For the second consecutive year trainers from across the country will be stepping up to support retired racehorses by donating to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA).
Trainers Thomas Albertrani, Tom Amoss, Bob Baffert, Chad Brown, Mark Casse, Gary Contessa, Henry Dominguez, Anthony Dutrow, Michael Hushion, Mike Maker, Kiaran McLaughlin, Graham Motion, Doug O’Neill, Todd Pletcher, and Michael Trombetta all contributed funds from their stables in 2014.
‘One of the goals of the TAA is to secure reliable, long-term funding for Thoroughbred aftercare,’ said TAA Operations Consultant Stacie Clark Rogers. ‘While many trainers have provided generous one-time donations, it’s important to develop continuing support for our equine retirees and we hope additional trainers will participate in this program.’
The TAA plans to unveil a coast-to-coast challenge among trainers this spring spearheaded by TAA former jockey and TAA board member Donna Barton Brothers.
‘For anyone who makes a living off of Thoroughbred racing, funding their aftercare is simply the right thing to do,’ said Brothers. ‘The TAA is just making it easier for everyone to meet this obligation.’
The TAA, a non-profit organization that serves 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, has been working to solicit donations from trainers based on their stable’s earnings. Trainers can be invoiced annually, quarterly, or monthly for the scheduled donation program.
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.
