Standing Ovation by Ovation Riding: Jonathan Stettin
Every week Horse Nation teams up with Ovation Riding to recognize those doing good in the horse world. This week we recognize Jonathan Stettin, who won the inaugural Handicapping for Horses Tournament and donated his prize money to the TAA.
Photo courtesy of Erin Shea of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance
January 21, 2020 (Hallandale Beach, FL): Professional handicapper and owner of PastTheWire.com Jonathan Stettin won the inaugural Handicapping for Horses Tournament this past August in Saratoga Springs, New York and donated his prize money to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. The prize money was presented to the TAA during the Jan. 24 card at Gulfstream Park.
The tournament, which lasted the duration of the 2019 meet at Saratoga Race Course, featured notable horseplayers and included a weekly Friday meet and greet at The Diamond Club at Embassy Suites in Saratoga. The meet and greet offered select beverages provided by Maker’s Mark and Jackson Family Wines with all proceeds going to Thoroughbred aftercare, and donations were also collected via buckets.
A total of $5,240 was donated, with half awarded to TAA-accredited Old Friends at Cabin Creek and the remaining half to the TAA, Stettin’s choice of charity.
“I’m happy to make the donation, knowing the money is going to two important organizations the sport needs and depends on. Hopefully we can do it again this year,” Stettin said.
Tournament organizers are currently planning the 2020 event, with a similar concept of raising money for Thoroughbred aftercare.
“Those of us that bet on the sport of Thoroughbred Racing, do so for many reasons. First and foremost is the love of the equine. We love to study the races and all of its intricacies because of the horse. This love affair doesn’t end after the races are over. We are contributing to make sure it doesn’t,” said Stuart deVoe, Food & Beverage Director at Embassy Suites.
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 $17.2 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 74 aftercare organizations supporting approximately 160 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about the TAA, visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org.
Many thanks thanks to Ovation Riding for their support of both Horse Nation and individuals and organizations that are doing good work in the horse world. If you know someone who deserves a Standing Ovation, we would love to recognize them in a future post. Email the name of the person or organization along with a message about the good work they do to [email protected]. Photos/videos are always welcome, and include a link to their website if applicable.
