TRF GALA FUNDRAISER THIS SUNDAY AT COLONIAL DOWNS

On Sunday, July 11th, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation will hold “An Afternoon in the Winner’s Circle” at Colonial Downs racetrack in New Kent County. The event is a celebration fundraiser to benefit Greener Pastures program at James River Correctional Center, a Second Chances program of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.

A highlight of the afternoon will be the running of the Grade III $50,000 purse David L. “Zeke” Ferguson Memorial Steeplechase.

The event is co-hosted by Colonial Downs, the Virginia Thoroughbred Association, the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, the National Steeplechase Association and the Virginia Steeplechase Association.

“Having these associations co-sponsor our event says a lot about the commitment of the racing industry to care for its equine athletes at the end of their careers,” said Robin Williams, TRF’s president.

Festivities will begin at noon and last through the final race of the evening. A Champagne brunch and a cash bar will be offered and the cost is $65 per person. Ticket information is available at www.jamesriverhorses.org. Guests will get a handicapping tutorial to improve their chances of picking a winner and will be able to bid on several live auction items.

TRF was founded nationally in 1982 and has saved literally thousands of horses from abuse, neglect, and slaughter. TRF’s nationally recognized Second Chances farm at the James River Work Center in Goochland County is one of nine corrections-based TRF programs where retired Thoroughbred racehorses are provided rehabilitation and TRF provides vocational training for the inmate caretakers. Begun in 2007, this local effort stables 25 horses and more than 27 men have been certified in horse care and stable management.

“In our race to save retired Thoroughbreds from abuse, neglect and slaughter, we like to think we make it to the winner’s circle more times than not,” said Robin Traywick Williams, TRF’s president. “Every time I’m at the barn I can see the magic of people helping horses and horses helping people.”

For more information on TRF at James River, please visit the website at www.jamesriverhorses.org and for information the national Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, please visit http://www.trfinc.org/.

CONTACT: Mary Martin - 804-784-4386 - marymartinpr@gmail.com