Retired Racehorses

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Additionally, the Task Force recommends:
• Expand awareness and participation of the Ferdinand Fund, which is instrumental in supporting the
safe retirement of Thoroughbreds off the track. The fund is financed through voluntary contributions
of trainers and owners from their purses. Many contribute just $5 from their winnings. NYRA jockeys
contributed $14,077 in 2010.
• The Standardbred Retirement Foundation’s “Win*Win” Program gives owners, trainers and drivers the
opportunity to contribute a specified amount of their winnings for the feed and care for a horse in
need. This program should be extended, promoted and maximized to increase participation.
• Partner with local feed and supply vendors, as well as equine pharmaceutical companies to provide
supplies at a cut-rate or donation basis (see Summary of Standardbred Retirement Foundation in
Appendix).
The Task Force finds that industry stakeholders, including owners, breeders, race tracks and trainers must
address the fiscal challenges of ensuring quality after-care for racehorses. Every racehorse owner, breeder
and track must be willing to commit dollars to make sure horses have an opportunity for subsequent
careers, retirement, or a dignified death.
There will still be a shortfall in funding between the revenues raised by the Retired Racehorse Fund, the
optimistic notion of owners being prepared to fund retraining for each horse, and the actual costs to
provide viable homes and careers for retired racehorses. Therefore, charitable donations to retirement and
retraining programs must continue to be sought, combined with increasing awareness and education of
retirement issues within and beyond the industry.
After reviewing the number of retired Standardbreds and retired Thoroughbreds in New York state, the
Retired Racehorse Fund Advisory Board should monitor the allocation of its various funding streams and
recommend increases and decreases as appropriate.
The Task Force does not recommend requiring a portion of handle or betting pool money be diverted
to retirement needs at this time. However, the Task Force does recommend increasing and facilitating
the betting public’s opportunities to contribute voluntarily to the cause. The recently created Racing Fan
Advisory Council should integrate fan participation in retirement efforts as part of its recommendations.
Photo courtesy of TRF, by Debby Thomas/AnimalArtAndPhotography