NYRA to Make Contributions to TAA in 2016
Description:
The New York Racing Association will make contributions to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance on a per-start basis at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course for 2016.
According to Martin Panza, senior vice president for racing operations, NYRA is currently matching the contributions of owners to the TAA on a per-start basis. In 2015, NYRA recorded 17,276 starts at its three tracks. Owners competing on NYRA tracks contribute $5 per start to the TAA.
"It's about giving back to the horses and supporting their aftercare long after they have exited the stage," said Panza, in a release. "These athletes have given so much to our sport and provided joy and excitement for fans in New York and beyond. In that spirit, we continue to support the good work of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance on behalf of our retired athletes."
TAA is a non-profit founded in 2012 with seed money from Breeders' Cup Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retire, retrain and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding.
Currently, the TAA provides grants to 56 accredited Thoroughbred aftercare organizations supporting over 180 facilities across the United States and Canada.
"The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance thanks the New York Racing Association for their partnership, and for their strong support for our retired equine athletes," said TAA president Jimmy Bell. "All of us at the TAA are committed to setting the standard for quality, result-driven aftercare for retired thoroughbreds, and the New York Racing Association's financial support will help do just that."