Penn National HBPA Launches R.A.C.E. Fund Retirement Program

The R.A.C.E. Fund was established to aid thoroughbred horses after their racing careers have ended by assisting and facilitating their retirement into qualified horses rescues until they can be adopted out to loving homes.

Harrisburg, PA (PRWEB) May 26, 2008 -- The Pennsylvania HBPA has committed substantial funding to the R.A.C.E. Fund, Inc.

"The R.A.C.E. Fund, Inc. is so very proud of the PA HBPA Board of Directors and its general membership for stepping up to the plate for the horses at Penn National and we appreciate their support in helping to launch this program. The R.A.C.E. Fund, Inc. was created for the horses, and no recipient could be more deserving than these gallant creatures that are the essential fiber of the racing industry," commented R.A.C.E. Fund President and Co-founder, Marlene Murray.

"This is a positive step in the right direction concerning the welfare of racehorses and providing a safety net for them after their racing careers have ended. While many of our owners and trainers already provide private placement to retire their horses, the R.A.C.E. Fund becomes yet another valuable resource available to honor the effort that our thoroughbred racehorses make during their competitive career" commented PA HBPA President, Joe Santanna.

The R.A.C.E Fund is a 501 C 3 non-profit organization whose purpose is to be a retirement fund for thoroughbred horses supported primarily by entities in the racing industry to help fund and facilitate racehorse retirement. The majority of funds will be used to pay a per diem amount to a participating rescue facility when a horse from Penn National racetrack is placed. Most of the horses will be placed with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) however, some horses will also be placed with smaller participating rescues such as Bright Futures Farm, High Hopes Farm, Another Chance 4 Horses and Lost and Found. It is anticipated that additional participating horse rescues will be added in the near future.

To find out more information about the R.A.C.E. Fund you can access their website at www.racefund.org

###