Woodbine makes increased donation to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance
TORONTO, October 7, 2025— Woodbine Entertainment presented Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance with a $20,000 donation at the 5th annual Woodbine Aftercare Day on Saturday, October 4.
Through its philanthropic branch Woodbine Cares, Woodbine Entertainment has enhanced its already standing commitment to investing in equine welfare and aftercare initiatives to help foster a prosperous and vibrant future for horse racing.
This past Saturday’s donation of $20,000 supports the incredible work done by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, a trusted nonprofit that works to accredit, inspect, and award grants to approved North American organizations that retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds who have finished their racing careers.
LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society, located in Hillsburgh, Ontario is Woodbine’s local Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization.
Vicki Pappas, chairperson and founding member of LongRun, joined local trainer and volunteer Liz Elder, and Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s Stacie Clark Rogers and Emily Dresden and Emily’s daughters Aria and Lainey in receiving the $20,000 donation on Saturday afternoon.
“Supporting the long-term care and well-being of Thoroughbreds is a fundamental part of our responsibility to the sport,” said Michael Copeland, CEO of Woodbine. “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance does exceptional work ensuring that horses transition safely and successfully into their next chapters.
“We’re proud to contribute $20,000 to help advance their important mission and to reinforce our shared commitment to the horses that make racing possible.”
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance was the named presenter of the Grade 2 Nearctic Stakes, and presented Best Turned-Out Horse Awards, sponsored by Josham Farms Limited, for all stakes races on Saturday, including the Grade 1 Canadian International and the Grade 2 bet356 Dance Smartly Stakes.
“Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is grateful to Woodbine for their commitment to accredited aftercare,” said Stacie Clark-Rogers, Operations Consultant for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “Dedicating a day to aftercare, with on-site engagement, Best Turned-Out Horse Awards, and a named race, provides an impactful platform to highlight this important cause.”
In addition to Woodbine’s corporate donation, many jockeys, valets, blacksmiths and administrative employees chose to make a personal contribution to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance totalling a donation of approximately $1,500.
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Mark McKelvie