FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Vanessa Banks
Vanessa@trfinc.org
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.