Gulfstream launches website to support Thoroughbred After-Care Program
Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino has launched the Gulfstream Park Thoroughbred After-Care Program website (www.gpaftercare.com) to raise awareness of Thoroughbred retirement, supply information for adopting and sponsoring horses, and to provide fans updates on some of their favorite equine athletes.
The site launches with several features and success stories, including one on the Fort Lauderdale Mounted Police and the five former racehorses that help them patrol the city.
The Gulfstream Park Thoroughbred After-Care Program was launched in February by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Stronach, who seeded the program by matching money taken from purses (one-third of one percent) at Gulfstream and distributed to retirement programs by the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (FHBPA).
Mr. and Mrs. Stronach have been industry leaders in the retraining and rehabilitation of Thoroughbred race horses and advocates and supporters of several retirement programs. They started a similar After-Care Program at Santa Anita.
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On August 8 Mr. Stronach was honored with the inaugural Earle Mack TRF Champions’ Award for his efforts regarding Thoroughbred retirement. In presenting the award, Mr. Mack said Mr. Stronach’s “leadership and desire to do what is right for the horses can be a template for all racing in North America.”
The Gulfstream Park Thoroughbred After-Care Program also has developed a curriculum for classrooms to sponsor a horse as well as children’s coloring pages featuring Hollywood the Horse, the official mascot of ‘Breakfast At Gulfstream,’ which takes place every Saturday morning during racing season between 7-10 a.m.
“The health and safety of every horse that leaves Gulfstream and retires from racing is of the utmost importance to Mr. and Mrs. Stronach, their family and everyone at Gulfstream and The Stronach Group,” said Gulfstream Park President and General Manager Timothy Ritvo. “Our hope is gpaftercare.com raises additional awareness of Thoroughbred retirement and encourages more people to get involved in the lives of these wonderful athletes after they leave the track.”
