Keeneland Association, Fasig-Tipton, Ocala Breeders' Sales, and a group of leading North American stallion farms announced April 27, a significant expansion of their financial commitment to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. This unified initiative is designed to strengthen long-term support for accredited aftercare programs while encouraging broader participation across the industry.
Beginning with the 2026 Fasig-Tipton July Sale, the three sales companies will double their contribution to the TAA, allocating 0.1% of each sale's gross proceeds. Participation in the program also will become mandatory for both buyers and consignors at every sale, with each contributing 0.1% of their respective transactions.
Based on 2025 sales figures and assuming comparable performance, the enhanced commitment from the sales companies is projected to generate more than $4.4 million annually.
"Aftercare is a shared responsibility across every segment of our industry," said Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin. "By taking this step together, we are demonstrating what is possible when organizations align around a common purpose. We hope this action encourages others throughout the industry to evaluate how they can further strengthen their investment in the lifelong welfare of the Thoroughbred."
In addition, leading stallion farms across North America have committed to a new funding model in support of the TAA. Under this structure, stallions covering more than 50 mares annually will contribute an amount equal to 50% of their advertised stud fee, while those covering 50 or fewer mares will contribute 25%. All contributions are calculated on a per-stallion basis.
Based on 2025 advertised fees from participating farms, the initiative is projected to generate $2.2 million annually. The initiative has garnered nearly unanimous support from the stallion farm community, with additional participation expected as discussions continue.
The participating stallion farms issued the following joint statement emphasizing the importance of collective accountability:
"Anyone who makes a living from the Thoroughbred, who touches the horse, or whose livelihood is impacted by the horse shares the responsibility for its well-being. This commitment reflects our belief that doing what's right for the horse isn't optional; it's essential. This is where we start, and we invite others to stand with us."
TAA Establishes Allocation Task Force
As part of its newly adopted strategic plan, the TAA will establish an Allocation Task Force, along with a series of subcommittees representing diverse sectors of the industry. These groups are designed to leverage specialized expertise, address unmet needs, and enhance transparency in the distribution of aftercare funding.
The Allocation Task Force will be responsible for evaluating and directing financial resources, supported by subcommittees comprising industry participants with subject-matter expertise. Each subcommittee aligns with a pillar of the TAA's strategic plan and will help inform funding priorities and program development. These subcommittees include:
• Second Career Development
• Equine Welfare
• Customer Service, Data Analytics, and Education
• Racetrack Alliance and Placement
The TAA is actively conducting outreach to prospective participants and expects to announce its initial committee members this summer.
Walt Robertson, Chair of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, described the announcement as a defining moment for Thoroughbred aftercare, building on significant industry commitments made earlier this year.
"This next phase of our strategic plan is centered on strengthening both accountability and impact," Robertson said. "Combined with the recent commitments from The Jockey Club and the Breeders' Cup, these efforts are projected to approach $10 million annually for aftercare programs, providing a meaningful and sustained level of support."
Robertson added that the organization's evolving framework is designed to ensure those resources are deployed with greater transparency and effectiveness across the aftercare landscape.
"Through the Allocation Task Force and pillar-aligned subcommittees, we are creating a more transparent, collaborative framework to guide funding decisions and address unmet needs across the landscape," Robertson said. "As this work evolves, we are focused on broadening engagement and evaluating new opportunities to support a wider range of programs across the aftercare ecosystem. These resources will enable us to ensure funds are deployed thoughtfully, responsibly, and where they can have the greatest impact."
Boyd Browning, president and CEO of Fasig-Tipton, noted that the expanded contributions from sales companies reflect deliberate and meaningful progress.
"We talk often about doing what's right for the horse," Browning said. "Doubling the portion of sale proceeds dedicated to aftercare was simply the right step. This is not the finish line for our industry; it is meaningful progress. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance's strategic plan, including the Allocation Task Force and subcommittees, ensures these resources are guided by industry expertise and deployed with transparency and accountability."
"OBS has long supported aftercare initiatives, and we are proud to stand alongside Keeneland, Fasig-Tipton, our consignors, breeders, and stallion farms in strengthening that commitment," OBS president Tom Ventura said. "By formalizing this structure and working collaboratively, we can direct meaningful resources to accredited programs and ensure measurable impact."
The Consignors and Commercial Breeders Association (CBA) has also pledged support.
"Consignors and breeders are involved with these horses at every stage of their development, and our commitment to their welfare does not end when they leave our care," CBA president Rob Tribbett said. "Strengthening our support for aftercare reflects the care, responsibility, and respect we have for the animal at the center of everything we do."
The participating organizations view this effort as a starting point—not an end point—and encourage others across the industry to consider how they can make meaningful, measurable commitments to aftercare. The long-term health of the Thoroughbred depends on collective action, and sustained progress will require participation from every segment of the sport.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
