TAA & Virginia HBPA to Present Best Turned Out Awards on Virginia Derby Day

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and the Virginia Horseman’s Benevolent and Protective Association partner to further promote quality post-rack care for Thoroughbreds.

August 19, 2019: (New Kent, VA): The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) is partnering with the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) to present the Best Turned Out Horse Awards on Virginia Derby Day held Aug. 31 at Colonial Downs.

The Virginia HBPA will sponsor a cash prize and gift bag to be given to the winning groom of the Best Turned Out Horse for each of the four stakes races on the card: the Exacta Systems Rosie’s Stakes, the TAA Kitten’s Joy Stakes, the Fasig-Tipton Virginia Oaks and the New Kent County Virginia Derby (G3T)

“We’re pleased to support aftercare and the efforts of the TAA, along with honoring the grooms who work so hard. We’re looking forward to a great day of racing on Virginia Derby Day and we’re happy to sponsor these awards,” said Virginia HBPA President David Ross.

In addition to the Best Turned Out Horse Awards, the TAA will be presenting the Kitten’s Joy Stakes and will have a presence at the track throughout the card.

Announced earlier this year, Colonial Downs and the Virginia HBPA have each pledged $15 per start at the 2019 Colonial Downs meet to the TAA.

About the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance
Based in Lexington, Ky., the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, rehome, and retire Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, the TAA has granted more than $13.8 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 70 aftercare organizations supporting approximately 160 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about the TAA, visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org.