NYTHA to Offer Equine Leg Wraps to Support Ukraine

The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association will begin offering the connections of starters at Aqueduct Racetrack next week equine leg wraps in blue and yellow to show support for the people of Ukraine who are under attack by Russia.

Blue and yellow are the colors of the Ukrainian flag. 

NYTHA executive director Will Alempijevic said in a statement to members that there would be no obligation for horsemen to use the colored wraps but, with the support of the New York Racing Association, they would be available free of charge for the March 18-20 cards at Aqueduct. Details have not been finalized, but trainers will be notified about the offer through text.

Alempijevic also said Ukraine peace buttons will be available at the NYTHA Aqueduct office to be worn by trainers and grooms.

The note to horsemen included a link for making a donation to UNICEF to aid children in Ukraine. Alempijevic added that the NYTHA will make a donation to the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation Charity Foundation which is providing help, logistics, and feed to horses in the Ukraine. Along with the current humanitarian crisis, equine and animal safety in general is a serious concern at this time in Ukraine.

"The war in Ukraine has created a catastrophic humanitarian crisis and help is needed," Alempijevic said in the memo.