The connections of seven Breeders Cup starters have pledged a percentage or
portion of their earnings to support New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program.
So far IEAH Stable’s COURT VISION (Gulch), DIAMONDRELLA (GB) (Rock of
Gibraltar [Ire]) and RADIOHEAD (GB) (Johannesburg); Charles Winner, David
Bienstock and Paul Mandabach’s MAGICAL FANTASY (Diesis [GB]); Chasing Dreams
Racing’s NOBLE’S PROMISE (Cuvee); Sovereign Stable’s NEGLIGEE (Northern Afleet);
and Brushwood Stable’s MUSHKA (Empire Maker) have all made a pledge.
“Times are tough right now, and the number of horses needing our services
continues to rise,” Program Director Anna Ford explained. “We are truly grateful
to have these owners pledge their support during this year’s Breeders Cup. I
think a lot of their success at the track has been due to the fact that they
truly care about the welfare and safety of their horses both on and off the
track.”
New Vocations hopes the list of connections pledging support will continue to
grow.
“It is our hope that more owners will choose to follow their lead,” Ford
said. “What a statement it would be if every starter made a pledge.”
New Vocations, which has five locations throughout the county, focuses on
placing retired Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses into homes and new
careers. The charity leads the nation in adoptions placing an average of 300
retired racehorses horses each year.
In addition to generating funds, New Vocations is hoping that the generosity
of the Breeders’ Cup connections will also raise the public’s awareness of the
racehorse adoption effort. New Vocations first opened their barn doors in 1992
to retired racehorses looking for new careers. Starting with a single farm in
Dayton, Ohio, the program has grown to have five facilities, which are located
in Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio and Michigan. Serving over 40 racetracks, New
Vocations works directly with owners and trainers in need of an aftercare
program for horses leaving the track.
The organization’s soul mission is to stand in the gap for retiring
racehorses and provide skilled hands to assist in their development as pleasure
mounts. These horses are then placed in experienced, loving homes that will
continue their education so each has a skill and therefore a future. The program
has a sound adoption system in place that is proven to move a large number of
horses in a rather short period of time.
For more information, visit www.horseadoption.com or contact Anna Ford at
anna@horseadoption.com.