NEWS
Officials want better way to raise money to fund retired racehorses
Posted: Wednesday, March 23, 2011 5:38 PM
by Paul Post
The head of a New York horsemen’s group says the Thoroughbred industry needs a new mechanism for raising money to care for retired race horses.
The issue comes to the forefront following a New York Times report on March 16 that the estate of owner and breeder Paul Mellon has withdrawn funding from the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation amidst allegations that horses under its management have not been cared for properly.
The Saratoga Springs-based foundation manages more than 1,000 horses in several states but has suffered financially because of the economic downturn during the three years.
“We need to have more money available and make sure that money is used wisely to take care of this problem,” said New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association President Richard Violette Jr., who is a New York Racing Association board member.
He said the horsemen’s group has donated about $25,000 per year to the retirement foundation the past six or seven years.
“It’s disappointing that the Mellon family would step away from this,” Violette said. “We need to evaluate and see what the real bottom line is.”
The Jockey Club has given the organization $247,500 the past two years—a base $100,000 annual gift with the rest coming from breeders and owners.
“We are working with the foundation’s board and management team to get a better understanding of this matter and to ensure that all TRF horses are cared for in the appropriate manner,” Jockey Club President James Gagliano said. “We will continue to support retirement efforts, including those of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, and we encourage others in the Thoroughbred industry to do the same.”
NYRA gave the organization $50,000 in 2009. NYRA President Charles Hayward could not be reached for comment regarding recent or proposed contributions.
Violette said there has been discussion about dedicating one-tenth of one percent of New York’s handle to retirement programs, which would need legislative approval. This would generate about $2.2-million per year.
“That way everybody that participates in racing—handicappers, tracks, jockeys, trainers, owners—would be giving something,” he said. “Yes, it means an increase in takeout. But I can’t think of a better reason for a takeout increase than the protection of our race horses.”
Paul Post is a New York-based Thoroughbred Times correspondent
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Posted by: JR, Destin, FL on March 25, 2011 at 02:06 PM
They ALL need to do something!
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Posted by: Giddyup, Toronto, ON on March 24, 2011 at 12:57 PM
Like Box I think it makes sense to have all the rescue organizations accredited and working with each other for the common good of the horses. I don't want to make any assumptions about TRF because they have a good past track record and deserve a chance to correct any problems that may have occurred.
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Posted by: jumperrider, Calgary, AB on March 24, 2011 at 10:30 AM
Up in Canada here, we have horse rescues but not specifically for ex-racehorses. The owners and trainers I try to get horses from to rehab or retrain for hunter/jumper or other pursuits, all want too much money for these horses $5-10K. These owners and trainers are NOT looking for a good home for these horses just MORE MONEY.
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Posted by: Boxwood, Monkton , MD on March 24, 2011 at 10:19 AM
Sorry meant Habitat for Horses in Tx was the first GFAS Accredited Equine Rescue in the US...
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Posted by: Boxwood, Monkton, MD on March 24, 2011 at 10:17 AM
TRF isn't the only rescue around. They probably got way more $$ than the others and mismanaged it! There are many others that don't enjoy these big donations but there are scam rescues out there also. All rescues should be required to become accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) so donors can rest assured their money goes where it should- the horses. This world wide org now has approximately 6 US equine rescues that are accredited.Homes for Horses, TX and Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue in Pa. were the first 2 to invest in the horses by taking the intiative (about 1+ years ago) to get this accredidation. These large foundations perhaps need to pay attention to this..I am so tired of continuing to see the horses lose..
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