FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: vanessa@trfinc.org
Keeneland Celebrates the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s 40th Anniversary with Special “TRF Cheers to 40 Years” Day
Lexington, KY – October 20, 2023 – Today at Keeneland, a beautiful and iconic name in the horse racing industry, the racing community celebrated a very special event in day in honor of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s 40th Anniversary. Highlighted by a special check presentation in the winner’s circle, the leadership of Keeneland recognized October 20th as “TRF Cheers to 40 Years“ Day at Keeneland in celebration of the Foundation’s four decades of commitment to the welfare and retirement of thoroughbred racehorses.
The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) has been a pioneer in aftercare for retired racehorses since its founding in 1983. The organization is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of these magnificent athletes when their racing careers come to an end. Keeneland, with its rich history in the horse racing world, is proud to partner with TRF to celebrate this significant milestone in the organization’s long history. Joined by TRF Board Member, Katie LaMonica and Warden Abby Caudill of Blackburn Correctional Complex, the Keeneland team presented the TRF with a generous donation of $4,000 toward the care of the TRF herd in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The TRF currently operates three farms in Kentucky, caring for 70 horses including 40 at the TRF Second Chances farm at Blackburn Correctional Complex and 9 at the TRF Sanctuary Farm at Chestnut Hall.
The TRF is very thankful for the support and acknowledgement by Keeneland. Together, we can celebrate the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s 40th Anniversary and promote the cause of thoroughbred aftercare. We invite the local community, and anyone interested in the welfare of thoroughbred racehorses to join us on Saturday, October 21st when the TRF will host a table on the apron during Sunrise Trackside (8am – 10am).
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About Keenland: Since opening in October 1936, Keeneland has been unique in the Thoroughbred industry. Only at Keeneland are world-class racing and industry-leading sales united under one mission-driven entity. Today, Keeneland continues to be guided by its original mission, taking a leadership role in the industry to improve safety, promote integrity and strengthen the sport of racing.
About TRF: Founded in 1983, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is a national organization devoted to saving Thoroughbred horses no longer able to compete at the racetrack from possible neglect, abuse, and slaughter. As the oldest Thoroughbred rescue in the country, the TRF provides sanctuary to retired Thoroughbreds throughout their entire lifetime.
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.
