MyRacehorse, the racehorse micro-share ownership program, has created Retail With a Purpose, a program that consists of a series of auctions featuring experiences and one-of-a-kind memorabilia that owners can bid on, with 100% of proceeds directed to the MyRacehorse Transition Fund.
The fund empowers the MRH racing and aftercare teams to maximize their efforts to aid in the seamless transitions of our beloved athletes into their next chapters of life, according to the organization.
Auctions will be facilitated through the "Retail With a Purpose" program within the MRH shop, with new items launching regularly. Bidding will take place within a defined window, anywhere from five to 28 days and, once closed, MyRacehorse will announce the funds raised. These auction items include signed memorabilia, trophies, private morning training experiences, equipment worn by MRH horses such as shoes and halters, box seats at racetracks, stallion tours, and much more.
Bids are now being accepted on a private morning with trainer Richard Mandella, a private tour of Taylor Made Farm guided by Duncan Taylor, a saddle towel worn by Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T) contender Going to Vegas , and a halter worn by stakes-placed winner Rosie's Alibi.
The gross proceeds are defined as the auction revenue minus any transactional/merchant fees associated with the payment for the winning item. In the rare case cost of goods sold are required for an item, they will be included and disclosed. There will never be any administrative costs deducted from Retail for Purpose auctions.
All proceeds will be returned to the MRH Transition Fund, an initiative that empowers MyRacehorse owners to play a pivotal role in the transition of equine athletes from racing to second careers.
Retail with a Purpose is an aftercare initiative within the MyRacehorse program dedicated to the prolonged care of the Thoroughbred racehorse. It is not a separate non-profit initiative.
Each time MyRacehorse uses any funds derived from the transition fund, an owner update will be provided with a breakdown of the use of funds. The types of costs that can be part of a successful transition include veterinarian expenses, retraining, boarding, donations, etc.
The funds are not restricted to MyRacehorse alumni, according to the company.
"While our MyRacehorse stable is certainly a top priority and we aim to deploy much of this capital to the transition of MRH horses specifically, as a company we are strongly committed to aftercare industry-wide through our strategic relationships with several organizations, including the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and other noteworthy causes. Our Transition Fund will further our ability to work with these organizations in the mission to assist with the transition of all retired racehorses," states MyRacehorse on its website.