Page 11 - 2021 TAA Magazine

“It is our responsibil-
want to see more dollars raised. important because the notion years ago, people would say,
“I think it’s a worldwide situ- of aftercare must be treated as ‘Oh the TAA is just another ity as owners, tracks,
ation that the people in the an obligation not as an option. It aftercare organization,’ ” Phil- breeders, trainers,
horse business are aware of,” has to become part of the busi- lips said. “Now, I think we are
Wolf added of the aftercare ness expense of carrying on acknowledged as the umbrella jockeys, bloodstock
movement. “I just wish we the industry,” Phillips said. “It and overarching organization, agents, and anyone
could find a way to make that $3 cannot be voluntary. and I think this is going to help
million look something like $12 “The world’s perception of the all of our organizations and who has a stake in the
to $15 million. If we keep plug- relationship between humans all of their facilities be held to
ging along, who is to say that we and animals is evolving, and a high standard and be work- game to take respon-
can’t get there?” that is particularly true in the ing more with each other than sibility for the aftercare
That’s the million-dollar world of sports competition. So competing against each other.”
question: Where does the indus- aftercare has to be part of our The case for additional of these great animals
try go from here? Since 2012, the business equation now instead support comes easier by under- who are the keystone of
TAA has awarded $20.7 million of something we do because we standing aftercare’s key role
to its accredited aftercare orga- believe it to be the right thing. It in the racing industry and the our sport.”
nizations. That is an impressive is not just the moral imperative TAA’s overarching function in
figure on its own, but Darby anymore, it is the moral and the aftercare realm. Jack Wolf
Dan Farm’s John Phillips, who business imperative.” “I think we are seeing contin- Managing partner,
has held the position of TAA The TAA is not only a fund- ued momentum in sustainable Starlight Racing
president in 2018 and again in ing mechanism, but gives the funding,” Phillips said. “Recog-
2020, thinks there’s more to the industry a united answer to nizing that it is a cost of busi-
number and that it could be on the common question of what ness necessary for our sport
the rise. happens to its retired athletes. to survive as opposed to an
“Sustainable funding is “Even when I came in six option.”

Canterbury Park &

the Minnesota HBPA

Proud to Celebrate
15 Years

of Per Start Retirement

Contributions in 2021!

And Commends Minnesota-based
This Old Horse on Their
Recent TAA Accreditation