Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) approved grants of $1,014,400 for the 2004 fiscal year at an annual board of directors meeting on May 22. The grants have been awarded to 85 equine charities that work with improving the lives of Thoroughbreds and the people who work with them.

The $1.014,400 is believed to be the largest grant in the Thoroughbred industry and for the fourth consecutive year TCA has approved grants that surpassed the $1-million mark. The Middletown, Del. non-profit has issued more than $8.5-million in grants in its 14-year history. TCA is the leading national charity in the U.S. Thoroughbred industry.

Thoroughbred Charities of America focuses on support of horse rescue, retirement, medical research, therapeutic riding programs and scholarship and rehabilitation for people who work at the racetrack or on horse farms. The majority of the funds are generated at TCA’s Auction & Gala Dinner through the auction of donated seasons, classic cars, renowned artwork, sensational trips, racing memorabilia and other unique items. This year’s event will be held on Sat., Dec. 4. TCA also will be staging a Charity Golf Tournament, Aug. 17, at Saratoga National Golf Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

“Many of the groups we support are well known, but most are the small, out-of-the-limelight, backyard groups that day-in and day-out pour their hearts and souls into making a better life for our ex-racehorses,” said TCA President Herb Moelis. “These are the groups that need our help the most. We are most grateful to all the season owners, farm managers, artists and other donors who donated so generously to our auction and made these grants possible