March 28th, 2012 — The United States Equestrian Federation, The Jockey Club, the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and Keeneland are bringing the racing industry and the sport horse world together in April. On Friday April 27, the last day of Keeneland’s Spring Race Meet and during the 2012 Rolex Kentucky CCI4* presented by Bridgestone, Keeneland is hosting a reception for stakeholders from both industries.
In 2012, The Jockey Club launched an important initiative called the Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.). This program is designed to encourage the retraining of Thoroughbreds into other disciplines upon completion of careers in racing or breeding. T.I.P. offers sponsorship for Thoroughbred-only classes and divisions and high point Thoroughbred awards at open horse shows and competitions, a Thoroughbred of the Year Award and a Young Rider of the Year Award.
An important initiative for both the Thoroughbred and Sport Horse industries, T.I.P. recognizes outstanding Thoroughbreds in their competitive lives away from the racetrack. To further the goals of this program, Keeneland is hosting a reception for Thoroughbred and Sport Horse trainers, owners, breeders and riders on April 27, 2012. This reception will provide industry stakeholders the opportunity to meet, network and capitalize on more opportunities for both sports and for Thoroughbred horses.
“This is an important opportunity for our industry,” said John Long, USEF CEO. “Bringing people together in this environment around this issue is something that is long overdue. We look forward to working closely with The Jockey Club to ensure the success of this program and we would like to thank Keeneland for recognizing the importance of this part of the horse industry. Somewhere along the way we became disconnected, the riders that represented our country 20 or 30 years ago at Olympic Games and World Championships were all riding Thoroughbreds. Hilda Gurney, Michael Matz and Bruce Davidson on horses like Keen, Jet Run and Might Tango – the legends of our sports. We hope that by providing the opportunity to reconnect our industry our future teams can find the right American Thoroughbreds on which to win medals.”
“The Thoroughbred Incentive Program showcases and rewards the breed’s many talents at all levels of competition and encourages the retraining of Thoroughbreds once they have finished their racing or breeding career,” said Kristin Hix, legal associate of The Jockey Club and administrator of the Thoroughbred Incentive Program. “We are proud to work with the USEF and Keeneland in bringing together the racing industry and the sport horse world.”
More information including keynote speakers will be available soon.
