The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) has announced that an industry-wide effort will be undertaken to provide financial relief to members of the horse racing and breeding community who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina. The NTRA Charities Racing to the Rescue Fund, a special division of the NTRA's nonprofit 501 (c) (3) subsidiary NTRA Charities, has been established to receive contributions, 100 percent of which will be passed through to existing charities established to aid in recovery efforts.
New York-based Bessemer Trust, an NTRA/Breeders' Cup sponsor, has agreed to establish and maintain an account for the NTRA Charities Racing to the Rescue Fund at no cost. Contributions can be made immediately via mail to: NTRA Charities - Racing to the Rescue Fund, c/o Bessemer Trust Company N.A., attention Robert Elliott, 630 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y., 10111. Wire-transferred funds can be sent to Bessemer Trust Company N.A., Federal Reserve Symbol, ABA# 0260-0875-6, user name: Bessemer Trust NYC-for account NTRA Charities, Inc.-Racing to the Rescue Fund. All contributions are tax deductible. Questions regarding the fund can be directed to the NTRA's Lexington office, (800) 792-NTRA (6872).
In addition, the NTRA, Churchill Downs, Inc. (owner of Fair Grounds in New Orleans), Louisiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA), Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Thoroughbred Racing Associations member tracks, the national Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, American Quarter Horse Association, Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, Thoroughbred Owners of California, The Jockey Club, Keeneland, Oak Tree Racing Association, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, Television Games Network, Harness Tracks of America member racetracks, United States Trotting Association and other industry organizations have jointly agreed to designate October 8 as a special "Racing to the Rescue Day." Racetracks and horsemen will participate in a fundraising drive for the NTRA Charities - Racing to the Rescue Fund, and create on-site donation centers where patrons may also make contributions.
On October 8, a host of important Breeders' Cup prep races will take place at Belmont Park, Keeneland, Oak Tree at Santa Anita and elsewhere. NBC will televise a live, 90-minute program that day featuring four of these major stakes and serving as a national outlet for information surrounding the industry's relief efforts.
"We call on every member of our industry and our fans to assist members of the Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama horse communities and their animals in their time of need," said NTRA Commissioner and Breeders' Cup President D.G. Van Clief, Jr. "We welcome the opportunity to use the October 29 Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships as a means of raising funds for Hurricane Katrina victims, and in particular those within our own industry who have been impacted by this disaster, and endorse similar efforts at our member racetracks."
"As a Louisiana native, I am particularly delighted that the horse racing industry is stepping up to do something to aid the thousands of people within the horse racing community who lost loved ones and homes to Katrina," said Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux, who will be among the riders participating on Breeders' Cup Day. "The situation down there is one of total devastation, and help is desperately needed and valued."
The total economic impact of the Louisiana horse industry is $2.4 billion. Fair Grounds has some 500 full-time employees and employs more than 1,000 people during its race meeting. The Louisiana HBPA has approximately 5,000 members spread throughout the state. Combined, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama have a population of approximately 425,000 horses.
"The racing industry is always quick to respond when tragedy strikes, and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has been no exception," said Churchill Downs Incorporated President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas H. Meeker. "Churchill Downs Incorporated is deeply appreciative of the assistance that we have received on behalf of our Louisiana employees who have been displaced, and we are pleased to offer our full support to the NTRA's charitable efforts. We will do everything we can to ensure the fund's success as the magnitude of this disaster continues to unfold."
"On behalf of the horsemen and horsewomen of the Louisiana HBPA, I would like to pass along our sincere thanks and appreciation for the all the support, generosity and prayers we are receiving from the racing industry," said Louisiana HBPA President Sean Alfortish. "Many members of the Louisiana horse racing industry are still missing and others have nothing to go back to. Nonetheless, we have faith that with the help of others, we will make it through this catastrophe."
Click the photo to the right to see satellite views of the Fair Grounds Race Course from before and after Katrina struck.
