Wednesday, October 22, 2008

CANTER to Hold 3rd Annual “Suffolk Showcase” this Sunday

EAST BOSTON, MA - The Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses of New England (CANTER NE), a volunteer group dedicated to finding new careers for racehorses at Suffolk Downs, will hold its 3rd Annual “Suffolk Showcase” in the stable area at Suffolk Downs on Sunday, October 26 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.

The Showcase is an opportunity for trainers to present horses nearing their retirement from racing to a large group of interested buyers. CANTER NE board members and volunteers will run the event and be available to answer questions from prospective buyers.


As the Suffolk Downs racing season nears its November 8 conclusion, CANTER NE’s focus is to help local trainers find new careers for their retired racehorses, be it in competitive jumping, trail riding, or simply lawn-grazing. CANTER NE provides these trainers with an effective, cost-efficient way of finding new homes for their horses, where they will continue to be given proper care. Horses sold through CANTER NE go directly from their trainers to new homes, eliminating the costly need to care for them at foster facilities. The organization does not benefit financially from these sales.

“Many people in the equestrian community are unaware of the quality horses that can be found for sale at the track,” according to CANTER NE volunteer Jennifer Montfort. “They are great athletes and their only flaw is being a little too slow. Many racehorse trainers are also unaware of the alternative career possibilities for their horses off the track. We at CANTER NE help to bridge that gap to promote these horses for careers beyond the finish line.”

Throughout the Suffolk Downs racing season, volunteers of CANTER NE visit the stable area every Saturday morning to talk with trainers looking for new careers for their racehorses. These horses are then put on the organization’s website, where buyers review pictures and descriptions before seeing the horses in person.

“We are happy to facilitate CANTER’s efforts to provide second careers for our retiring equine athletes,” said Suffolk Downs Chief Operating Officer Chip Tuttle.

Interested parties wanting to learn more about the possibilities of owning an ex-racehorse and those actively looking for horses are encouraged to attend. The event will take place in the stable area and volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions.

About CANTER

CANTER’s national program consists of regional affiliates in eight states. CANTER was founded with a mission of providing trainers and owners at the track with an efficient mechanism to move less-talented or older racehorses into careers for which they are better suited. This serves a dual purpose: helping the trainers maintain a healthy business, while also providing a safety net for their retiring horses. CANTER New England is a 501(c) (3) non-profit charity, is run entirely by volunteers, and is fully funded by private donations.

Since CANTER NE was founded in 2002, the volunteers of CANTER New England have built a strong partnership with the trainers and management at Suffolk Downs, facilitating the transition of over 1,500 Thoroughbred racehorses into other careers when they are ready to retire from racing competition.

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