Taylor Made to Sponsor RTCA White Horse Heroes Luncheon

Taylor Made Sales Agency will be the principal sponsor for this year's White Horse Heroes Luncheon, at which Race Track Chaplaincy of America will announce the winner of its fourth White Horse Award.

Set for Nov. 2 in Churchill Downs' Triple Crown room, two days before the Breeders' Cup World Championships, the award will be given to a Thoroughbred farm or horse-related track worker that has performed a heroic act on behalf of a human or horse.

"The example of Jesus Christ and his giving of his life for others, both spiritually and physically are challenging for us all," said Taylor Made president Duncan Taylor, who will be the presenter of the award at the luncheon. "We are humbled to be able to recognize such courage among our peers. We are also appreciative of the Race Track Chaplaincy for all they do for our fellow horsemen."

In addition the award presentation, the luncheon will include a special video presentation on Joe Taylor, whose sons Duncan, Ben, Frank, and Mark own and operate their farm near Nicholasville, Ky.

The senior Taylor, "Daddy Joe," known for his Christian values as well as his knowledge of breeding and stallion farm operations, died in a car crash on Tate's Creek Pike near Lexington a few days before Christmas 2003 while on his way to deliver presents.

"I doubt we could have found a more appropriate family to help us honor horse racing's workforce," said RTCA executive director Dr. Enrique Torres. "Their Christian standards of hard work and honesty are shining examples to all in horse racing, and are the foundation on which they built a true horse racing dynasty. We especially look forward to honoring Joe Taylor, a man who every day lived out his love for Christ by helping others and instilled those same values in his entire family."

Taylor Made has consigned Thoroughbreds that have sold in sales for a record $1 billion plus. The farm will consign more than 600 horses to the upcoming Keeneland September yearling sales.

The White Horse Award winner will receive a limited edition white bronze statue and a $5,000 cash prize, courtesy of Youbet.com. The Daily Racing Form funds all expense-paid trips to the Breeders' Cup races for the final four nominees, and the three runners-up receive $1,000 each courtesy of Chicken Soup for the Horse Lover's Soul II.