January, 2024 | Horse Racing Free Tips

Sweet Named COO of Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation

Maggie Sweet has been named the new chief operating officer of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), the Saratoga-based operation announced Monday.

“We are thrilled to welcome Maggie Sweet to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation as our new Chief Operating Officer,” said Patrick H. Mackay, Chairman of the Board of Directors at TRF. “Maggie's desire to support equine welfare, coupled with her extensive leadership experience, will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and growth of our organization. Her skills and enthusiasm align seamlessly with our commitment to providing a dignified retirement for these magnificent animals.”

Sweet served the Todd Pletcher Racing Stables in a variety of roles for over a quarter-century, most recently as its COO, a position from which she stepped down in September 2023.

As COO, Sweet will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization, implementing strategic initiatives, and fostering collaborative relationships with stakeholders and donors.

“I am honored to join the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and be part of an organization that is making a significant impact in the lives of retired racehorses,” said Sweet. “I look forward to working with the talented team at the TRF and contributing to the ongoing success of their vital mission.”

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Coolmore Goes to $1.6 Million for Broodmare Prospect Prank

The Coolmore team went to $1.6 million to secure the broodmare prospect Prank (Into Mischief–Callingmissbrown, by Pulpit) (hip 77) during Monday's first session of the Keeneland January sale. The 4-year-old bay, a half-sister to GI Belmont S. winner Mo Donegal (Uncle Mo), was tabbed a 'TDN Rising Star' following a scintillating debut victory at Saratoga in 2022, but was injured and never raced again. She was consigned to the sale by Gainesway, which campaigned her in partnership with LNJ Foxwoods and StarLadies Racing.

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1/ST, MJC Announce ‘Art of Racing’ Contest

The third annual 'Art of Racing', an annual partnership between 1/ST, the Maryland Jockey Club and the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) announced the launch of its 2024 program Monday.

The 'Art of Racing' commemorates the Preakness S., and beginning Monday and continuing through Mar. 11, artists nationwide may submit their original, two-dimension visual art celebrating the second leg of the Triple Crown.

In the past two years, more than 300 entries from 19 states have been received each depicting different elements of Thoroughbred racing as reflected in the Preakness. The public is encouraged to take part in the open voting phase from Mar. 12 to Mar. 26 to cast their vote for their favorite piece of art.

The winning artist will be awarded a $4,000 prize and two tickets to Preakness 149 on Saturday, May 18. In addition, their work will be reproduced on a curated collection of Preakness 149 merchandise that will be available for purchase online and onsite during Preakness weekend. Proceeds from merchandise sales will be directed–for the third consecutive year–to the Park Heights Renaissance, a non-profit organization pursuing employment opportunities and affordable housing for Park Heights residents.

“As we kick off the third-annual Art of Racing competition, we're thrilled to invite artists nationwide to capture the Preakness Stakes through their unique perspectives,” said Audra Madison, Director of Marketing, Maryland Jockey Club. “Once again, we look forward to blending artistic achievement with the vibrant world of Thoroughbred horse racing.”

The winner of last year's competition was Justin Johnson, a Baltimore-based artist, whose original illustration titled “The Face of Victory” was selected from among the 207 total submissions.

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Racing For A Reason Auction Raises Over £70,000

After 130 lots went through the virtual ring, including stallion nominations, mornings on the gallops, paintings, and memberships to various syndicates, over £70,000 was raised in the Racing For A Reason Online Charity Auction, announced ThoroughBid on Monday.

The sales topper was the donation from Capital Stud consisting of a nomination to NH sire Triple Threat (Fr), which sold to Richie Cleary for £3,750, but nominations to Dawn Approach (Ire) (£3,000); Ocovango (GB) (£2,750); Shaman (Ire) (£2,500); and Inns Of Court (Ire) (£2,250) saw lively bidding as well. A two-year membership to the Byerley Indians Racing Syndicate sold for £1,700 while a yard visit to Willie Mullins proved most popular with a £700 bid.

“I never imagined, when starting up Racing For A Reason, that it would ever grow to this scale. To see the online auction raise over £70,000 was staggering and I can't thank everyone enough for their involvement,” said Simon Besanson, the auction orchestrator. “It's fantastic to be able to donate over £35,000 to both the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, and very well-deserved.”

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