Connections of Charlatan to Donate 10 Percent of Arkansas Derby Earnings to New Vocations

May 1, 2020 – LEXINGTON, KY – Connections of the morning-line favorite in the first division of the Arkansas Derby, Charlatan, announced today that they will donate 10 percent of their net earnings to support New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program. The participating owners include SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Frederick Hertrich III, John D. Fielding and Golconda Stables. 

“Along with our partners, we are delighted to be able to contribute additional funding to New Vocations, especially during these testing times,” said Tom Ryan of SF Bloodstock. “New Vocations provides essential support for our equine athletes as their racing careers come to an end, assuring them a secure and productive future. We consider this service fundamental to the viability and growth of the Thoroughbred industry, and we are proud to be active supporters of New Vocations’ work. Our partnership is grateful that Charlatan has the opportunity to compete in the Arkansas Derby and we are proud to provide ongoing support to New Vocations.”

“When I received the call from Tom expressing their desire to help and their commitment to pledge 10 percent, I found myself so emotional I had tears in my eyes. This has been a very stressful time, and we have great concerns about being able to fund our efforts as we navigate through these uncharted waters created by COVID-19,” said Anna Ford, New Vocations Thoroughbred Program Director. “We know many people in the industry are also struggling during these challenging times. We are grateful and appreciative for any support we receive, which will help us keep our doors open to the many horses needing our services.”

New Vocations hopes more people will support the program’s aftercare efforts by pledging a percentage of earnings from this weekend’s races, or in the future as more tracks resume racing. Specified donations to help New Vocations’ general fund are also greatly encouraged. For more information, visit newvocations.org or contact Andrea Mandella at andrea@horseadoption.com.

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About New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program:

Founded in 1992, New Vocations has grown into the largest racehorse adoption charity in the country. Its mission to rehabilitate, retrain and rehome retired racehorses has led to the placement of over 7,000 individuals, with nearly 500 retirees served by the program each year. With seven facilities in Kentucky, Louisiana, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania, New Vocations serves over 40 racetracks, working directly with owners and trainers in need of equine aftercare options. www.newvocations.org.