The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that it will lead a national fundraising program, NTRA Charities – Barbaro Memorial Fund, to raise awareness and money for equine health and safety research in the name of 2006 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands winner Barbaro, whose gallant struggle to overcome a catastrophic injury captivated horse enthusiasts around the world.
One specific target for the direction of monies raised by the Barbaro Memorial Fund will be research projects that focus on laminitis, the painful and often fatal hoof disease that plagued Barbaro for so much of his recuperative period following his injury in the 2006 Preakness Stakes.
The NTRA will organize fundraising initiatives at major racing events and venues in the spring and summer, including the lead-up to the Triple Crown series, the Triple Crown events and other major races during the summer. The NTRA will use merchandise sales, television time, its Internet site and other communications in support of the effort, including producing Public Service Announcements to support the program.
"The outpouring of emotion and support from racing fans has been so amazing that we wanted to find a fitting way for those fans and our industry to honor Barbaro," said Alex Waldrop, CEO of the NTRA. "We consulted with the Jacksons and other industry organizations to see how we could bring our combined resources to bear in this endeavor. We anticipate a busy few months as we work together to assist projects that can have a great impact on the health and safety of Thoroughbreds and, through our focus on laminitis, horses of other breeds as well."
"Gretchen and I hope Barbaro's memory can be carried on through advances in medical research, including a cure for laminitis," said Roy Jackson, co-owner of Barbaro with his wife, Gretchen.
NTRA Charities, -- the NTRA's nonprofit 501 (c) (3) subsidiary, -- will oversee the Barbaro Memorial Fund and 100 percent of the funds raised will flow to existing equine health charities like the Laminitis Fund established at the University of Pennsylvania, the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, and other industry charities focusing on laminitis research.
New York-based Bessemer Trust, an NTRA/Breeders' Cup sponsor, has agreed to establish and maintain an account for NTRA Charities-- Barbaro Memorial Fund at no cost. Contributions can be made immediately via mail to:
NTRA Charities -- Barbaro Memorial Fund
c/o Bessemer Trust Company N.A., attention Robert Elliott
630 Fifth Avenue
New York, N.Y., 10111
Wire-transferred funds can be sent to: Bessemer TR NYC, ABA #026008756; FFC A/C #8H2890: Client name: Bessemer Trust NYC -- for account NTRA Charities, Inc.-- Barbaro Memorial Fund.
All contributions are tax deductible. Questions regarding the fund can be directed to the NTRA's Lexington office, (800) 792-NTRA (6872).
The NTRA is a broad-based coalition of horse racing interests consisting of leading thoroughbred racetracks, owners, breeders, trainers and affiliated horse racing associations, charged with increasing the popularity of horse racing and improving economic conditions for industry participants. The NTRA has offices in Lexington, Ky., and New York City. NTRA press releases appear on the NTRA web site, NTRA.com.
