Samantha Smith, the director of marketing and communications for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance since February 2023, can never remember a time when horses were not a part of her life. The native of Syracuse, N.Y., attended a horse camp as a young child, received her first riding horse when she was in middle school, and competed in hunter/jumper classes. She also received some early exposure to racing through her father who owns Standardbreds.
Tag: aftercare
Blowen Stepping Down From Old Friends Leadership Role
As Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm exits its 20th anniversary year, founder Michael Blowen has announced he will be stepping down as president of the facility he created in Georgetown, Ky., in 2003. However, while he won’t be running the farm on a daily basis anymore, he will still be greeting visitors, giving tours, and other things as needed.
Repole Stable to Match Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Donations up to $100,000
Owner Mike Repole has pledged support to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance through a matching campaign throughout January. In honor of registered Thoroughbreds’ birthdays, Repole will match donations up to $100,000, presenting a unique opportunity for the racing community and charitable donors to make a meaningful impact for retired racehorses. The matching initiative begins Jan. 1 and extends through Jan. 31.
OTTB Wabbit a Main Attraction at Burghley Horse Trials
By Jim Phillips, owner of Molinaro Kissing, now known as Wabbit and courtesy of Woodbine Wabbit, an off-track Thoroughbred known as Molinaro Kissing during his racing days, and Jess Phoenix finished 11th at Burghley Horse Trials in Stamford UK, which ran from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4. Burghley Horse Trials are widely regarded as the top event in the sport of Eventing and one of only seven 5-star competitions globally.
