ARCADIA, Calif. – Thanks to generous donations by thousands of fans on Opening Day, Dec. 26, the popular Mathis Plush Toy Horse, which was available for a $20 donation, generated a total of $25,000 for the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA) and Thoroughbred aftercare.
In addition to the Plush Toy Horse, Opening Day fans also received a water bottle or a Mathis Mile Hat. With 100 percent of the proceeds going directly to CARMA, this event was a huge success and Mathis and Santa Anita Park have already committed to doing the same promotion next year.
“We’re thrilled to have raised $25,000 for CARMA, a non-profit organization that will ensure each racehorse has a bright future after racing,” said Bill Mathis, President of Mathis Brothers. “Together with the thousands of fans who participated on Santa Anita’s Opening Day, Mathis Brothers is proud to have helped put the horse first.”
For his part, Santa Anita Senior Vice President and General Manager Nate Newby echoed the sentiments expressed by Bill Mathis.
“We can’t thank our fans and Mathis Brothers enough for their tremendous support of Thoroughbred aftercare,” said Newby. “Each dollar raised from this promotion is going directly to CARMA to support the rehabilitation, retraining and retirement of California-raced Thoroughbreds.”
Law Professor – Mathis Mile (Benoit Photos)
The Grade II Mathis Mile, which was transferred from turf to the main track on Opening Day, was won by the Michael McCarthy-trained Law Professor who paid $10.20 under Jose Ortiz. Owned by Twin Creeks Racing Stables, LLC, Law Professor got one mile on a fast track in 1:37.41.
Santa Anita Press Release
Photo by Benoit Photos
