The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) Scholarship Fund has distributed a total of $186,500 to 44 students for the 2026-27 academic year, according to a release from NYTHA Thursday.“It's inspiring to see what an impact we can have on the lives of young people,” said NYTHA President Tina Marie Bond. “Education has long been the springboard to a successful future. Our graduates have become veterinarians, work in various medical fields, and one has even become a pilot with JetBlue. Many of these students are the first members of their families to attend college, and it is heartening to be able to contribute to students achieving the American dream.”Available to backstretch workers or their direct dependents, NYTHA Scholarships have benefitted nearly 800 students while providing over $3 million to their higher education since established in 2008. NYTHA also provides applicants with one-on-one sessions with financial aid consultants and sourced nearly $300,000 in other grants for the students.Additionally, Dr. Edward J. Messina, a racehorse owner and longtime member of the NYTHA Scholarship Committee, has established a new endowment, named the Tina Messina Scholarship Fund, in honor of his late wife. This grant will see $5,000 distributed annually among students who maintain at least a 3.5 GPA.“NYTHA's Scholarship Program offers a chance for children of the backstretch community to secure their futures,” said Dr. Messina. “Education is critical in our society. I grew up in Coney Island, and look at what education did for me. Many of our students' families have sacrificed a great deal to ensure these educational opportunities.”The post NYTHA Scholarship Fund Distributes Over $186K to 44 Students appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.