When Thoroughbred owners and breeders in North America submit their foal registration applications on or after January 1, 2009, they will be able to participate in a voluntary check-off program, created and administered by The Jockey Club, which will assist Thoroughbred Charities of America to provide postracing care for Thoroughbreds.

As an incentive to encourage participation, The Jockey Club will match the check-off on a dollar-to-dollar basis up to $100,000 in 2009. Check-off proceeds and matching funds will be distributed to Thoroughbred Charities of America on a quarterly basis.

The matching funds will come from The Jockey Club’s four commercial subsidiaries: The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc.; The Jockey Club Technology Services Inc.; InCompass Solutions Inc.; and The Jockey Club Racing Services Inc.

TCA raises funds and distributes grants to a variety of non-profit organizations designed to improve conditions for horses and people in the Thoroughbred industry. Funds from The Jockey Club check-off program will be directed specifically to TCA’s Thoroughbred re-training and adoption initiatives.

Thoroughbred breeders will have the option of selecting one of four graduated amounts ($25, $50, $75, or $100) to be designated for Thoroughbred aftercare or they can fill in the amount of their choice on the Application for Foal Registration form. These contributions will not qualify as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

“We applaud their efforts to retire, retrain and find suitable homes for Thoroughbred racehorses,” said Alan Marzelli, president of The Jockey Club. “We are confident that the creation of this check-off program will further those efforts and encourage others to take similar steps to ensure the well-being of our Thoroughbred athletes when their racing careers are over.”

“The check-off program will provide a tremendous boost to the TCA’s racehorse retraining and adoption efforts and we hope that all owners and breeders will participate in it,” said Herb Moelis, president of the TCA. “We are grateful to The Jockey Club for its support and we hope other industry stakeholders do their part.”

TCA is a 501(c)(3) fund-raising organization which distributes annual grants to non-profits within their mission. The five sectors which TCA grants funds to are: Thoroughbred rescue, rehabilitation, retraining, adoption, retirement and euthanasia; backstretch workers; equine educational organizations; therapeutic riding programs; and research into equine diseases and ailments. Additional information is available at www.ThoroughbredCharities.org.

The Jockey Club, founded in 1894 and dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred breeding and racing, is the breed registry for North American Thoroughbreds. In fulfillment of its mission, The Jockey Club provides support and leadership on a wide range of important industry initiatives and it serves the information and technology needs of owners, breeders, media, fans and farms, among others. Additional
information is available at http://www.jockeyclub.com.