Lexington, Ky. – Hagyard Equine Medical Institute and Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) enthusiastically announced the launch of the “Race to Give,” an online giving and awareness program to support Thoroughbred aftercare with the RaceToGive.org website as its central hub.
“2021 marks our 145th anniversary of caring for the equine industry,” said Dr. Luke Fallon, DVM, of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. “These equine athletes have given us so much over the last century and a half. Our veterinarians created the Race to Give to demonstrate our appreciation. Leading an effort to support the critical area of aftercare in conjunction with other leading horse racing organizations was the right thing to do.”
The “Race to Give,” in its simplest form, is a fundraiser but it is also so much more than that, by design. A review of the RaceToGive.org website reveals a call to create teams and to challenge each other in fun and creative ways.
“The spirit of competition is at the heart of our industry,” said Ken Ford, CEO of Hagyard Pharmacy. “Hagyard’s vision was to harness that spirit to not only raise money, but to also to expand the support of equine aftercare. By developing teams and then challenging each other, we could encourage a wider group of people to participate. Aftercare organizations which have been excellent stewards of our retired equine athletes have accomplished this through the generous support of donations from a concentrated nucleus of people in the industry. Race to Give is a new platform to encourage everyone who loves horses to donate.”
The number of organizations that have come along side Hagyard and TCA is impressive and demonstrates the positive support of Thoroughbred aftercare. Organizations including Keeneland, TVG, Thoroughbred Daily News, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and Resolvet are leading the campaign, confident others will step up this year to support the cause.
“Everyone understands how important aftercare is for our sport,” said Mike McMahon, TCA President. “It is exciting to see big names in our industry come together in year one. And I can only imagine how the list will grow in the years to come as other organizations see the impact and, frankly, how much fun it is to be part of this team of leaders.”
Why is Thoroughbred aftercare so important? On average, Thoroughbreds retire from racing by age six. Since horses can live well into their late 20’s, a Thoroughbred has a lot of life left to live after the racetrack. Responsible owners can set their horse up for future success by retiring them into a TCA approved and TAA-accredited aftercare program where they can be retrained for their next career.
Many Thoroughbreds will move into careers in new disciplines such as eventing, hunter/jumpers, dressage, western, polo, trail riding, equine-therapy, and much more. Thoroughbreds are extremely versatile and can often be retrained for multiple disciplines.
“Like many involved in the sport of Thoroughbred racing, Hagyard believes that it is our collective responsibility to protect the wellbeing of these horses we love that retire from racing and breeding.” added Dr. Fallon. “I echo everyone that is involved with “Race to Give” to please help us support these horses as they transition to their next careers.”
To make a donation, register to fundraise, or create or join a team please visit RaceToGive.org and follow us at #aracetogive.
About Hagyard Equine Medical Institute: With more than 60 veterinarians and 145 years behind it, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute is the oldest and one of the largest equine veterinary practices in the world. Based in Lexington, Kentucky, the facility, located across the street from the Kentucky Horse Park, boasts superior ambulatory services, the world-renowned Davidson Surgery Center, McGee Medicine and Fertility Centers, Hagyard Laboratory, Hagyard Sports Medicine & Podiatry Center, and hyperbaric medicine facilities. For more information, visit hagyard.com.
About Hagyard Pharmacy: Hagyard Pharmacy is a full-service veterinary specialty pharmacy located in Lexington, Kentucky. It is affiliated with the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute and its 145+ years of equine veterinary experience, making it the number one name in equine health. This affiliation gives Hagyard Pharmacy a unique perspective in providing veterinarian prescribed specialty compounds, over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, and supplements. This has led to the development of innovative products, such as the Resolvet brand that is inspired and developed by our pharmacists and veterinarians to address specific needs for your horse. The Resolvet line includes Relyne GI for gastric support, Reflex HA for joint support, Revyve digestive support, Relyte HA electrolyte paste, Relieve intestinal adsorbent, Repair hoof oil, and Resolve antimicrobial spray. For more information, visit hagyardpharmacy.com and resolvet.com .
