b'racingO ne CrossLey By LiaOrganizations dedicated to finding non-racing alternatives for Thoroughbreds have made tremendous strides in recent years to help ensure proper lifestyles for horses away from the track. Whether they become winners in other equine endeavors or winners in the eyes of those who love them, former racers and non-starters have the odds of proper aftercare in their favor, Jockey club Photothanks to these organizations.The US has a wealth of these groups, including Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Old Friends Equine Retirement, Retired Racehorse Project and Makeover, andTAAs Stacie Clark helps organizations get Thoroughbred Charities of America, whichaccredited.rehome, retire, and repurpose racehorses. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance those outside the Thoroughbred industryFormed in 2012 with seed money fromto secure more funding, Clark said.Breeders Cup Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the ThoroughbredOld Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Anne M. eberhArdtAftercare Alliance (TAA) approves grants forThe name only hints at what Old Friends facilities throughout the nation that meet itsThoroughbred Retirement encompasses. standards. The concept was such an instantThe Georgetown, Kentucky, facility blends success that the TAA was honored with thesanctuary, living history museum, tourist 2013 Special Eclipse Award for its extraordi- attraction, and petting zoo into a feel-good nary service.haven. About 160 facilities within 70 organiza- Fifteen years after former Boston Globe tions in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Ricomovie critic Michael Blowen hatched thehave been approved by TAA, which is alsoidea, Old Friends Thoroughbred Retire-now funded by owners, trainers, breeders,ment is home to some of Thoroughbred racetracks, and other Thoroughbred indus- racings most renowned runners. Mar-try groups. The TAA has granted more thanquee names include Kentucky Derby and $13.8 million to groups that have assistedPreakness Stakes (both G1) winners SilverPeople know nearly 8,000 Thoroughbreds.Charm and War Emblem. Their conquer-To get accredited, organizations needors in the Belmont Stakes (G1)Touchthey can come to explain on paper in detail everythingGold and Saravaare in nearby pad-that happens at their facilities and withdocks.their horses, said operations consultantThe robust roster overflows with otherand feedStacie Clark. We also conduct physical sitehigh-profile names such as Breeders Cup inspections.Classic (G1) winner Alphabet Soup andcarrots.The key areas are operations, horseBreeders Cup Sprint (G1) winners Cajun health care management, facility standardsBeat and Amazombie. Rapid Redux, who and services, and adoption policies andmade a name for himself with 22 straight michael blOwen protocols. Inspectors are a cross section ofvictories, and four-time winner Nicanor, equine experts who are paid by TAA or servefamous for being Barbaros little brother,Of Old friendsas volunteers.are residents. Lesser-known horses such as We are constantly hearing from ourPopcorn Deelites, who portrayed Seabis-accredited organizations that this processcuit in the 2003 movie; Timothy James, helped them become a stronger nonprofit,survivor of a high-profile neglect case; develop better operating procedures, andand Winning Dubai, who in Puerto Rico prove their legitimacy to othersevensurvived 96 starts and Hurricane Marias 78 10_Aftercare.indd 78 3/20/19 4:44 PM'