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Longtime Del Mar Media Staff Member Shepardson Dies

Mary Shepardson, who spent more than 25 years at the Director of Publications at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, died last week at age 77 of natural causes.

A native of California, Shepardson retired from Del Mar several years ago to pursue her other passion as a member of the city of Poway's Historical and Memorial Society. She was the organization's president at the time of her passing and also served as the city's mayor in the early 1980s.

“She was Marketing & Media's do everything and do-it-all for several decades at Del Mar,” Mac McBride, Del Mar's Director of Media said. “She had one of those steel-trap minds, knew many things about many things. Hard worker, loved the horses. She was a really good lady to get down and get it done with.”

Survivors include her companion of 42 years, Norman Elder, and her brother, Philip.

Final arrangements are pending.

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NTRA Contributes $10,000 To TAA

As the official charity partner for the 52nd annual Eclipse Awards, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) was commemorated throughout the awards celebration and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association concluded the evening by announcing a $10,000 donation to the TAA.

“The work and mission of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is vital to the growth and success of our industry,” said NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney. “NTRA is grateful for the care and due diligence provided by the TAA each and every day to support our retired racehorses and we encourage everyone to join us in supporting their cause.”

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Dr. Daryl Tropea Joins TRF

Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., who served for more than a decade as the equine program director of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS)–a well-regarded international accreditation organization that evaluates the extent to which animal sanctuaries and rescue organizations meet standards of humane and responsible equine care–has joined the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation as a member of its Board of Directors, the TRF announced Friday.

In her role at GFAS, Dr. Tropea visited and assessed hundreds of equine facilities in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, including 14 of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's Second Chances Programs and Sanctuary Farms located across the United States.

In collaboration with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), she has also presented more than 20 workshops stressing risk management for equine rescues and sanctuaries. Dr. Tropea has had a lifelong interest in horses, having served as president of an equine rescue organization, competed on the hunter and jumper circuits, and volunteered by helping horse owners care and train their horses.

Dr. Tropea holds a master's degree in education and a doctorate in epidemiology and biostatistics, from the University of Toronto.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Dr. Tropea to the TRF Board and feel very fortunate that she has accepted the position,” said Patrick Mackay, Chairman of TRF. “We look forward to having her share her vast knowledge of Thoroughbred aftercare with us. Her experience and skills will be invaluable to the TRF.”

The mission of the TRF is to provide sanctuary for retired racehorses no longer able to compete on the racetrack and to save them from possible neglect, abuse, and slaughter.

Dr. Tropea said, “I am thrilled to be utilizing my experience and knowledge from accrediting animal rescue organizations and Thoroughbred aftercare as a member of the TRF board. Having visited the TRF sanctuaries and Second Chances Programs, I have seen firsthand, the amazing work of the TRF and am proud to be joining them in their mission.”

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From the TIF: Fixed-Odds in NY Could be Next

Fixed-odds betting options on horse racing could come to New York residents if a new bill introduced by Senator Joseph Addabbo, Chairman of the state Senate's Racing, gaming and Wagering Committee, is passed, according to a story from the Thoroughbred Idea Foundation.

Senate Bill 2343 is similar to a measure introduced a year ago, also by Sen. Addabbo, but which was never advanced for a vote, TIF reports.

“There should be no doubt amongst racing stakeholders that our existing pari-mutuel offerings are not enough in today's competitive market,” said Thoroughbred Idea Foundation executive director Patrick Cummings.

“Fixed odds bets for racing won't replace pari-mutuel wagering, but rather complement our existing offerings, and meet modern customers with a modern product that they currently enjoy with widespread sports betting options.

“After adjusting for inflation, we estimate that mainstream handle on U.S. racing has declined by roughly two-thirds over the last 20 years. The pari-mutuel status quo with high takeout rates and the constant promotion of low-churn exotic bets have depleted our mass market customers. Fixed odds betting offers racing a chance to recapture those that drifted from the sport while introducing our product to new audiences.”

In a statement from the New York Racing Association published earlier this week by DRF, spokesman Patrick McKenna indicated the measure had NYRA's support and “presents an enormous opportunity for horse racing to share in the rapid growth and unrivaled success of New York State's mobile sports wagering marketplace.”

“Allowing mobile sports wagering platforms to offer premium horse racing content would generate untapped gaming revenue for New York State, attract new fans to horse racing, and deepen the sport's overall economic impact.”

TIF supported the expansion into complementary fixed odds options in its 2019 white paper, which can be reviewed here.

Last year was the first full season with fixed odds offerings for on-track customers at Monmouth Park in New Jersey, where the offering is managed by Australian firm BetMakers. Wider distribution to New Jersey customers, including ADW betting via fixed odds on Monmouth races and simulcasted races, is expected in 2023, the TIF reported.

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