New Jersey horse owner Peter Grandich has made an offer --- and issued a challenge to other owners --- to help fund the Standardbred Retirement Foundation.

Grandich, responding to news that the equine rescue group will have 30 days to vacate its farm in Hamilton, New Jersey, announced that he would donate from the purse earnings of his horses to help the SRF.

“I'm pledging 10 per cent of any gross purses my horses Orange Bigi and Art Of Illusion win,” said Grandich. “I hope other horse owners can do the same.”

Grandich is the founder of Manasquan, NJ-based Trinity Financial, a sports and entertainment management company, which specializes in services for professional athletes and entertainers.

“We commend Peter Grandich for his donation to the SRF and urge our members to join him in donating a percentage of their purse earnings, too,” said Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey President Tom Luchento. “We need to be concerned with the fate of our horses after their racing days are over, and the SRF provides those services, retraining many of them for second careers as riding horses.”

The SRF is seeking a new location for the horses currently in its care, reasonable boarding situations and help with shipping the horses.

“We thank Mr. Grandich and encourage others to make a gift of any percentage of purse money,” said SRF Founder Judy Bokman. “We invite horsemen to sign up for our Win Win Program that authorizes the automatic purse deduction to benefit SRF. The application for the program is available on our website."

For more information or to offer help, contact SRF Business Administrator Dana Letual at 609-324-1500, or email Judy Bokman at [email protected].

(SBOANJ)