BLOOD-HORSE: NEW TAA DONATION OPPORTUNITY AT SALES
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has enacted a plan for both buyers and consignors at Fasig-Tipton, Keeneland, the Ocala Breeders’ Sale Co., and Barretts Equine Limited to automatically contribute a small portion of their respective purchases or gross sales to the organization. Click here for full story
DRF: TAA RAISES FUNDS THROUGHOUT THOROUGHBREDS’ COMPETITIVE LIVES
If it takes a village to raise a child, the same is true of a Thoroughbred racehorse, with a number of individuals and groups ‘ including stallion owners, mare owners, sales consignors and buyers, and racetracks ‘ involved in the development of the athlete. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has stepped in to partner with various industry stakeholders and establish a system that raises funds for Thoroughbred aftercare as horses move through the various phases of their lives. Click here for full story
FASIG-TIPTON 2013 JULY PREVIEW WITH COMMENTS FROM BOYD BROWNING JR. ABOUT TAA
Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning Jr. interviews with Esther Marr prior to the recent July Sale. Boyd also talks about TAA and gives a testimonial about the orgnization. Click here for to watch the video
ZIEGLER NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF TAA
New York, N.Y.” June 1, 2012 – The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today that Mike Ziegler has been named the organization’s executive director, effective immediately. Since March, Ziegler had served as the TAA’s interim executive director. He will continue to serve in his ongoing role as executive director of the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance. ‘I am proud to take a formal position of leadership at an organization that is so important to the future of the Thoroughbred industry,’ said Ziegler.”I thank Jack Wolf, Madeline Auerbach and all the members of the TAA for this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our retired Thoroughbred athletes.’ ‘During the early days of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, it became apparent that Mike’s expertise and breadth of experience would be invaluable as we moved forward on this vital initiative,’ said TAA board president and Thoroughbred owner Jack Wolf.”It is the responsibility of anyone who has a stake in the game to take responsibility to support the aftercare of these great animals who are the intrinsic center of our sport.’ ‘With Mike’s leadership, we will improve upon the current level of Thoroughbred aftercare, and all industry stakeholders are going to be a part of the solution,’ said TAA board executive vice president Madeline Auerbach. ‘Together, we will see to it that retired racehorses receive the care and second careers that they deserve.’ ‘Thoroughbred aftercare is a key component of the Safety and Integrity Alliance, and so Mike’s new responsibilities merge nicely with his ongoing role of overseeing day-to-day activities of the Alliance,’ said Alex Waldrop, President and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. ‘ Based in Lexington, Ky., the TAA is designed to serve as both the accrediting body for aftercare facilities that care for Thoroughbreds following the conclusion of their racing careers and a fundraising body to support these approved facilities.’ Funded initially by seed money from Breeders’ Cup, Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is comprised of owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, jockeys, aftercare professionals and other industry groups.
TAA ANNOUNCES FUNDING SUPPORT FROM INDUSTRY PARTICIPANTS
New York, N.Y. – October 11, 2012 – The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today that several industry groups, including 13 prominent breeding farms in Kentucky, The Jockey Club, two racetracks of the Stronach Group, the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA), Keeneland Association, Fasig-Tipton, Barretts Equine Limited and Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company (OBS), have developed plans to provide funds beginning in 2013 to support the TAA’s mission to accredit and raise funds for Thoroughbred aftercare facilities. ‘This is an important first step, and we are grateful to these organizations for their commitments,’ said Jack Wolf, President of the TAA. ‘We are hopeful other industry stakeholders will follow their lead in this important endeavor.’ The TAA received seed money from Breeders’ Cup, Ltd., The Jockey Club and Keeneland Association and some of those funds will be used for initial site inspections and accreditations planned for the last few months of 2012. ‘Our objective is to develop sustainable funding from all points on the life cycle of the Thoroughbred from breeding and registration to sales, racing and all points in between, including veterinary care and transportation,’ said TAA Executive Director Mike Ziegler. ‘Thanks to the seed capital generously provided by Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club and Keeneland Association, and ongoing administrative and technical support from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and The Jockey Club, virtually all of our 2013 contributions will be directed straight to the horses’which is as it should be.’ The details of the funding are as follows: Thirteen prominent Kentucky breeding farms (see list below) have pledged to the TAA a payment in the amount of 25% of each of their stallions’ advertised stud fee, effective with the 2013 breeding season. Breeders’ Cup Limited (BCL) has agreed to facilitate the collection of fees contributed by all stallion owners. BCL will also implement a fan contribution initiative surrounding the November 2-3 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park.””””””’ ‘ The Jockey Club (TJC) announced that starting in 2013 it will increase fees by $25 for nearly all registry related transactions including foal registration, naming and import and export applications. In coordination with The Jockey Club of Canada, funds raised from Canadian customers of The Jockey Club will be directed to Canadian Thoroughbred aftercare organizations to supplement ongoing aftercare activities for Canadian Thoroughbreds. The Jockey Club will also contribute $300,000 in 2013 to the TAA from its commercial companies. (A companion press release on the new fees is available at jockeyclub.com or by clicking here: http://www.jockeyclub.com/mediaCenter.asp?story=583) CARMA (California Retirement Management Account), founded in 2007 to raise money for retired California racehorses, confirmed that it is directing funds’ earmarked for California-based organizations and facilities that meet the TAA’s accreditation guidelines. In 2013, CARMA expects to grant in excess of $400,000. ‘ The Stronach Group and its tracks, Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., and Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla., have confirmed that they are earmarking funds for organizations in California and Florida that meet the TAA’s accreditation standards. In 2013, it is expected that in excess of $200,000 will be granted. Keeneland, Fasig-Tipton, Barretts and, OBS, beginning with the 2013 sales calendar, will enable buyers and consignors to automatically contribute .05% of their’respective purchases or gross sales directly to TAA.’ The sales companies will contribute an additional .05% from their gross sales receipts as well.’ For those who do not wish to participate in the program, there will be a voluntary opt-out provision. ‘ In addition, the TAA board announced that it has met in recent weeks to discuss sustainable fund-raising strategies with a broad cross section of industry organizations including Breeders’ Cup, New York Thoroughbred Horsemen Association and owners of stallions standing in New York, California and Florida.’ Meetings with racetracks and other trade associations, representing jockeys, regulators, trainers and owners, will be held later this year to encourage the broadest possible participation. ‘Everything we do in this industry begins and ends with the horse,’ said Jimmy Bell, President of Darley America. ‘It’s time for the industry to make a tangible, long-term commitment to Thoroughbred aftercare, and I am proud of these 13 stallion farms in central Kentucky that have done just that.’ ‘We are proud to support the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and feel strongly about its mission,’ said James L. Gagliano, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Jockey Club. ‘These very modest financial commitments at various checkpoints in a Thoroughbred’s career will make a significant difference in giving our equine athletes the lives and second careers they deserve after their racing days are over.’ ‘We feel that establishing an automatic mechanism by which to fund aftercare is both the right thing to do and the only way to do it right,’ said Boyd Browning, President of Fasig-Tipton. ‘Our customers on both sides of every purchase share a common love for Thoroughbreds, and this systematic approach makes it easy for all to do their part in a fair and equitable manner.’ ‘The fundamental principle behind this initiative, and our entire industry, should be to do what is best for the horse.’ That is truly the impetus behind our willingness to not only provide seed capital to this organization, but also be a sustaining member ‘with the widespread support of our consignors and buyers, to ensure there is a continued emphasis on aftercare, new careers and other programs for our very special athletes,’ stated Bill Thomason, President/CEO of Keeneland Association. ‘We are proud to support the TAA,’ said Kim Lloyd, General Manager of Barretts Equine Limited. ‘We want to do right by the horses. They are at the heart of everything we do.’ ‘OBS is delighted to join the many industry organizations stepping up on behalf of Thoroughbred,’ said Tom Ventura, President of OBS. ‘We are pleased at the breadth of commitment being demonstrated today.’ ‘As one of the initial funders for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Breeders’ Cup supports the development of an industry-wide, annually funded program committed to the placement’or second-career retraining’of retired Thoroughbreds on a national
THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE ALLIANCE IS LAUNCHED
New York, NY” February 9, 2012 – A broad-based group of Thoroughbred industry stakeholders announced today the establishment of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)’an organization designed to serve as both the accrediting body for aftercare facilities that care for Thoroughbreds following the conclusion of their racing careers and a fundraising body to support these approved facilities. Funded initially by seed money from Breeders’ Cup, Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is comprised of owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, jockeys, aftercare professionals and other industry groups. ‘It is our responsibility as owners, tracks, breeders, trainers, jockeys, bloodstock agents, and anyone who has a stake in the game to take responsibility for the aftercare of these great animals who are the keystone of our sport,’ said TAA board President and Thoroughbred owner Jack Wolf.”Securing support and funding from Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, Keeneland and so many other great organizations speaks to the credibility and importance of our effort and is so greatly appreciated.’ Additional support of the TAA has been provided by Adena Springs North, CARMA, Fasig-Tipton, The Jockeys’ Guild, New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, The New York Racing Association, Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company and Thoroughbred Charities of America. The organization also received staff support from Thoroughbred Charities of America, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA). The NTRA will continue to provide that support on an ongoing basis. The TAA will accredit aftercare facilities based on a Code of Standards covering operations, education, horse management, facility services and adoption policies. Simultaneously, the TAA will raise funds on behalf of accredited facilities via institutional contributions that are to be directed 100% to program services rather than to fundraising or general administrative costs. ‘The Breeders’ Cup is proud to be one of the initial funders for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and fully support the TAA goals of an industry-wide, annually funded program committed to the placement’or second-career retraining’of retired Thoroughbreds on a national scale,’ said Craig Fravel, President and CEO of Breeders’ Cup Ltd.”Through the contributions of our sport’s stakeholders, we can help ensure that our horses are treated in a dignified manner throughout their lives.’ ‘The Jockey Club’s involvement and support of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a natural extension of our other ongoing efforts in the area of Thoroughbred aftercare,’ said James L. Gagliano, The Jockey Club’s President and Chief Operating Officer. ‘The accreditation and proper funding for aftercare facilities will greatly enhance the well-being of our equine athletes, and we encourage other groups and individuals from all segments of our sport to support this Alliance.’ “Thoroughbred aftercare is something that touches us all,” said Nick Nicholson, President and CEO of Keeneland. “We are proud to do our part, and I know that virtually everyone else will be equally proud to do theirs in order to make the TAA an ongoing success.” The TAA, a 501 (c) (6) non-profit organization with a 501 (c) (3) subsidiary, will fill out its staff and provide additional updates in the coming months. The TAA offices will be based in Lexington, Ky.
TAA NOW ACCEPTING ACCREDITATION APPLICATIONS
New York, N.Y. ‘ March 5, 2013 – The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today that Thoroughbred aftercare organizations may now apply for TAA accreditation. Passing the TAA’s on-site accreditation inspection will make a facility eligible to receive financial support for the ongoing care of retired Thoroughbreds. Facilities eligible to apply for TAA accreditation include those conforming to the following four broad standards: Possess 501 (c)(3) tax exempt status Have been operational for at least three years Care for a resident population of at least five, with at least 50% being Thoroughbreds Follow a euthanasia policy consistent with that of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Applications for accreditation must be submitted by June 1 for organizations to be eligible for consideration for grants in 2013 and 2014. The complete TAA Code of Standards for aftercare facilities and the accreditation application are available at http://www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/. ‘The Code of Standards and application materials are products of a great deal of input from all around the Thoroughbred community, including the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the American Humane Association,’ said TAA Executive Director Mike Ziegler. ‘Our guiding principle in the creation of all of these documents was to make the welfare of retired Thoroughbreds our top priority.’ ‘The American Association of Equine Practitioners strongly supports the efforts of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance,’ said AAEP President Ann Dwyer, DVM. ‘The AAEP has worked in partnership with the TAA on the development of its Code of Standards, best practices, and application and site inspector documents and supports its efforts to improve the care of Thoroughbreds at rescue and retirement facilities throughout North America.’ ‘The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will help give Thoroughbreds the post-racing life they deserve,’ said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Association. ‘By establishing standards for aftercare facilities and supporting those facilities that adhere to them, we believe the TAA’s work will have a truly lasting impact on the welfare of Thoroughbreds.’ Based in Lexington, Ky., the TAA is designed to serve as both the accrediting body for aftercare facilities that care for Thoroughbreds following the conclusion of their racing careers and a fundraising body to support these approved facilities.’ Funded initially by seed money from Breeders’ Cup, Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is comprised of and supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, jockeys, aftercare professionals and other industry groups. To support the TAA, please visit thoroughbredaftercare.org or call 859-224-2756.