marked by strategic vision and a commitment to making a positive impact. Her support of the Fisher House Foundation demonstrates her deep commitment to service, making her a perfect fit for the TRF’s mission of creating meaningful connections between retired Thoroughbreds and the people who care for them.

Maggie Sweet, Executive Director of the TRF, shared her enthusiasm for Michelle’s appointment. “We are honored to welcome Michelle Keating to our Board of Directors,” said Sweet. “Her leadership and philanthropic experience will bring fresh perspectives and invaluable expertise to our organization. We are excited for the contributions she will make as we continue to grow and evolve.”

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About TRF: Founded in 1983, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is a national organization devoted to providing a lifetime sanctuary for Thoroughbreds after their racing careers as well as opportunities for people wishing to improve their well-being through the undeniable healing power of horses.

Best known for its pioneering Second Chances Program, the organization provides incarcerated individuals with life-changing vocational training through an accredited equine care and stable management program. At eight correctional facilities across the US, 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.

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Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Launches Annual Hay Drive with $60,000 Matching Gift from the Santulli Family Foundation

October 30, 2024 – Saratoga Springs, NY – The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) is thrilled to announce the launch of its 2024 Hay Drive, supported by a generous $60,000 matching gift from the Santulli Family Foundation. This annual campaign is essential to ensure that the TRF’s herd of 400 retired Thoroughbreds receives the necessary care and resources to thrive through the winter months.

With a goal of raising $120,000, the TRF is calling on supporters to help fill the haylofts and provide vital sustenance to its retired horses. Rising costs have made this year’s campaign especially important, as the foundation works to meet the increasing needs at all TRF farms.

Thanks to the commitment of Richard and Peggy Santulli, every dollar donated to the TRF will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $60,000, doubling the impact of each contribution.

“We’re deeply thankful for the Santulli Family Foundation’s ongoing commitment to our cause. With their generous matching grant, we can continue to give our horses the safe and comfortable retirement they have earned,” said Maggie Sweet, Executive Director of TRF.

To give to the Hay Drive please visit: https://donorbox.org/trf-hay-drive-2024

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About TRF: Founded in 1983, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is a national organization devoted to providing a lifetime sanctuary for Thoroughbreds after their racing careers as well as opportunities for people wishing to improve their well-being through the undeniable healing power of horses.

Best known for its pioneering Second Chances Program, the organization provides incarcerated individuals with life-changing vocational training through an accredited equine care and stable management program. At eight correctional facilities across the US, 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.

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Saratoga Springs, NY – October 21, 2024 – The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is thrilled to congratulate Julianne Stowell on winning the prestigious Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (TIEA) Newcomer Award, presented by Godolphin and sponsored by NYRA. This honor not only recognizes her talent and dedication to the Thoroughbred industry but also highlights her remarkable journey through the TRF Second Chances Program.

Julianne’s story is one of perseverance, growth, and transformation. As a graduate of the TRF Second Chances Program, she embodies the spirit of what is possible when individuals are given the opportunity to reconnect with their potential and rebuild their lives through the bond with horses. Today, Julianne works in client relations for Niall Brennan Stables, where her skills, work ethic, and passion for Thoroughbred care have truly shone, earning her this well-deserved recognition.

The TRF Second Chances Program, which operates at seven correctional facilities across the country and one juvenile program, offers incarcerated individuals a unique opportunity to learn horse care and equine-related skills, providing them with not only a productive outlet but also a path to a new career after their release. Julianne’s success is a shining example of the program’s impact, as she has leveraged the skills she learned to forge a new life and a meaningful career.

Julianne’s journey reminds us of the power of second chances, not only for the retired Thoroughbreds but for the people who work with them. It’s a perfect synergy: saving horses and changing lives.

Maggie Sweet, Executive Director of TRF, says: “Julianne’s journey is a shining example of what the TRF Second Chances Program stands for. Her success shows the incredible potential of people and horses when given the opportunity to heal and grow together. We are so proud of her achievements and look forward to seeing her continue to thrive in the Thoroughbred industry.”

For more information on the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Second Chances Program or how you can support its mission, please visit www.trfinc.org

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About TRF: Founded in 1983, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is a national organization devoted to providing a lifetime sanctuary for Thoroughbreds after their racing careers as well as opportunities for people wishing to improve their well-being through the undeniable healing power of horses.

Best known for its pioneering Second Chances Program, the organization provides incarcerated individuals with life-changing vocational training through an accredited equine care and stable management program. At eight correctional facilities across the US, 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.

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Saratoga Springs, NY – October 23, 2024 – The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) is proud to announce the appointment of jockey Katie Davis McCarthy to its Board of Directors. A dedicated advocate for the welfare of retired racehorses, Davis McCarthy brings a wealth of experience and passion to the TRF’s mission of providing lifelong sanctuary to Thoroughbred horses no longer able to compete.

Born and raised in Saratoga Springs, New York, Davis McCarthy comes from a renowned racing family. Her father, Robbie Davis, is a former jockey and current trainer, while two of her five siblings, Dylan and Jackie, are also professional jockeys. From a young age, Katie always aspired to be a jockey, and her hard work has paid off with multiple wins across prestigious tracks. Now living on Long Island, Davis McCarthy remains deeply connected to the horses she rides and is known for her determination and compassion both on and off the track.

“I’m honored to join the TRF Board and support the foundation’s ongoing work. I’m here to support everyone and look forward to being part of an organization that gives so much back to retired racehorses,” said Davis McCarthy. Her commitment to the well-being of retired racehorses makes her an ideal addition to the TRF’s leadership team.

Davis McCarthy joins the TRF Board at an exciting time, as the organization continues to grow its innovative programs and partnerships, including its pioneering Second Chances Program. This initiative pairs retired racehorses with incarcerated individuals, offering the horses rehabilitation while teaching life skills to people in need of second chances themselves.

Patrick Mackay, Chairman of the TRF Board, said, “Katie’s youth, enthusiasm, perspective, and talents will be a huge addition to the board of the TRF. We look forward to working with her on continuing to move the TRF forward for the betterment of both our herd and the Second Chances Programs.”

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About TRF: Founded in 1983, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is a national organization devoted to providing a lifetime sanctuary for Thoroughbreds after their racing careers as well as opportunities for people wishing to improve their well-being through the undeniable healing power of horses.

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Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Second Chances Program Celebrates Two Finalists for Prestigious Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards

Saratoga Springs, NY – September 16, 2024 – The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) is proud to announce that two exceptional individuals from its Second Chances Programs have been named finalists for the esteemed 2024 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (TIEA), presented by Godolphin. These awards are a collaborative effort supported by Godolphin, Breeders’ Cup, the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HPBA), the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA), and The Jockey Club.
Joel Helmburg, farm manager of TRF’s Second Chances Program at Blackburn Correctional Complex in Lexington, KY, has been named one of three finalists for the Dr. James “Doc” Richardson Community Award, sponsored by Churchill Downs. This award honors individuals who have demonstrated an exceptional contribution to the Thoroughbred industry and its broader community.
Since taking over the program two years ago, Joel has guided 22 men through the Groom Elite program, which provides vocational training in equine care and stable management using former racehorses. His leadership has empowered participants at Blackburn to build skills, confidence, and a path to success in the equine industry, making a lasting impact on both the program and the lives it touches.
Julianne Stowell, a graduate of The TRF’s Second Chances Program at the Lowell Correctional Institution in Ocala, FL, has been named a finalist for the Newcomer Award, sponsored by the New York Racing Association. This award recognizes individuals who have worked in Thoroughbred breeding or racing for less than five years and demonstrated commitment, ambition, and a strong desire to grow their skills and knowledge in the industry.
Julianne’s journey from The TRF’s Second Chances Program to her current role in Client Relations at Niall Brennan Farm is an inspiring testament to the transformative power of the program. In just one year, she has risen through the ranks and has become a vital part of the farm’s operations. In addition to her professional achievements, Julianne co-founded Shep’s Shed, a volunteer-run clothing and essentials closet that provides recently released Lowell graduates with clothes, shoes, and hygiene products to aid in their transition to new opportunities.
The winners of the TIEA awards will be announced in late October, and both Joel’s and Julianne’s stories highlight the impact of The TRF’s Second Chances Program in helping individuals rebuild their lives while caring for retired racehorses.
For more information on the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Second Chances Program or how you can support its mission, please visit www.trfinc.org
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About TRF: Founded in 1983, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is a national organization devoted to providing a lifetime sanctuary for Thoroughbreds after their racing careers as well as opportunities for people wishing to improve their well-being through the undeniable healing power of horses.
Best known for its pioneering Second Chances Program, the organization provides incarcerated individuals with life-changing vocational training through an accredited equine care and stable management program. At eight correctional facilities across the US, 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 post Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Second Chances Program Celebrates Two Finalists for Prestigious Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards appeared first on Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.

Lately, work and travel have kept Frank Saldate Jr. busy. So, he relished this Sunday morning at a Little League baseball game. The team, which is coached by Frank’s son, Frank II, and includes his grandson, Frank III, was invited to participate at Cooperstown, NY, later this summer. Frank Jr. does what he can to show support.

“Whenever we have fundraisers, I cook up the food to sell,” he said proudly.

Frank Jr. is willing to put in whatever time is necessary to make this visit to the home of baseball’s Hall of Fame a reality for the team. Not that long ago, it was not even a blurry vision.

“I grew up in a tough part of Fresno (CA),” he said. “I first got incarcerated when I was nine years old, and I stopped when I was 50. I’ve spent a lot of time in the Correctional Department.”

Frank Jr. eventually ended up in Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP) in Coalinga, CA, where he served a 20-year sentence for bank robbery. While at PVSP, he earned a certification in fiber optics and even became a firefighter with the prison’s fire rescue department. As an engineer, he drove the fire truck and worked with local, state and federal first responders as part of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal FIRE). He dealt with fires, floods, and other natural disasters.

Frank Jr. also put his energy into honing his natural talent and love for art. He drew for personal enjoyment and for friends. He even painted signs for the fire department and for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s (TRF) Second Chances Program at PVSP. At every opportunity, he practiced his art.

Frank was paroled in 2019, just when Second Chances at PVSP was taking off. He wasn’t part of the program then, but he sure is part of it now. Earlier this year, Frank came up with the idea of TRF’s On-Line Art Exhibit and Auction. Held in cooperation with Saratoga Arts, the month-long event featured artwork donated by inmates at PVSP to raise funds for its Second Chances Program.

Frank donated five of his acrylic paintings to the auction, four of which – a chestnut horse, a bay horse, a horse and jockey, and a barrel racer – were untitled. The fifth he named Horses in the Clouds, and depicted a horse surrounded by blue, sunny skies and billowy clouds. There wasn’t a fence or a wall to be seen.

“Even though I was getting paroled, I knew that there were horses that were coming to the prison to help out the prisoners,” he said. “I knew that they had been racehorses but couldn’t race any more. Even though they were coming to the prison, the horses were going to be free to be horses. Horses in the Clouds I liked because I liked the idea of the horses being free from having to race.”

That didn’t mean the horses would have nothing to do.

PVSP’s Second Chances Program was established in October of 2019, two months after Frank Jr. was released. It was the latest expansion of a program that launched 40 years earlier at the Wallkill Correctional Facility near New Paltz, NY, about 70 miles north of New York City. Its purpose was to not only find sanctuary homes for former racehorses, but to provide the horses with new careers as teachers. The inmates learned vocational skills as equine caretakers, but they also bonded with the horses and learned about trust and mutual respect.

At PVSP, Second Chances was an immediate success. Despite being hamstrung by the COVID-19 pandemic just a few months later, Second Chances flourished under a cooperative effort by the California Department of Corrections, West Hills College, Harris Farm, PVSP, and the TRF. PVSP’s Second Chance Program was so impressive that farm manager Heidi Richards was named California DOC’s Corrections Officer of the Year in 2020.

Richards always paid attention to things as part of her job, and she noticed the quality of Frank Jr.’s work in his sign painting. As an art fan herself, she contacted one of her former teachers and supplied Frank with a canvas for his work. Eventually, he had the idea of featuring prison art in an auction to raise money for PVSP Second Chances.

“I had been drawing for a long, long time,” said Frank, who will be 55 in June. “I did airbrush, pen and pencil, and even tattoos. They knew me from my drawings and the signs I painted. Mrs. Richards had started this new program and she asked me if I would paint their sign and I told them I would do whatever I can do for them.”

“I got a little bit of talent, so I did what they wanted. Between drawing and driving the firetruck, I kept myself busy.”

Since his parole, Frank has found steady work as a “treater” with a California utilities company, recovered from a broken pelvis he sustained in a motorcycle accident, and most importantly, reconnected with his two daughters, his son, and seven grandchildren. He was happy to be part of the On-Line Art Auction and to help PVSP’s Second Chances. He is even happier enjoying his freedom.

“You just don’t know what it means to me, and especially to my son and grandson,” Frank said. “I’ve been out for five years. I live with my son and his family, and we are hoping to go to Cooperstown in July with the baseball team. Things are going good, and I realize that there was a long time when I couldn’t even think about going to a baseball game.”

“So, I was happy to be part of this art auction. I just missed [Second Chances], but I knew that Mrs. Richards’ program is doing good and is helping people. I just wanted to help.”

More importantly, Frank Jr. wants to share the lesson that took him many years to learn.

“I have grown very close to my kids and grandkids over the last five years,” he shared. “I learned that if you take the time to give them your attention and to know your loved ones, there is nothing in the world that can take that love from you. And nothing can take away their love for you.”

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