The 24th Annual Select Stallion Season Auction benefiting Thoroughbred Charities of America raised more than $818,000 on January 4th during the live auction portion.

Seasons to 16 select stallions and a lifetime breeding right to Spendthrift Farm’s Into Mischief raised more than $793,000 from a spirited crowd of a couple hundred gathered at the Keene Barn and Entertainment Center in Lexington, KY. The actual bidding on these seasons y began January 2nd during a telephone and online auction session that ran through the morning of January 4th. The bidders who placed the top prices online were then invited to continue bidding by phone during the live auction.

The 16 select stallion seasons included Blame, Broken Vow, Congrats, Distorted Humor, Elusive Quality, Justin Phillip, Lonhro, Macho Uno, Malibu Moon , Medaglia d’Oro, More Than Ready, Pioneer of the Nile, Point of Entry, Smart Strike, Speightstown, and Tiznow.

Eight other items including an African safari, a Triple Crown ticket package, and a weekend shopping spree at Tiffany’s in Beverly Hill, California were also offered at the live auction. The packages and a high-end John Deere riding mower contributed raised the additional $25,000.

The TCA is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization that provides grants to non-profit organizations that work toward improving the lives of Thoroughbred racehorses and the people who work with them. TCA offers the Thoroughbred industry and its supporters a way to give to one organization while helping many. The TCA awards grants to organizations running support and education programs for backstretch workers; Thoroughbred rescue, retraining, and adoption; equine research; and therapeutic riding. Since its inception, TCA has awarded nearly $20 million in grants.

“I was thrilled with the results,” said Dan Rosenberg, TCA president. “People were giving real money and doing it enthusiastically.”

This year was the first time breeders could bid online for seasons. Handled by Starquine, Rosenberg said the inaugural online option was popular, with more than 3,000 people registering to participate from about a dozen countries.

Prior to the live auction, special recognition was given to owners John and Debby Oxley as recipients of the TCA Leadership Award. The Oxleys, who could not attend the auction, were recognized for their longtime support of aftercare programs and backstretch, education and research projects serving the Thoroughbred industry.