A partnership agreement signed earlier this year called for Kentucky HBPA member owners to contribute $5 to the TAA for each of their horses that start in races at the historic Louisville racetrack, and Churchill Downs Racetrack would match each contribution.
The $28,410 donation will directly benefit the TAA, a non-profit organization that serves as both an accrediting body for facilities that care for Thoroughbreds at the conclusion of their racing careers and a fundraising engine to support aftercare facilities approved by the alliance.
"We hope this is just the first of many contributions to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance," Churchill Downs Racetrack President Kevin Flanery said. "This collaborative fundraising effort has been extremely gratifying and we hope to continue build awareness and grow funding for the TAA, which does tremendous work to benefit the horse."
Participation in the ongoing partnership by Thoroughbred owners is voluntary. Owners who wish to opt-out of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance funding partnership can do so by contacting the Horseman's Bookkeepers at the tracks.
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, a Lexington, Ky.-based 501(c) (3) non-profit organization created in 2012, awarded more than $2.4 million in grants to 42 accredited agencies in 2014.
Based in Lexington, Ky., the TAA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to serve as both an 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, aftercare professionals and other industry groups. In 2013, TAA awarded $1,000,000 to 23 accredited organizations and gave out an additional $2,400,000 to 42 accredited organizations in 2014.
