Evangeline Downs, Delta Downs contribute to racehorse aftercare

The National Thoroughbred Welfare Organization, founded by prominent owner Rick Porter, announced Wednesday that Delta Downs and Evangeline Downs, the sister tracks in Louisiana operated by Boyd Gaming, have committed funds to assist with the rehoming of horses in Louisiana.

The tracks are the first in the nation to commit financial support to the NTWO, which has a mission of “intercepting retired Thoroughbred horses from being sold into the slaughter pipeline,” according to a press release. The NTWO will have a representative at tracks and training centers to work with owners and their trainers to find new homes for horses whose racing careers have ended.

“While improvements have been made in the aftercare of racing’s horses, there is still much to be done,” Victoria Keith, president of the NTWO, said in a release. “We have a lot of work in front of us, but we’re excited to get started and make a difference in the lives of horses in Louisiana. We are grateful to Delta Downs and Evangeline Downs for taking the lead in working with us to fight the indefensible practice of horse slaughter, and we encourage others to follow their lead.”

Delta Downs, in Vinton, is currently conducting a meet for Quarter Horses, and Evangeline Downs, in Opelousas, is in the midst of a meet for Thoroughbreds.

“Every horse that races at our tracks deserves to find a good, loving home after it retires,” Vince Schwartz, senior vice president of operations for Boyd Gaming, said in a release. “The NTWO’s noble mission is one we are proud to support.”

The NTWO plans to bring rehoming programs to areas in need of such services and address other issues damaging to the welfare of racehorses, according to the release. The organization has a presence online at NTWO.org and has established a hotline at (859) 382-7779.

Porter is a longtime owner who races as Fox Hill Farm. He has campaigned a number of top-class runners, including Havre de Grace, the 2011 Horse of the Year, and champion Songbird.