Fasig-Tipton, Keeneland revise TAA funding procedure
Fasig-Tipton Company, Inc. and Keeneland Association representatives announced today revised procedures to provide funding to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA). Beginning with the 2020 yearling sales, all sellers/owners will be charged .05% of the sales price (for example, $50 on a $100,000 sale) on each horse sold at public auction with the two companies. Previously, sellers have had the opportunity to “opt out” of contributing to the TAA. The sales companies will each continue to contribute .05% of the sales price on each horse sold at their respective auctions. Buyers will continue to be billed .05% of the purchase price on behalf of the TAA, with participation voluntary.
“Since inception, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has provided in excess of $17 Million toward the post racing care and retraining for thoroughbreds across North America, and we are proud to have played a role in the organization’s founding and continued financial support,” said Bill Thomason, President & CEO of Keeneland Association. “Our customers, breeders, owners, and sellers understand that we all have an obligation to care for these tremendous animals from birth through retirement.”
Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning added: “The TAA has done an outstanding job of providing accreditation and funding to organizations dedicated to retire, retrain, and rehome racehorses. All industry participants have a shared responsibility for the animals that are the foundation of our sport, and these newest procedures ensure consistent and reliable funding for an industry initiative that is of the utmost importance.”
TAA president John Phillips commented: “Industry participants must understand that aftercare is not an option. Aftercare is our inarguable responsibility to the horse and our obligation to the sport. The TAA dutifully seeks to spread this responsibility to every sector in every region, and we deeply appreciate Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton for embracing the new reality of social expectations. This response by leaders such as Fasig-Tipton and Keeneland helps assure the survival of our sport and the equine athletes to whom we owe so much. If you love our equine athletes and our sport, then you must receive this news with enthusiasm.”
LATEST BUSINESS NEWS
Handle slumps in December as 2024 lags prior year
US wagering handle on Thoroughbred races plummeted 14% in December, as the industry suffered through another down year.
Mike Hopkins steps down after 40 years at Md. Racing Commission
Maryland Racing Commission executive director Mike Hopkins will retire after today, ending a career that spanned 40 years and many industry changes.
Jockey Club bars 12 from stud book access
The ruling announced by The Jockey Club bans 12 individuals from registering Thoroughbred foals for periods up to five years.
Maryland Racing Commission OKs new TMJC as track operator
The Maryland Racing Commission on Dec. 23 signed off on the new nonprofit Maryland Jockey Club to operate Laurel Park in the new year.
Shamrock Farm chosen as new Maryland training center
The new training center to support racing at Pimlico will be at Shamrock Farm the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority announced.
Maryland horsemen, breeders point to ’25 priorities
A board to govern the new Maryland Jockey Club, a new training center, and new breeder incentives are top priorities for Maryland’s horsemen and breeders.