Life is not always nice for thoroughbred racehorses who have been 'retired' from the track. Many run on small tracks until they drop, others starve in lonely back lots and some splendid animals spend their last hours in dusty trailers traveling to slaughterhouses. Some, the very lucky ones, are rescued by the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF).

Rose Marie Bogley, Hunt Country philanthropist and steward of one of Virginia's most beautiful and historic horse farms, Peace and Plenty at Bollingbrook, knows all about the heart and spirit of these former equine champions. In 2007 she made a personal commitment to a thoroughbred who put his owners on the map only to be abandoned when he needed them.

It is her love of horses, and her respect for her adopted racehorse, ReRaise, that made Mrs. Bogley decide to invite others who feel as she does to her magnificent estate October 9th for a spectacular black tie dinner dance and auction to benefit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.

"It will be a beautiful evening," she noted. "Jim Bechtold is the designer and he plans a delightful setting; Back Street Café's catering will be scrumptious; Sidney's Orchestra will play for dancing and the auction will be the best ever."

Although this is the first benefit for TRF Mrs. Bogley has planned, she is absolutely convinced that individuals who love thoroughbreds and understand how hard they are worked at the track, will want to help ensure that they enjoy a dignified retirement.

"We all know that racehorse owners are often far removed from their investments," she explained. "But that is no excuse whatsoever for abandoning these highly deserving animals when they have run their last race. We must raise awareness of this situation and address it honorably."

ReRaise, the handsome racehorse Mrs. Bogley now rides side-saddle and for pleasure, had a spectacular career. He won the 1998 Breeders Cup Sprint, was Sprinter of the Year, and won eight of nine starts. He earned $922,830 during his career. But, when he could no longer compete, he was simply an unwanted investment and would have met a sad and ignoble fate if not for Barbara Graham and Mrs. Bogley.

"When I adopted ReRaise, he was in Barbara Graham's pasture for some rest and relaxation. I have enormous respect for him. But he's only one of many wonderful racehorses who work their hearts out for their owners who then take the money and run when the horse deserves care and a dignified retirement."

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, the largest equine rescue organization of its kind, was founded over twenty years ago. The 501©3 is devoted to the rescue, retirement, rehabilitation and retraining of thoroughbred racehorses no longer able to compete on the track.

Currently, TRF cares for 1,200 retired racehorses daily with more than 650 additional horses in adoptive homes like ReRaise who now lives the life of luxury at Peace and Plenty. TRF offers a humane alternative to the dire possibilities that have long faced a great majority of ex-racers---neglect, abuse and slaughter. Its mission is to provide a place of love and care that befits such noble and deserving animals.

Some of TRF's former racehorses reside at famous farms like James and Dolly Madison's Montpelier. Others live on family farms where it is not impossible that they will become blue ribbon jumpers and polo players. Although all have not earned enormous purses during their careers, they all have a lot of love to give and do so happily at correctional facilities from Kentucky to Florida and South Carolina.

"I do hope everyone will plan to be at the October 9th benefit at Peace and Plenty," concluded Mrs. Bogley. "Tickets are $250 and every penny will go to TRF to help retired racehorses. Everything is tax deductible, and we will work very hard to make sure a good time is enjoyed by all."

For tickets and more information, please telephone 518/226-0028, and consult the website www.trfinc.org.