Fasig-Tipton and Keeneland instigate revised fee for racehorse aftercare

Fasig-Tipton Company and Keeneland Association representatives have announced revised procedures to provide funding to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.

Beginning with the 2020 yearling sales, all sellers/owners will be charged .05 per cent 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 announcement arrived on the same day as the release of a five-year-plan in Britain drawn up by the Horse Welfare Board concerning traceability and quality of life for racehorses throughout their lifetimes.

The sales companies will each continue to contribute .05 per cent of the sales price on each horse sold at their respective auctions. Buyers will continue to be billed the same percentage 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 towards the post racing care and retraining for thoroughbreds across North America, and we are proud to have played a role in the organisation's founding and continued financial support," said Bill Thomason, president and 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 organisations 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 said: "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."

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