The 20th annual Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) Stallion Season Auction raised a gross amount of $1.7 million compared to $1.2 million in 2008. The auction began with a three-day telephone auction and concluded with a live auction last Friday at the Keeneland Entertainment Center.

Over 250 people attended the live auction sponsored by Brushwood Stable, Cobra Farm, CandyLand Farm, Lael Stables and Rosenberg Thoroughbred Consulting while volunteers from Fasig-Tipton were on-hand to conduct the auction. The majority of the stallion seasons were sold during the telephone auction and 28 seasons, including A.P. Indy, Arch, Bernardini, Candy Ride, Distorted Humor, Dixie Union, Exchange Rate, Giant’s Causeway, Malibu Moon, Medaglia D’Oro, Smart Strike, Street Cry, Street Sense and Tiznow, were included in the live auction.

The highest-priced seasons of the evening were no guarantee seasons to Street Cry and Medaglia d’ Oro that sold for $140,000 and a live foal A.P. Indy season that sold for $150,000.

“The TCA auction would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and stallion season donors,” said Erin Crady, Executive Director of TCA. “The generosity of the many breeding farms, trainers and other season donors has been truly remarkable.”

Herb and Ellen Moelis and the late Allaire duPont were recognized as the founders of TCA. Beverly Strauss and Ginny duPont Suarez of MidAtlantic Horse Rescue were presented with the TCA Industry Service Award.

Herb Moelis, President of TCA, stated “in view of the economic climate I am very pleased and encouraged by the results of this auction.” Moelis, who announced his intention to retire as president at the end of his term in June, further stated “the excellent results of this event give me confidence that TCA and the Thoroughbred industry will come out of this recession stronger than ever.”

TCA was formed in 1990 to raise and distribute funds for charities in the Thoroughbred industry, which provide a better life for Thoroughbreds both during and after their racing careers by supporting retirement, rescue, research and by helping the people who work with them. TCA is the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA).