"Why did we form the fund and why now? Here’s our take - we can evaluate and analyze the horse retirement situation this country until the cows come home, but the bottom line is that individual owners have to step up and take the vast majority of the responsibility for the retirement of horses that carry their colors. In a fragmented industry, I don’t see this issue being solved on a national basis any time soon, but that doesn’t diminish owners’ responsibility to their equine athletes."

"The leaders of Thoroughbred racing finally may be getting the message. What has been shouted from the rooftops for the last two decades by impassioned individuals and private rescue and retirement organizations is now manifested in what is being called the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, a coming together of nearly every major racing group in an effort to address the need to provide for horses after their racing and breeding days are past."

George Morris: "Somehow, we need to tap into the thousands of Thoroughbred breeders in the United States and show them that there is big money to be made beyond racing."

"The task force recommends that all New York racetracks and Resorts World Casino New York City at Aqueduct give one-half of 1% of VLT commissions to retirement efforts. Based on 2010 commissions and projections at the Aqueduct VLT casino, the percentage could produce more than $3.1 million a year, the task force report said. In addition, the group calls for all racetracks and horsemen in the state to contribute one-half of 1% of purses, which would generate another $1.1 million based on 2010 levels. Other sources would bring the total to more than $5 million a year." (Link with Retired Racehorse post on connecting with sport horse enthusiasts.)