The Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, Keeneland Racecourse and Churchill Downs Racetrack have formed a partnership designed to generate funds for the work of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the 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.
A partnership agreement signed by leaders of the three organizations calls for Kentucky HBPA member owners to contribute $5 to the TAA for each of their horses that start in races at the two tracks. Churchill Downs and Keeneland would then match each contribution generated in their respective races. The owner contribution and matching racetrack donations will begin on the opening day of each track's spring racing sessions.
Keeneland is set to open its 15-day Spring Meet Friday, Apr. 3, and the first of 38 days of Spring Meet racing at Churchill Downs is set for Saturday, Apr. 25.
Participation in the 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 non-profit organization created in 2012, awarded more than $2.4 million in grants to 42 accredited agencies in 2014.
“Churchill Downs, Keeneland and the Kentucky HBPA have all demonstrated their deep commitment to Thoroughbred aftercare through this initiative and they are to be commended for doing so,” said Jimmy Bell, president of both Darley America and the TAA. “We are immensely grateful to the owners who will be paying the $5-per-start fee and sincerely appreciate Churchill Downs and Keeneland matching those donations. We hope horsemen and racetracks in other parts of the country follow their example.”
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