NTRA Charities to Disperse Heroes Fund Money

from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association will disburse an additional $350,000 from the NTRA Charities-New York Heroes Fund, including $250,000 to the Silver Shield Foundation on Belmont Stakes Day June 8. With pledges and contributions of nearly $5 million, the fund has disbursed $3.5 million thus far to children and dependents of those lost in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

The Garden City, N.Y., Community Fund-Family Relief Fund, and the Diocese of Rockville Centre, N.Y., Emergency Relief Fund-World Trade Center Disaster Fund will receive contributions of $50,000 each June 7 at a ceremony in Garden City, N.Y.

The NTRA, Breeders' Cup, and New York Racing Association formed the Heroes Fund to benefit the families of the rescue personnel and other victims of Sept. 11 and dedicated the 2001 World Thoroughbred Championships in their honor. Through pledges of purse earnings by owners, trainers, and jockeys, World Thoroughbred Championships day alone raised more than $2 million for the fund.

Previously, the Heroes Fund allocated $500,000 to the Silver Shield Foundation, $250,000 to the Diocese of Rockville Center Emergency Relief Fund-World Trade Center Disaster Fund, and $250,000 to the Garden City Community Fund-Family Relief Fund.