One charitable organization is forging a new path in this aspect of the industry, as The Horse Fund establishes a unique precedent for Thoroughbred ownership groups by taking the 'after' out of aftercare and instead, standing in as the gatekeeper.

The aftercare partner of the ownership group Wasabi Ventures Stables, The Horse Fund tracks all current and former Wasabi horses, from both their racing and breeding programs, and assists in their retirement. Though the organization officially received 501(c)(3) status in July of 2021, the work began long before that, spearheaded by Michele Kuegler.

“Initially my role was Director of Community. We have a lot of club members so I would do things to keep them involved. And then I realized as we began to buy horses, there's an aftercare piece to this. So, I became Director of Community and Aftercare,” said Kuegler, whose husband TK founded Wasabi in 2017.

Built on the concept of low-risk opportunity with an emphasis on sharing the excitement of involvement in the sport and the Wasabi community, Wasabi Ventures Stables members only pay a one-time fee when buying a percentage of a stake in a racehorse in the program. When the time comes that a racehorse is retired, sold or claimed away, the invested partners will receive profits if the horse produced a positive return. Otherwise, they never receive a bill and will never have to pay any additional funds.

So that's where Kuegler started. She began with giving Wasabi members the option to donate $5 to an aftercare fund if their horse left the racing program with a positive return. That money would then be pooled together and donated to an aftercare program in the state where that Wasabi horse had raced.

But it was how the membership responded after Wasabi lost Shamrock Kid (Dublin) in a tragic training accident in March of 2021 that Kuegler realized just how supportive the Wasabi community was of aftercare.

“He had been a pretty successful horse for us and it was actually a club member who said, 'I'm leaving $50.' It was just this continual following of that, other club members thinking 'I'll do that.' We raised so much money that we were able to fund the rehab of a [retiring] horse [at an aftercare facility],” said Kuegler. “I had this snowball of an idea, after Shamrock Kid, thinking 'Okay, this group believes in aftercare. How can I do more with this?'”

Mob Mentality | courtesy of The Horse Fund

After becoming a corporation in the state of Florida, The Horse Fund officially received 501(c)(3) status and Kuegler gave up her outside work as a consultant to serve as the executive director of the organization on a full-time basis. Since then, she has been single-handedly keeping track of every horse that has made its way through Wasabi's program and when it's time, assisting in their retirement from the track.

Though the numbers continue to grow, as Wasabi has transitioned from primarily a claiming operation to growing their own breeding program, Kuegler is a big proponent of taking accountability for all of the horses currently in their care and those that were in the past.

“I feel like we're part of the ownership process and we're responsible for these horses. I've helped retire horses that we owned for a month, but we had hands on them and we continued to run them, so we own that and we owe it to those horses,” said Kuegler. “Our first foals were born in 2019, so I track every single foal, even the ones that we bred that we will never race. We're the reason these foals are here, the reason behind those claiming horses that we had for a month, and though we didn't retire them, we still need to keep an eye on them.”

Utilizing her virtual stable on Equibase, Kuegler keeps track of every Wasabi-connected horse online and organizes the ever-changing data on an in-depth spreadsheet. It's a simple task when it comes to the horses retiring directly from Wasabi, but for those that are claimed away and racing elsewhere, tracing their whereabouts can be difficult.

But tracing each horse is only step one, as Kuegler must also assess how the horse is faring on the track based on recent results and decide when may be the right time to step in and contact connections.

“I have to be cautious of how I do it because I don't want to insult anyone, but if I see that a horse isn't active, I give them two months. It's common to give your horse a month or two off, to let them take a break, but if it's been two months and I notice they're in lower-level claimers, I'll reach out to let them know we're here to help if they're thinking about retirement,” said Kuegler. “I get everything from no answer to, 'we're not ready but when we are, we'll come back to you,' or I've had people that say, 'great, let's talk about this.' We'll usually offer to buy them, if that's part of the process, or just help them find placement. We've done a little bit of everything.

“I try to hopefully be a step ahead of the trainer or owner when they're ready to retire because we don't have a physical facility. If they say I'm ready to retire them, I need to have a safety net already in place.”

Since the early days of Wasabi, Kuegler has invested her time in getting to know various aftercare groups across the country through her blog series, 'The Aftercare Ally,' which she created to highlight their efforts and share on Wasabi's website and social media platforms. And this is the network that Kuegler now works with when retiring a horse.

The Horse Fund provides funding to privately purchase the horse from its racing connections, if it's a case where the horse has been claimed away, and also sends donations to the aftercare facility that takes them in.

“The thing that I'm really transparent about [with the aftercare facility] is that I don't know the health status of the horse and honestly, I'm not going to do a pre-purchase exam, because it doesn't matter. Whether the horse is lame or not lame, they need to retire. In the end, it's probably not going to change the price that I offer because I just want the horse to retire,” said Kuegler. “It's through these connections that I've made in the last five years or so that usually I can get a stall, and of course we make a donation to them or they might have a set amount that they need. It's nice to be part of a community working together.”

Morrigan | Courtesy of The Horse Fund

As The Horse Fund has amped up its work to retire Wasabi-connected horses, Kuegler has also amplified her fundraising efforts, beginning with a switch from requesting a $5 donation when a horse leaves a positive return to instead, giving people the option of contributing $5 when they're purchasing a share in a Wasabi horse. The donation rate has remained a steady 99 percent.

But just as the cost of everything else has risen, so has the price for a horse coming straight off the track.

“Last year, it was probably about $3000 to retire a horse, between buying them and making a donation. Now it's easily $4000, and I know that's even low,” explained Kuegler. “That's another goal, for our funding to be enough that rather than waiting for a trainer being ready to sell, I could afford to claim a 4-5k claimer, knowing that on top of that there are still costs. At this point, if I claim a horse for $4000 and I need to ship it and make a donation, we're looking at twice that. And if I do that, I can only buy one horse instead of two. But that would be another goal, to create some fundraising to that point.”

Since its founding, The Horse Fund has assisted in the retirement of 27 Wasabi Ventures Stables horses, nine of which were private purchases. In 2023, they raised over $38,000 for aftercare through the support of donations made from club member horse purchases, monthly donors and their annual fundraiser, 12 Days of Giving, during the month of December.

For Kuegler, the story of retiring Exxtop (Exaggerator) stands out as a particular highlight.

On July 30, 2021, trainer Jesse Cruz claimed the then 3-year-old gelding for $7,500 on behalf of Wasabi Ventures Stables. He raced two times for his new connections before being claimed away that September.

Despite the brief time he spent as a member of Wasabi's stable, Kuegler kept a close eye on Exxtop and in the fall of 2022, she reached out to his owner/trainer Marcus George Thompson to let him know that when the time came for the gelding to retire, The Horse Fund would take care of it.

After consistently finishing fifth and sixth in lower-level claiming races on the New York circuit, Exxtop finished last in a $5,000 claimer on Sept. 5, 2023 at Finger Lakes. His 45th career start would be his last.

“I reached out and the trainer said, 'I have him entered in one more race,' and then the day of, he messaged me and said, 'I'm scratching him.' What's even more amazing is that he still keeps in contact, always asking how he is doing and telling me, 'When you know where his home is, please let me know,” said Kuegler. “Some people on the outside might think this trainer didn't care because he continued to run him but out of all nine horses that I've privately purchased, he's the connection who has written to me the most. He even said, 'If he's going to be a jumper or something locally, I'll bring my kids to watch him.' It was a very positive experience.”

The Horse Fund purchased Exxtop privately in mid-September and sent him to Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program at the Purple Haze Center in Farmington, NY. This month, he was adopted and has since started his next chapter in a new home.

“It takes a lot of time to keep track of this many horses, to keep information on each and every horse and stay in touch. There are horses that seem to disappear, so I spend time researching online and reaching out to contacts,” said Kuegler. “My calendar is now filled with alerts for races to watch. I've always tracked them in my stable on Equibase, so I know when they work and when they race, but a while ago I decided we should be watching the race because a fourth by six lengths might be wonderful or fourth by six lengths might be a sign that something is wrong.

“And then it's money…can you get people to support it? I'm just so grateful to have a club that supports this.”

Kuegler also keeps track of Wasabi retirees, doing her best to stay in touch with their new owners and receiving updates on their progress in their new careers.

“I think right now I have about 40 different people who have Wasabi retirees – whether they're directly from us or horses that were claimed away from us – who once or twice a year give me updates on their horses,” she said. “I wanted to keep track of their 'gotcha days' and there was no hesitation, every single owner knew what that day was.”

Wasabi Ventures Stables currently has 1,400 members involved in all aspects of the game, from breeding to racing, and as they've learned more about the importance of aftercare, some have even gone on to adopt Wasabi retirees.

For Kuegler, who wasn't introduced to racing until she met her husband, it's been quite the learning curve as she's transitioned from her initial roles with Wasabi Ventures Stables to founding and running The Horse Fund.

Seville Sangria | Lauren Floyd Photo

“I didn't ever think I'd be doing this full-time and if you'd asked me 20 years ago, 'do you think you're going to be running a non-profit that retires Thoroughbreds?' I would have said no. But now, I tell people that it's the best job I've ever had,” she said. “There are days that it's frustrating and there are days that are sad, but then I get a horse retired or I get an update and it's a feel-good moment, always.”

Looking ahead, Kuegler hopes that she and her husband will be able to purchase a farm, which would primarily serve as the home of the Wasabi Ventures Stables breeding operation and layups, but could also be a facility for Wasabi retirees to reside until moving on to an aftercare program.

“The big leap I have to make when I retire horses is securing where they will go, and if we had a place of our own, that would be great,” said Kuegler.

In the meantime, she'll continue her work behind-the-scenes, watching over the horses that have made their way through Wasabi's barns and stepping in when she's needed. Kuegler only hopes that the process of tracing horses becomes easier and that through her work, she educates more people on the procedure and its importance.

“I know The Jockey Club has started tracking them [as retirees], but I wish we made it easier for owners and trainers with more answers out there. There should be easier ways to report it and you should not feel ashamed about it,” she said.

“Maybe I'm naïve, but I think it really is about the animal and not just the wins and the glory. For all that they do for us, when they run and train, the least we can do is give them a good happily ever after.”

To learn more about The Horse Fund, go to thehorsefund.org.

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The event featured several ways to raise funding and awareness for veterans including naming each race in honor of a veteran associated in some way to Horseshoe Indianapolis. Special saddle towels were also awarded to veterans and family members honored during the racing program. Additionally, a Veteran's Day Pick 5 Challenge was held featuring handicappers placing wagers into the Late Fire Five with all proceeds set going to HVAF.

“This is the third year we have offered the Pick Five Challenge on Veteran's Day and each year, these handicappers are eager to be involved with the cause,” said Horseshoe Indianapolis Vice President and GM Eric Halstrom.

In addition to funding raised from the Veteran's Day event, Horseshoe Indianapolis provided a $4,000 donation. Halstrom recently presented HVAF with a check for $4,430.15.

“Being able to be a small part of assistance for veterans is very rewarding for us,” added Halstrom. “We are proud to be an annual partner with HVAF.”

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Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) will host the Bash at the Breeders' Cup presented by Churchill Downs Incorporated at the Le Meridien Hotel in Arcadia, CA, Friday, Nov. 3. The hotel is located opposite Gate 5 at Santa Anita.

“Over the last eight years, Bash at the Breeders' Cup has become a very popular event on the Breeders' Cup week calendar,” said Erin Halliwell executive director of TCA. “We are excited to return to California and raise money for our approved grant recipients. TCA's grants provide a broad range of support to approved charities offering Thoroughbred aftercare, health and human services to backstretch and farm workers, equine-assisted therapies, as well as Thoroughbred incentive programs. Our work wouldn't be possible without the support of our donors.”

The event will feature a live auction including a Del Mar Racing package, halters worn by Arcangelo and Mage, a racing saddle signed by numerous jockeys including Johnny Velazquez, Flavien Prat, Julien Leparoux and Tyler Gaffalione, a VIP day at the races at Santa Anita Park, a Whitney S. weekend package in Saratoga, a box at the Blue Grass S. with weekend accommodations, a VIP race day at Kentucky Downs, a stay in a luxury Mexican villa, 2024 Breeders' Cup tickets and more. For those that cannot attend in-person, online bidding will be available beginning Wednesday, Nov. 1. Online bidding will close at 12 p.m. ET on Friday, Nov. 3 and bidders wishing to continue bidding in the live auction may bid by telephone. Auction items may be previewed here.

Bash at the Breeders' Cup is generously presented by Churchill Downs Incorporated. Other sponsors include Herringswell Stables, New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, Candy Meadows Farm, Tito's Vodka, Maker's Mark, and Jackson Family Wines. Media sponsors include BloodHorse, TDN, Paulick Report, and the Horse Racing Radio Network.

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A horse ownership stake with Skychai Racing, an outdoor cigar lounge and multiple ready-for-Instagram backgrounds are just a few of the new features added this year to Second Stride's 12th annual Derby week Champions Night at Molly Malone's in the Highlands section of Louisville Monday, May 1 from 6-9 pm.

Of all fundraisers taking place Derby week, it is the only event raising money for the horses, enabling the Louisville-based organization to continue to provide professional rehabilitation, retraining and placement of retired thoroughbred racehorses.  Placing over 100 horses per year, Second Stride aims to increase that figure significantly and relies heavily upon money raised during this pinnacle event.

The event, sponsored by Skychai, will feature a timely handicapping session as the Kentucky Oaks and Derby draw will have occurred only hours earlier. The discussion will be moderated by Byron King of Blood-Horse and panelists include: Fanduel/TVG's Andie Biancone, At the Races host Steve Byk, Churchill Downs Director of Racing Gary Palmisano and St. Louis radio show host and handicapper Doug Nachman.

“Being involved in the sport of kings is an immense privilege which comes with great responsibility,” said Biancone. “Aftercare is everything and Second Stride does such a great job. They have even helped re-home some of my dad's horses and I'm happy to lend my support for this event.”

Champions Night will host auctions and raffles throughout the evening. The online silent auction featuring exclusive items is already open for bidding closing Derby Day, Saturday, May 6.

Champions Night looks forward to welcoming back in person the many trainers, owners, jockeys, fans and other industry notables who faithfully attend in support of the horses. The event is open to the public. Tickets are not required but there is a suggested donation of $20 at the door.

Click here for more details.

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As part of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)'s month-long Holiday Giving Campaign, Hidden Brook Farm has pledged to match all donations up to $1,000 made to the TAA Monday, Dec. 5, 2022. Not only does Hidden Brook dedicate a portion of its operation to caring for their retired Thoroughbreds–the breeding, racing, and sales enterprise continually participates in supporting industry aftercare initiatives, such as the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.

“As an industry, we cannot underscore the importance of the day-in and day-out efforts of the TAA,” said Hidden Brook Farm Partner Jack Brothers. “Since their inception, they have effectively increased awareness for the need of aftercare and should be applauded for assuming the role of energetic ambassadors for positive reform and long-term responsibility.”

“Hidden Brook Farm is fully invested in the Thoroughbred industry from start to finish and is dedicated to Thoroughbred welfare both on and off the track,” said TAA Funding and Events Manager, Emily Dresen. “Hidden Brook not only supports the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as an industry initiative and insurance to the longevity of the sport, but provides their own in-house retirement program and advocates for second career initiatives, such as the Retired Racehorse Project.”

TAA's Holiday Giving Campaign commenced Nov. 29 and is scheduled to conclude New Year's Eve. Those wishing to support the TAA, its 81 accredited organizations, and thousands of retired Thoroughbreds can donate through the TAA's website or text DONATE to 56651. During the Holiday Giving Campaign, TAA is also offering donors the benefit of sending digital holiday cards to colleagues, friends, and loved ones.

Throughout the end of the year, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will continue to host special one-day only donation matches with some of horse racing's biggest names. For more chances to double your donation, watch the TAA's social media, website, and industry advertisements for the next Holiday Giving match day announcement.

To learn more and donate to the TAA's Holiday Giving campaign, visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org/HolidayCampaign.

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“Community outreach is one of our cornerstone values,” said Ron Baumann, President and General Manager of Delaware Park Casino & Racing. “We are committed to monthly fundraising efforts, as well as coordinating opportunities for our Team Members to engage with these vital organizations.”

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“Being a Jockeys & Jeans Ambassador is one of the highest honors our organization can bestow on a person and we take it very seriously,” said Jockeys & Jeans President Barry Pearl. “Johnny has promised to represent us to the racing community and we are very proud to have him on board.”

Jockeys & Jeans ambassadors represent the organization to racing management, owners, trainers and other jockeys.

Velazquez won this year's GI Longines Kentucky Oaks aboard Malathaat (Curlin).

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Selected entries will go through to a round of heats which will run from Apr. 26-30. A winner will be selected from each heat, as voted for by the public, and will go through to the May 4 final, during which fans will have the opportunity to back their favourite contestant through the Tote before voting on Twitter to find the grand winner of the Furlong Factor. The winner will be announced live on Sky Sports Racing.

Full details on contest entry are available at: http://racingwelfare.co.uk/furlong-factor/.

“The financial impact of the pandemic continues to hit us hard and I would encourage anyone who enjoys this year's Furlong Factor to consider donating to our Lost Events Appeal,” said Racing Welfare Chief Executive Dawn Goodfellow. “Every donation, no matter how big or small, enables us to help those who need us the most at this time.”

For more information on Lost Events Appeal or to donate, visit https://justgiving.com/campaign/RWlostevents.

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“Joyce and Paul loved horses and the sport,” said Patricia Davis, executor and trustee of the Robsham Estate. “They firmly believed that breeders and owners were ultimately responsible for their horses' welfare, and they were adamant that their horses retire from the track before injury to ensure a successful second career. Dot Morgan's integrity and passion for New Vocations impressed Paul so much that he had no doubt in its future growth and long-term sustainability.”

“Paul was a visionary,” said New Vocations Executive Director Dot Morgan. “He saw the need for racehorse aftercare options long before it was recognized by the industry.  He had a vision of New Vocations growing into a first-class charity that would serve racing nationally into perpetuity.  The Robshams' vision and commitment to racehorse aftercare is truly a gift that will ultimately provide sustainability to our program allowing us to serve more horses in the years to come.”

The donation comes during challenging times when all the program's live fundraising events were cancelled due to COVID-19 and several grants were decreased. At the same time, the nonprofit served more than 600 horses—a record number—in 2020.

For more information, click here.

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John Butler, Jockeys’ Sports Physiotherapist and Paul Quish, Racecourse Announcer, who spearheaded the campaign in 2019, both agreed: “Despite the COVID-19 restrictions, everyone in racing is more determined than ever to continue the much-needed fundraising for Children’s Health Foundation Crumlin. Our former colleague Pat Smullen was inspirational in his support for our project last year and we have dedicated this year’s effort to his memory. We are all focused on raising the funds to buy the spinal cell saver auto transfusion, an essential piece of equipment that CHI at Crumlin specifically identified to provide children all over Ireland with life-changing treatment. Any donations, big or small will be really appreciated.”

Additionally, Irish racecourses around the country will name a race to promote the fundraising initiative–‘Irish Racing Industry Fundraiser for Children’s Health Foundation Crumlin in memory of Pat Smullen.’

For more information, visit www.childrenshealth.ie or to make a donation, click here.

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