New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program announced today that its 17th Annual Breeders' Cup Pledge has generated more than $100,000 in early estimated donations, continuing a 17-year tradition of turning racing success into meaningful support for retired racehorses.
This year's campaign was driven by the winning performances of horses with pledging connections, including Further Ado, Kathynmarissa, Hughes, Benvenuto Cellini (IRE), Haffner and Sun Goddess. Beyond the winners, notable finishes by American History, Gimme a Nother (SAF), Explora, Measure, Diamond Necklace (IRE) and Golden Tempo generated additional contributions, further increasing the funds raised for Thoroughbred aftercare.
With pledges still coming in and final donations being tallied, the campaign's total is expected to grow. Since its inception in 2009, the Breeders' Cup Pledge has raised more than $1 million, with 100% of contributions directly supporting New Vocations' rehabilitation, retraining and rehoming efforts. The organization serves more than 600 retired racehorses annually and proudly surpassed the historic milestone of 10,000 horses served earlier this year.
"We were happy to support the Pledge, as Anna Ford and her team at New Vocations do an amazing job rehoming our athletes and matching them with good people who give them a new purpose," shared Spendthrift Farm's Eric Gustavson.
This year's winning connections include Coolmore Partners, White Birch Farm, Inc., Starlight Racing, Michael Dubb, Waves Edge Capital, LLC, Stonestreet Stables, Spendthrift Farm, Front Row Club, Madaket Stables, LLC and Bob Baffert.
"We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and enthusiasm of the owners, trainers and connections who participated in this year's Pledge," said Anna Ford, Executive Director of New Vocations. "With 47 horses represented, this campaign is about more than celebrating success on the racetrack. It's about recognizing that every horse deserves a future beyond racing. Their participation helps raise awareness and provides much needed resources to continue our mission and expand our aftercare efforts."
For more information about the Breeders' Cup Pledge and New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, visit www.newvocations.org or email Anna@horseadoption.com.
