Lexington, Ky. – November 10, 2021 – New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program announced today that early estimate of funds raised during its Breeders’ Cup Pledge will be more than $140,000. This year’s total was driven by a record eight horses with pledging connections—Knicks Go, Aloha West, Life Is Good, Golden Pal, Ce Ce, Corniche, Pizza Bianca and Twilight Gleaming (IRE)—winning their races on Future Stars Friday and Championship Saturday.
Additional pledges are still coming in and final donations are still being tallied. Now in its 12thyear, the Pledge has raised more than $940,000, with 100 percent of funds going directly to support the program’s rehabilitation, retraining and rehoming efforts.
“Eclipse and our partners consider Thoroughbred aftercare of paramount importance, and it is our duty and pleasure to support New Vocations,” said Aron Wellman of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. “It is with great pride that we’re able to send a portion of Aloha West’s purse winnings from his Breeders’ Cup Sprint victory to support an organization that’s always ready to help a rehoming or retraining prospect.
“The partnership that owns Aloha West is comprised of a healthy blend of veteran owners who understand the importance of aftercare and newcomers, as well,” he added. “To see these newcomers learning about aftercare and supporting the cause is gratifying and good for the sport.”
In addition to Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, winning connections include Brad H. Cox (Knicks Go); China Horse Club, WinStar Farm and Todd Pletcher (Life Is Good); Coolmore (Golden Pal); Michael W. McCarthy (Ce Ce); Speedway Stables and Bob Baffert (Corniche); Bobby Flay (Pizza Bianca); and Stonestreet Stables (Twilight Gleaming). This year’s pledge participants also include Al Shaqab Racing, Albaugh Family Stables, Jim Bakke, Richard Baltas, Bonne Chance Farm, Bing Bush & the Abbondanza Racing Partners, Cannon Thoroughbreds, Bradley Thoroughbreds, DJ Stable, Michael Dubb, Brad Grady, Hat Creek Racing, LNJ Foxwoods, Paulo H. Lobo, Madaket Stables, Kenny McPeek, Elizabeth M. Merryman, Peter Miller, MyRacehorse, Patricia’s Hope LLC, Richard Ravin, Larry Rivelli, J. Kirk & Judy Robison, Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, SF Racing, Joe Sharp, Siena Farm, Spendthrift Farm, St. Elias Stable, Starlight Racing, Stud RDI, Three Diamonds Farm, Treadway Racing Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and White Birch Farm.
“It was truly amazing to have eight pledged contenders win this year,” said Anna Ford, New Vocations Program Thoroughbred Program Director. “We were thrilled with the number of owners and trainers who joined the Pledge to support our aftercare efforts and mission to rehab, retrain and rehome these incredible equine athletes.”
For more information on the Pledge, please visit www.newvocations.org or e-mail Anna@horseadoption.com
About New Vocations:
Founded in 1992, New Vocations has grown into the largest racehorse adoption charity in the country. Its mission to rehabilitate, retrain and rehome retired racehorses has led to the placement of over 7,500 individuals, with more than 550 retirees served by the program each year. With facilities in five states including Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Louisiana, New Vocations serves over 40 racetracks, working directly with owners and trainers in need of equine aftercare options. www.newvocations.org
New Vocations Press Release
2019 Classic winner Vino Rosso was among the Pledge participants (Photo courtesy of New Vocations)
