U.S. Racing Industry Must Prioritize Funding for Thoroughbred Aftercare Programs
The U.S. Thoroughbred racing industry is facing renewed calls to take meaningful action on sustainable, consistent funding for aftercare. With thousands of horses retiring annually, the need for structured support has never been clearer.
In a recent Thoroughbred Racing Commentary article, Maggie Sweet, Executive Director of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), underscored the importance of building long-term financial stability for aftercare organizations:
“There needs to be a sustainable source of income,” Sweet said. “Every aftercare organization needs to know before they do their budgeting, ‘You are going to receive this much money. You are going to receive this amount next year as long as you are accredited.’”
Sweet also shared the financial reality of aftercare, noting that the average cost to care for a TRF horse is $2,500 per year—a number she hopes the industry will one day be able to double.
“I don’t think you should scrimp and save on a horse just because he can no longer perform for you,” she said. “They’re here because of us, so it’s our responsibility to treat them with dignity.”
She also challenged the industry’s current spending habits:
“Looking at it from a different perspective now, it’s somewhat of an absurd amount of money spent on unraced horses,” Sweet said. “You just need to take a tiny bit of it and, if you invest it properly, it can generate its own wealth. It just seems like there’s got to be a better way to fund all of this than chasing the individual.”
Anita Motion, TRF Board Member and lifelong advocate for Thoroughbred aftercare, echoed those concerns:
“These animals live until they’re 30 or more,” she noted. “It’s becoming a huge issue because people are weary of raising money or donating money. Depending on the economy, it can become harder and harder to raise money, and there are multiple organizations going after the same thing. You have to get more and more creative to get people to put their hands in their pockets.”
At the TRF, we believe these conversations are not just timely—they’re critical. We strongly support the call for a national, transparent funding model and urge every sector of the industry—racetracks, breeders, owners, and fans—to work together in prioritizing aftercare.
The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation remains fully committed to its mission of dignified lifetime care for retired racehorses and welcomes all who wish to be part of a more sustainable, compassionate future.