Thistledownracetrack in Cleveland, Ohio, will host the Fourth Annual Silent Auction to benefit New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program on Breeders Cup Day, Sat., Oct. 25. Once again, General Manager Bill Murphy has offered the use of the Clubhouse for this most important fund-raising event.

New Vocations is a charitable organization that offers retiring racehorses a safe haven, rehabilitation, and continued education through placement in experienced, caring homes. This year the nationally accredited adoption program will handle the placement of over 200 former racehorses, more than any other comparable organization in the country. “Most of the horses arriving at New Vocations are ones that are difficult for owners and trainers to sell privately,” said Executive Director Dot Morgan. “They are often injured and thin, small and plain, or hampered with vices. Without a useful skill to offer, many of these would go to slaughter.”     

New Vocations is seeking contributions for its Fourth Annual Silent Auction. “Every dollar donated and the proceeds of every item auctioned goes directly to the care of the horses,” Morgan emphasized. Art and memorabilia are especially popular. Tickets to sporting events, vacation packages, tack, gift items, and a variety of goods and services also are needed to make this fund-raiser a success. Last year’s event raised $7,500.

Contributions can be sent to the New Vocations office at 3293 Wright Rd., Laura, Ohio 45337, or left with Heather McColloch in the publicity department at Thistledown. Checks and merchandise can also be dropped off on the backstretch with trainers Barb Madrigal, Gary Miller, or Ben Mumaw.  New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program is a 501 (c) 3 public charity. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law