Fundraiser Nets $272,650 for Relief Effort

In a continuing effort to raise funds for the relief effort tied to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association held an auction to benefit its New York Heroes Fund following the annual Stallion Access fall sale Nov. 9 at Fasig-Tipton Kentucky's Newtown Paddocks.

Seasons to Preakness (gr. I) and Belmont (gr. I) Stakes winner Point Given, champion Artax, Unbridled's Song, and Free House were among the items auctioned. The auction also included equine art and packages for major sporting events in 2002.

The auction raised $272,650 for the fund, with the top price of $125,000 paid for the season to Point Given. The top-priced non-season item was a Triple Crown package that netted a final bid of $10,000.

The NTRA, Breeders' Cup Ltd., and the New York Racing Association established the Heroes Fund to benefit rescue workers and the families of victims who perished in the attacks. Members of the international racing community have contributed more than $5 million to the fund, including approximately $2.5 million raised on World Thoroughbred Championships Day Oct. 27.