May 26, 2015 –  The Thoroughbred Alliance Show Series (TASS) has been awarded the Maryland Secretary of Agriculture’s Citation Award to recognize outstanding organizations and/or individuals for their contributions to Maryland agriculture.

The Maryland Horse Industry Board recommended that TASS receive this citation in honor of its many accomplishments including the start of a successful new show series showcasing the versatility of the state’s Thoroughbreds and retired racehorses who prove they can have useful careers once they are finished racing.

Georganne Hale, founding member and Director of Maryland Racing said, “It is an honor for TASS to receive this award. It has been a rewarding experience to provide second careers to the Thoroughbreds that have given so much to us during their first careers.”

The award was presented to TASS by Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joseph Bartenfelder at the Fair Hill Races on Saturday May 23, 2015. In addition to Hale, the TASS board members included Carrie Everly, VP of Marketing for the Md. Jockey Club; Karin DeFrancis, former owner of the Md. Jockey Club; Fran Burns, Thoroughbred Advocate; Bev Strauss, MidAtlantic Horse Rescue; Susan Smith, Canter Pa.; and Jennifer Sponseller Webster, Associate Publisher, The Equiery.

TASS was established in 2012 to promote Thoroughbreds in second careers through a series of horse shows in the Mid Atlantic region and Kentucky. Horses and riders accumulate points throughout the season, with an awards banquet held at the end of the year. A portion of the proceeds from each show is donated to 501 c 3 Thoroughbred rescue and aftercare organizations. For more information about TASS go to www.thoroughbredalliance.org. Find Thoroughbred Alliance Show Series on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/515370168496472/