Group saves retiring racehorses

DEL MAR — After the Finish Line is hosting their summer fundraiser, “A Tribute to the Majesty of Thoroughbreds,” from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. July 30 at The Hilton Hotel.
After the Finish Line works with the racing industry to transition horses no longer useful for racing into second careers. Fundraisers will be supported or attended by Thoroughbred racehorse owners, trainers, breeders, jockeys, racetrack announcers, racing publication writers, people who own ex-racehorses and those who believe in the welfare of these horses.
Two local businesses are supporting After the Finish Line with fundraisers prior to the start of the racing season in Del Mar. On July 10, Fairen Del held a hat extravaganza and on July 19, Mog and Rue is hosting an Off to the Races shopping event. The live auction includes a tournament player seat and audience seats at the World Poker Tour Invitational Tournament 2009, Las Vegas experience packages, a suite at the Del Mar race track and a chance to golf with the jockeys. For the past decade, the group has been helping rescue Thoroughbred ex-racehorses and broodmares from slaughter. Funding is the common problem for all rescues.
Reservations are required at the Web site at www.afterthefinishline.org/. For additional information, contact Dawn at dawn@afterthefinishline.org or (858) 945-1371.
The funding can be used to save horses at auctions, pay for surgery or medical expenses, provide hay and feed, pay boarding expenses or transport a thoroughbred to safety. After the Finish Line has already helped 60 equine organizations and more than 150 Thoroughbreds.
Board members are all volunteers who work to transition the racehorses into second careers such as hunter/jumpers, dressage, trail, therapy or companion horses.
For more information, contact Dawn at dawn@afterthefinishline.org or call (858) 945-1371.