Walter S. Robertson, Jr., president of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, announced Feb. 4 the inauguration of a new strategic plan for the organization, broadening the scope of its activities, enhancing its sustainability, and developing new partnerships toward encouraging use of Thoroughbreds beyond their racing and breeding years.
"Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance was formed a little more than 15 years ago, and it quickly achieved its primary mission of becoming the centerpiece of Thoroughbred aftercare support across North America," said Robertson. "After extensive research and analysis and with input from stakeholders across all areas of the Thoroughbred industry, we are pleased to announce an expanded strategic plan, which will further protect Thoroughbreds and provide a firm foundation for their care and retraining for years to come."
The expanded strategy for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance includes five pillars:
1. Financial stability maintained through centralized industry-provided funding conduits.
2. Gold-standard accreditation and certifications, including developing and expanding strategic alliances with placement programs with racetracks.
3. Data analytics to better monitor and analyze aftercare outcomes.
4. Comprehensive resource allocation and support via increased grants, alliances and sponsorships of Thoroughbred events, and customer service resources and support.
5. Industrywide advocacy and education, including public relations success stories with Thoroughbreds in second careers.
"The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is deeply grateful for The Jockey Club's help with the plan and their financial support and steadfast leadership," Robertson said. "As a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance co-founder, our largest financial backer, and a valued long-term partner, The Jockey Club continues to play a defining role in expanding and strengthening aftercare for Thoroughbreds."
"For 2026, The Jockey Club is contributing $2.5 million to aftercare—funding driven in part by registry transactions and proceeds from our commercial companies—with the bulk of that supporting Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance," added Everett Dobson, Chair of The Jockey Club. "Aftercare is a shared responsibility. We're confident Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance's plan will keep raising the bar for aftercare, and we encourage other organizations, companies, and individuals to join us with reliable, ongoing funding—year after year."
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