backstretch workers | Horse Racing Free Tips

Pies Donated to MJC Backstretch Workers and Food Bank

For the past 32 years, the Maryland Jockey Club has had a tradition of handing out free pies to its patrons during its Thanksgiving Day program.

Along with live Thoroughbred racing at Laurel Park, fans would arrive in the morning to free cider, coffee and donuts, and leave with an apple or pumpkin pie.

This year, with no fans in attendance for Thursday’s live program, the Maryland Jockey Club didn’t want to stop the tradition of giving away pies. So 1,500 pies were ordered as usual, with 500 going to backstretch workers at Laurel and Pimlico and the remaining 1,000 to the Maryland Food Bank.

“During these extraordinary times our strict protocols for everyone’s safety and security do not allow us to have fans at Laurel Park this Thanksgiving, but we didn’t think it should stop a tradition of giving thanks,” said Sal Sinatra, President and General Manager of the Maryland Jockey Club.

The post Pies Donated to MJC Backstretch Workers and Food Bank appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

On-Site Health Screenings, Vaccines Now Available To Farm Staff In Central Kentucky

Blue Grass Farms Charities announced this week it will partner with Blue Grass Community Health Center to offer free health clinics and on-site health screenings to staff at farms, training centers, or racetracks in the Central Kentucky area.

Screenings consist of flu and tetanus shots, weight, height and blood pressure readings, and glucose level and HIV testing. Clinic participants may also receive dental varnish.

Clinics will be staffed with doctors and nurse practitioners who can diagnose illnesses and prescribe medications if necessary.

Managers or organizers on the farm or Thoroughbred facility are asked to visit https://www.bgfcky.org/health-clinics-and-screenings.html to sign up for a time. Medical staff will bring the necessary equipment and set up the clinic during the scheduled time block.

Two off-site physical locations will also be made available for farm/training staff who are interested in these services but won't have access to an on-site clinic. One location is at 1306 Versailles Road in Lexington and is staffed Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The other at 151 North Eagle Creek Drive, Suite 22 in Lexington is staffed Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The post On-Site Health Screenings, Vaccines Now Available To Farm Staff In Central Kentucky appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

‘Secret To Our Success’: Randy Matthews Stable Named ‘Barn Crew Of The Month’ At Indiana Grand

The Randy Matthews Stable is the recipient of the second “Barn Crew of the Month” of 2020 presented at Indiana Grand Tuesday, Sept. 22. The September honor was awarded to the Matthews team for their exemplary work in and around their shedrow and the overall appearance of their barn as well as their horses. The award is presented monthly by Indiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) as well as Texas Corral of Shelbyville, Ind.

Matthews, who is a native of southern Indiana, has been a staple on the backstretch at Indiana Grand for several years. In addition to his racing operation, he and his wife, Karen, also own a breeding farm in Greenville, Ind. He currently has 14 horses at Indiana Grand, including the undefeated Unbridled Beast, winner of the Gus Grissom Stakes last week.

Matthews was joined in the winner's circle by three members of his team, Felix Villalta, Stephanie Vanderboom and Mauro Parra for the presentation following the first race. The crew received a $200 gift certificate to Texas Corral for a night out for the group.

“These guys are all good friends and they work well together,” said Matthews. “The secret to our success lies in them. They run a good ship for our stable.”

Texas Corral, located on Route 9 in Shelbyville, is partnering with Indiana HBPA for the third straight year for “Barn Crew of the Month.” The award was implemented by HBPA to showcase the hard-working members of the backstretch that take care of the horses daily with some recognition for their dedication to the sport.

Racing is held Monday through Thursday until Wednesday, Nov. 18. All-Quarter Horse racing is set for Saturday, Oct. 3 and Saturday, Oct. 24. For more information, go to www.indianagrand.com.

The post ‘Secret To Our Success’: Randy Matthews Stable Named ‘Barn Crew Of The Month’ At Indiana Grand appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Keeneland and TCA Team on Sales Initiative to Help Essential Workers

Keeneland and Thoroughbred Charities of America have launched an initiative to provide September Yearling and November Breeding Stock Sales buyers the opportunity to make a voluntary contribution to TCA to assist our industry’s backstretch and farm workers. The voluntary donation will be included in the buyers invoice and equate to .05% of the hammer price of their purchase.

“This partnership with TCA reflects Keeneland’s mission to support worthy causes, and during this time of great need it’s even more important that we take care of our front-line heroes,” Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said. “Keeneland is grateful for the tremendous work done by the TCA, and we are pleased to include this donation opportunity on our buyer forms this fall alongside the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and National Thoroughbred Racing Association.”

The post Keeneland and TCA Team on Sales Initiative to Help Essential Workers appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post