In continuing support of a national program for retired racehorses, the Breeders' Cup announced Oct. 23 that it has created a "Text to Donate" campaign, through Give by Cell, that will allow fans to contribute to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.
Breeders' Cup, along with The Jockey Club and Keeneland Association, provided initial seed money to start TAA, which is dedicated to serving as an accrediting body for aftercare facilities for Thoroughbreds following their racing careers and as a funding body to support these approved facilities across North America.
This year, fans at Santa Anita Park for the Breeders' Cup World Championships Nov. 2-3, or those watching the races at home, may text donations from their mobile devices to the TAA by sending "FUNDTAA" to the text number 56512 (message and data rates may apply).
"The 'Text to Donate' program is a great way for all of us who love and care deeply about the Thoroughbred racehorse to show our appreciation for these great athletes after their racing days are over," said Bob Elliston, chief operating officer for Breeders' Cup. "Breeders' Cup is very proud to get behind TAA on a national scale, through our World Championships, and bring attention to this vital cause of helping sustain a long term program of aftercare and retraining of the racehorse."
"The only way that TAA can be successful is if everyone who benefits from the horse contributes," said Mike Ziegler, executive director of the TAA. "The Breeders' Cup has developed a great way for racing fans to participate."
The Breeders' Cup will further commit to the TAA program by promoting "Text to Donate" through public service announcements on the world television feed of the Breeders' Cup races, and on site at Santa Anita through public address announcements, message boards and in track program advertising.