NYTWA raises $18K at benefit

The New York Turf Writers Association's 82nd annual awards dinner and silent auction raised more than $18,000 for Thoroughbred-related charities in Saratoga Springs on Aug. 22. Among the biggest auction items were seasons to the popular New York sires Catienus, which brought a $6,000 bid, Freud ($3,750), and Say Florida Sandy ($2,000). Those seasons were donated by Ken and Sarah Ramsey, Lakland, and Buckridge Farm.

The turf writers association also is teaming with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, one of the auction beneficiaries, to offer seasons to Best of Luck, Gold Token, Kelly Kip, Mayakovsky, Prime Timber, Rizzi, and Strategic Mission on the retirement fund's website at www.trfinc.org. Those seasons will be available for bidding from Aug. 29 until 5 p.m. Eastern on Sept. 2.

Auction proceeds will benefit TRF, Belmont Child Care Association, Backstretch Employee Assistance Team, and other Thoroughbred-related charities.