Thoroughbred owner and breeder Paul Saylor has issued a matching gift challenge to benefit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.
From Jan. 24 through Feb. 29, Saylor will match any gift, of any size, to the “Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Saylor Challenge,” up to $50,000.00.
The funds will be used specifically to support the daily needs of more than 1,000 former racehorses currently under the TRF’s care. Donors may specify that their gifts be earmarked for “Olivia’s Herd” which represents the organization’s horses that are most in need of special care or feeding because of age or other physical condition.
“I am issuing this challenge to motivate people in the racing industry and Thoroughbred lovers to donate to the TRF,” said Saylor in a release. “Thoroughbred racing as a business needs to show that caring for retired racehorses is a priority. I am pleased to be doing this work through the TRF, which I have found to be under sound management and on reasonable financial footing given the difficulties that most charities are experiencing raising money in these times.”
The announcement coincides with the upcoming launch of a web page dedicated to the horses which are a part of “Olivia’s Herd,” created in memory and honor of Olivia Saylor, who died Jan. 1, 2011 in Charleston, S.C.
Olivia was very involved with her father and siblings in the Thoroughbred racing business. She is credited with naming Ashado, two-time champion filly raced by the Saylor family in partnership with Starlight Stables. The partnership also campaigned grade I winners Purge and Monba. Olivia, with her siblings and father, also owned and raced grade I winner and champion Fleet Indian.
“We are immensely grateful to Paul for this generous demonstration of support and confidence in the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation,” said Diana Pikulski, TRF's director of external affairs, in a statement. “Paul's actions bring needed funds and awareness for the important work of the TRF.”
Gifts can be made on line by going to Make a Gift at http://www.trfinc.org, or by mailing a check to TRF, P.O. Box 3387, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866 or by calling 518-226-0028.