Connecting the dots on Breeder's Cup Day

Today is Breeder's Cup Day,and also the running of the Gr.2 Oak Tree Derby at Santa Anita Park. To their great credit, for the first time, the Breeder's Cup has named Thoroughbred Charities of America as a sponsored charity for 2009. Although this would seem a logical choice, considering the Breeder's Cup is a global showcase of the best of racing, it is an important first and hopefully an indicator that the organizations who labor in the field of Thoroughbred retirement are growing in recognition and support within the industry.

Here at Tranquility Farm it just so happens that among our retirees are
Areyoutalkintome, who competed in the 2006 Breeder's Cup Sprint, and
Mananan Mclir, who ran third to Johar in the 2003 Oak Tree Derby. The retirements of both Areyoutalkintome and Mananan Mclir are entirely supported by charitable contributions. Without the support of Thoroughbred Charities of America it would not be possible for us to take in these and other gallant competitors when their races are run.

MANANAN MCLIR at Tranquility Farm.
To acknowledge Thoroughbred Charities of America today is more than an abstraction, and it is more than political correctness. What it means is that horses like Areyoutalkintome and Mananan Mclir can continue to thrive in their retirement, and that horses leaving the racetrack today will also find resources for their futures. Personally, I'm going to write a letter thanking the Breeder's Cup committee, and let them know how much it means that horses like Mananan Mclir and Areyoutalkintome are helped by their support of Thoroughbred Charities of America. I'm going to tell them that I hope in future Breeder's Cups the horses will never again be forgotten. And I hope you will too.