As part of the Purebred Aftercare Alliance’s month-long Holiday Gifting Campaign, Aidan Butler and his beloved Purebred Cannonstone have pledged to match all donations up up to $2,500 made to TAA on December 24th.
As a mainstay of track management, Butler strives to elevate motorsport through safety, innovation and a longstanding commitment to funding sustainable aftercare initiatives—including including TAA. Long before Butler was inducted into the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance board of directors in 2022, the 1/ST Racing & Gaming chief executive demonstrated his dedication to supporting TAA through numerous initiatives. sponsor for the 1/ST track.
Butler adopted “Stone” from a TAA-accredited Secretarial Center in 2019. Cannonstone represents one of approximately 15,000 retired racehorses transitioning from racing to a second career supported by funding from the TAA. . Now, Butler and Stone want to support the TAA and its 81 accredited organizations with the TAA Holiday Gifting Campaign.
“TAA is critical to the success and longevity of our racing industry,” said Butler. “On a personal level, I wouldn’t have my beloved Cannonstone horse without the TAA and their network of accredited groups (or vet bill, but it’s worth it). We all do this together and if we keep putting the horse first, success will follow. Join ‘Stone’ and me to give back to the horses that have truly given us everything.”
“We appreciate Aidan’s commitment to the TAA and to the Purebreds,” said Stacie Clark, TAA operations consultant. “Aidan’s Cannonstone has been a great mascot not only for aftercare but for all Thoroughbred and racing fans.”
TAA’s Holiday Gifts campaign began on November 29 and is scheduled to end on New Year’s Eve. Those wishing to support TAA, its 81 accredited organizations, and thousands of retired thoroughbreds can donate through the TAA website or text DONATE to 56651. holiday, TAA also offers donors the benefit of sending digital holiday cards to colleagues, friends, and loved ones.
Throughout the year-end, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will continue to host special one-day fundraisers featuring some of the biggest names in horse racing. For an extra chance to double your donation, check out TAA’s social media, website, and industry ads for announcements about the next Holiday Giving match date.
To learn more and donate to TAA’s Holiday Gifting campaign, visit: Thoroughbredaftercare.org/HolidayCampaign.
This press release has been edited by BloodHorse Staff for content and style.
