TAA Benefits Greatly From Preakness Weekend

More than $100,000 was raised for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, which had a major presence May 20-21 on Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (gr. II) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I) days.

Sagamore Spirit was the title sponsor of the May 20 Pimlico Special and May 21 Maryland Sprint Stakes (both gr. III) to benefit the TAA. On May 21 the Latin American Racing Channel was title sponsor of the Sir Barton Stakes, also to benefit the TAA.

TAA operations consultant Stacie Clark Rogers said on May 25 that when the final tally is done it could hit about $125,000 raised for the organization that accredits Thoroughbred aftercare facilities. TAA was the charity of the day May 20 at Pimlico along with Susan G. Komen Maryland.

Last year about $60,000 was raised for the TAA, a Lexington-based organization, on Black-Eyed Susan Friday.

“It was huge,” Clark Rogers said of this year’s event. “We got tons of awareness. Pimlico opens its arms to us. They say, ‘What do you want to do? Let’s sit down and see how we can raise money for you.’ We show up and just work. They take care of everything else.”

Clark Rogers said the Maryland Jockey Club, which operates Pimlico Race Course, also helped the TAA get the sponsors. The TAA also took part in other fundraising activities Preakness weekend at Pimlico.

The TAA also was this year’s honorary postmaster for the Preakness and took part in the May 19 Alibi Breakfast.

"It's an honor," TAA board president Jimmy Bell, president and racing manager of Darley America, said at the breakfast. "We want to thank Pimlico as well. The hospitality here helps provide such a great atmosphere."

In other Preakness-related events, the TAA teamed with the MJC to hold a special screening of the movie "Harry & Snowman" at the Senator Theater, and the event raised more than $12,000 to benefit the TAA and Komen. A Friday handicapping challenge based on mythical bankrolls raised $9,000 for the TAA.