JAMES RIVER ANNOUNCES “2011 TRF WINNERS CIRCLE AWARD” HONOREES

Authors and Publisher of Secretariat’s Meadow Recognized for Extraordinary Contributions to Thoroughbred Aftercare TRF BARN, CROZIER, VA – AUGUST 1, 2011 --
On Saturday, July 30th, the James River Chapter of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) presented its “2011 TRF Winner’s Circle Award” honoring extraordinary contributions to Thoroughbred aftercare to The “2011 TRF Winners Circle Award” was presented during TRF’s annual fundraising event at Colonial Downs, this year themed “A Celebration of Virginia Thoroughbreds” in honor of the Virginia-Bred stakes races during Colonial Downs’ Commonwealth Turf Fest. Co-hosts of TRF’s event were Colonial Downs, the Virginia Thoroughbred Association (VTA) and the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (VHBPA).
“Kate, Leeanne and Wayne have been tremendous supporters of TRF’s mission,” said Anne Tucker, Board President, TRF James River. “Their tireless efforts to promote TRF and generous financial contributions have made a significant impact on our herd at James River and National TRF as well.”
“It’s an honor for us to receive the ‘2011 TRF Winner’s Circle Award.’ We are passionate about TRF -- as is my mom Penny, who was one of TRF’s founders,” said Kate Chenery Tweedy. “Helping TRF benefit from our book Secretariat’s Meadow is an important way for us to honor Secretariat’s legacy and help more Thoroughbreds retire to greener pastures.”
Attended by nearly 100 TRF supporters, the event raised several thousand dollars for TRF at James River and included a live auction featuring tickets to the 2011 Breeder’s Cup at Churchill Downs and the chance to name a character in the upcoming novel from New York Times Best-Selling author Rita Mae Brown. Sponsors included Essex Bank, TRF’s lead event sponsor for three consecutive years, Grindstaff Auction and Reality,
and Dementi Milestone Publishing.
“The TRF herd that grazes along Route 6 has surely become one of Goochland County’s most treasured landmarks,” said Wayne Dementi, president, Dementi Milestone Publishing. “The dedication of TRF’s volunteers, the hard work of the caretakers at the James River Work Center, and the success of TRF’s program saving men and horses is something we can all be proud of as a community. I know I am.”
The July 30th event at Colonial Downs follows on the heels of the James River Chapter’s successful “Miss TRF” equine beauty pageant. “Patti’s Storm”, a 15.2 H “flashy” mare was named TRF’s Virginia spokeshorse for 2011. On September 18th, TRF will host a Barn Tour at the James River Work Center. Please visit jamesriverhorses.org for more information.
Editors Note: The “TRF Winner’s Circle Award” was presented for the first time in 2010, honoring Clay L. Camp and the Camp Family. Clay served on TRF’s National Board and was instrumental in establishing the ‘Second Chances’ program and herd at James River Work Center.
About TRF at James River: The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) is the oldest and largest charity devoted to equine rescue. Established in 1982, the TRF is responsible for 1,100 horses in 13 states, including eight prison programs plus foster farms, retirement herds and three centers for retraining and adoptions. The TRF’s Greener Pastures Program at James River Work Center (JRWC) provides rehabilitation for Thoroughbreds and vocational training for inmate caretakers. TRF stables 29 horses at JRWC, and 33 men have been certified in the Groom Elite training program for horse care and stable management.For more information on TRF at James River, please visit: jamesriverhorses.org