The following appeared in Thoroughbred Daily News February 13th.
Colonial Downs and the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association have each pledged $15 per starter at the 2019 Colonial Downs meet to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Colonial Downs will hold 15 live days of racing with opening day Aug. 8 and closing day Sept. 7.
“Colonial Downs Group is delighted to add life to Thoroughbred aftercare. The horse allows us to practice our labor of love and reminds us Virginians that ‘Racing is for Lovers,’” said John Marshall, senior vice president and general manager of Colonial Downs.
Frank Petramalo, executive director of the Virginia HBPA, added, “We at the Virginia HBPA know the importance of Thoroughbred aftercare and the role that TAA plays in our industry. We are proud to support our horses through the work of the TAA and its accredited aftercare organizations.”
Colonial Downs will begin its 15-day season August 8th, and the Virginia Derby is August 31st.
Colonial Downs has also put the self-service AmTote Charity Terminal 2.0 to use, which offers horseplayers the opportunity to make donations to the TAA from winning tickets.
“The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is grateful for Colonial Downs and the Virginia HBPA for supporting our equine athletes,” TAA president Mike Meuser said. “These funds will help the TAA support our 70 accredited organizations that retrain, rehome, and retire thousands of Thoroughbreds.”