Honoring a Sporting Artist
Robertson's bright artwork for the 151st Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve beautifully captures the iconic image of horses running into the first turn. The historic Churchill Downs clubhouse and the famous Twin Spires serve as a stunning background. With nearly 20 years of experience as a Louisville elementary school teacher, Robertson draws inspiration from contemporary, modern, and stylized art. Previously, he was an officially licensed artist for the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club. His love for horse racing began during his time at the University of Louisville in 2001. Robertson will be at Churchill Downs on Friday, November 29 to sign prints of his artwork. The signing will take place in the Churchill Downs Store, located just inside the Paddock Gate, between 2-4 p.m. ET.Casey C. Ramage, Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships at Churchill Downs Racetrack, expressed excitement about showcasing Tyler's talent. “His artwork celebrates the iconic spectacle of the Kentucky Derby through his vibrant, visual style and brings a fresh perspective that fans will cherish for generations to come.”The Impact of Robertson's Art
Robertson's “Official Art of the Kentucky Derby” will be prominently featured on the 2025 Kentucky Derby and Longines Kentucky Oaks official racing programs and a variety of merchandise. This recognition not only showcases Robertson's artistic prowess but also elevates the status of the Kentucky Derby. As a sporting artist focused on Thoroughbreds, Robertson sees this as a thrilling opportunity to share his style and celebrate the power and elegance of these athletes on such a prestigious stage.Prints and select merchandise will be available for purchase at www.KentuckyDerbyStore.com starting on Friday, November 29. This provides fans with the chance to own a piece of this artistic legacy.About the Kentucky Derby
The $3 million Kentucky Derby takes place on the first Saturday in May at historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Inaugurated in 1875, it is the longest continually-held major sporting event in the United States and the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown series. Known as “The Run for the Roses” and “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” the Kentucky Derby is the most attended horse race in the nation. The 151st Kentucky Derby will take place on May 3, 2025. For more information, please visit www.KentuckyDerby.com.About Churchill Downs Racetrack
Churchill Downs Racetrack (“CDRT”), the world's most legendary racetrack, has been the home of the Kentucky Derby since 1875. Located in Louisville, CDRT features a series of themed race days during Derby Week, including the Kentucky Oaks. It conducts Thoroughbred horse racing during three race meets in the Spring, September, and the Fall. CDRT is situated on 175 acres and has a one-mile dirt track, a 7/8-mile turf track, a stabling area, and can accommodate approximately 60,000 guests. The stable area has barns sufficient to house 1,400 horses and a 114-room dormitory for backstretch personnel. CDRT also has a year-round simulcast wagering facility and Race and Sports Book. Visit www.ChurchillDowns.com.Empowering Retired Thoroughbreds with Generous Grants
Financial Support for Exceptional Care
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance's $4.14 million in grants is a game-changer for the 83 accredited organizations. These funds are dedicated to ensuring that retired racehorses receive the best possible care and rehabilitation. Since its 2012 inception, the alliance has grown from 23 to 83 accredited organizations, and the annual grant amount has increased from $1 million to $4.14 million. Over the years, they have awarded a total of $36.04 million in grants specifically for equine care. These accredited organizations have successfully retrained, retired, and rehomed approximately 18,500 Thoroughbreds across 175 facilities. This shows the tangible impact that the alliance's efforts are having on the lives of these horses.The financial support provided by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is crucial for the continued work of these organizations. It allows them to maintain high-quality practices in every aspect of equine management, from horse welfare to facility care and management. The achievement of accreditation indicates that an organization meets specific criteria in these areas, serving as a testament to their dedication.
Janice Towles, Director of Accreditation & Grants, expressed her excitement about the grant awards. "Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is thrilled to announce grant awards to our 83 accredited organizations this year. The funding we provide is essential for these organizations to continue their incredible work and protection for retired Thoroughbred racehorses as they transition into second careers. We are extremely proud of each organization's commitment and diligence in supporting these horses, ensuring they receive the best possible futures beyond the racetrack."
The Accreditation Process
Accredited organizations go through a comprehensive application and inspection process to ensure they meet the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Code of Standards. This code covers five key areas: operations, education, horse health care management, facility standards and services, and adoption policies and protocols. Inspections are conducted at all facilities housing Thoroughbreds within each organization, and ongoing updates and re-inspections are required as a condition of accreditation. This rigorous process ensures that the organizations are providing the highest level of care to the retired racehorses.The attention to detail in the accreditation process is evident in the five key areas covered by the Code of Standards. Operations are carefully monitored to ensure smooth functioning and efficient use of resources. Education is emphasized to ensure that staff members are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to care for the horses. Horse health care management is a top priority, with strict guidelines in place to ensure the well-being of the animals. Facility standards and services are also closely monitored to provide a safe and comfortable environment for the horses. Adoption policies and protocols are in place to ensure that the horses are placed in suitable homes.
The comprehensive nature of the accreditation process gives donors and the public confidence in the work of the accredited organizations. It shows that they are committed to providing the best possible care for the retired racehorses and that they are held to a high standard.
Industry Support and Collaborative Efforts
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is supported by members across all facets of the Thoroughbred industry, including owners, breeders, trainers, stallion farms, racetracks, sales companies, horsemen's groups, foundations, veterinarians, horseplayers, and wagering technology companies. Charitable donations from these varied sources contribute to the funds allocated for grants at year-end.This collaborative effort highlights the industrywide allegiance to the well-being and post-racing lives of Thoroughbreds. It shows that everyone in the industry is committed to ensuring that these horses have a safe and fulfilling future. Stacie Clark-Rogers, Operations Consultant, expressed gratitude for the continued increase in the total grant amount. "Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is grateful to continue increasing the total grant amount each year to support accredited aftercare organizations. With a new record of over $4 million in grants awarded this year for the first time, it underscores our commitment to long-term equine welfare. We extend our sincere gratitude to the donors who go above and beyond the minimum giving levels. These generous contributions have made it possible to meet our annual funding targets, helping even more retired Thoroughbreds find the safe, fulfilling futures they deserve."
The support from the industry is essential for the continued success of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. It allows them to expand their efforts and help even more horses in need. As they move forward, it is clear that the alliance will continue to play a vital role in the lives of retired Thoroughbreds.
Uncover the Next Generation of Horse Racing Stars
Friday at Fair Grounds
In Fair Grounds race 4, No. 1 Canal Street stands out. She is a Louisiana-bred daughter of McKinzie, with a dam named You Laughin. This filly is a half-sibling to the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) winner Zenden. Trained by Bret Calhoun for Martin Racing, Bob Gorsky, and Circustown Racing Stable, Axel Concepcion will be in the saddle for her six-furlong dirt debut.
Fair Grounds race 6 features No. 3 Natural Rights. A 2-year-old half-brother to Grade 2 winner Zeitlos, he is sired by Constitution and out of the Redoute's Choice mare Thyme for Roses. Like Zeitlos, Natural Rights is a homebred for Stonestreet Stable and is trained by Steve Asmussen. Jose Ortiz will pilot him in the 5 1/2-furlong turf maiden special weight race.
Sunday at Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs race 1 brings us Thorpedo Anna's half-brother, McAfee. After his winning debut under trainer Rick Dutrow, he is back in the entries for his second career start, moving up to a starter allowance. McAfee is sired by Cloud Computing and owned by Black Type Thoroughbreds.
Churchill Downs race 7 also has two noteworthy fillies making their debuts. Brown Sugar, a full sister to 2021 Preakness Stakes winner Rombauer, is sired by Twirling Candy and out of the mare Cashmere. Bred in Kentucky by John and Diane Fradkin, she was purchased for $400,000 at the OBS June sale and will be trained by Ignacio Correas with Luis Saez in the irons.
Pretty Sassy, a half-sister to 2023 Kentucky Oaks winner Pretty Mischievous, is sired by Medaglia d'Oro and out of the Tapit mare Pretty City Dancer. She is a homebred for Godolphin and will be trained by Brendan Walsh with Tyler Gaffalione aboard.
First-Time Starters
On various tracks across different days, there are several first-time starters vying for attention. For example, at FL 4 on 11/18, Dr. Barry, sired by Blame and with a dam named Mindy Gold, is set to make his debut. Another notable is Frannie’s Wish at RP 6 on 11/19, sired by Vino Rosso and out of Rosy Humor.
At CD 1 on 11/20, Bonita Song, sired by Cross Traffic and with a dam named Bonita Blonde, is a 2-year-old filly making her first start. And at PRX 7 on 11/20, Foil, sired by Street Sense and out of Elude, is also ready to begin his racing career.
Second-Time Starters
My Vino at ZIA 8 on 11/19 is a 2-year-old male making his second start, sired by Vino Rosso and with a dam named Specification. Cathcart at CD 10 on 11/21 is a 3-year-old filly with a sire of Quality Road and a dam named S S Pinafore.
Miss Rosie T at DED 8 on 11/21 is another second-time starter, a 2-year-old filly sired by Improbable and out of Dancing Alone.
Third-Time Starters
Lawyer Up Riley at CT 5 on 11/20 is a 3-year-old male making his third start, sired by Into Mischief and with a dam named Call Pat. Ice Cream Boat at AQU 1 on 11/21 is a 2-year-old filly with a sire of Outwork and a dam named Special Treat.