Press Releases
<< Back to Press
Release Listing
Press Release
October 15, 2006
LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society Announcement
REXDALE, ONTARIO - LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society and the Ontario division of the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association are pleased to announce a groundbreaking plan to help the province’s retired racehorses.
The H.B.P.A. has pledged .25 per cent of its purse account to LongRun each year, effective immediately.
The plan was set in motion by an industry committee comprised of members of Woodbine Entertainment Group, the H.B.P.A., Ontario Racing Commission, Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society, Jockeys’ Benefit Association, Jockey Club of Canada and other interested parties.
On September 27, the plan, which is expected to provide LongRun with $200,000-$250,000 each year, was approved by the O.R.C.
“The board of directors at LongRun is relieved and proud that the industry’s horse people have come together to provide for our equine athletes,” said LongRun chairperson Vicki Pappas.
“LongRun was in a very precarious financial position this winter and this plan was urgently needed to keep up with the cost of fostering horses awaiting adoption.”
LongRun, incorporated as a registered charity six years ago, has placed close to 175 horses in adoptive homes since its inception. It currently keeps a maximum of 30 horses in the program at a variety of foster farms close to either Woodbine or Fort Erie Racetracks.
“This money will partially cover basic care for 30 horses for one year,” said Pappas, “but the need is so much greater. We would like to be able to increase the number of horses we help each year, but this can only be accomplished with the continued support of our generous donors and other industry partners and through LongRun fundraisers. We need everyone’s financial assistance in order to move forward.”
The long-term goal of LongRun is to have a small, permanent facility that could showcase the horses who have been rehabilitated and are ready for adoption.
“Having one place where people can be educated about the merits of this program and look at the horses will help us to move them out to homes faster,” said Pappas. “A retired, rehabilitated racehorse can do almost anything and be a wonderful friend for anyone.”
LongRun’s second annual gala fundraiser, held at Woodbine Sept. 29, raised just over $100,000 for the organization and its horses.
-30-
For further information please
contact:
Bridget Bimm, The Jockey Club of Canada
<< Back to Press
Release Listing
