With the majority of registration applications recently mailed to breeders of 2009 live foals, The Jockey Club reminds owners and breeders that they can contribute to the post-racing care of Thoroughbreds through a voluntary checkoff program that benefits Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF).

The Jockey Club is providing $200,000 in funding to the charities to supplement the monies raised through the checkoff program in 2009.

Owners and breeders can participate in the retirement checkoff program when completing the Application for Foal Registration either through Interactive RegistrationTM (registry.jockeyclub.com) or in hardcopy form.

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’s checkoff program are directed specifically to TCA’s Thoroughbred re-training and adoption initiatives.

Founded in 1983, the TRF is dedicated to providing humane retirement options for Thoroughbreds at the end of their racing careers, and it operates vocational training in equine care for inmates at nine correctional facilities around the country. Funds from The Jockey Club’s checkoff program are designated specifically for the TRF’s vocational training at correctional facilities.

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

“We strongly encourage all owners and breeders to participate in the checkoff in order to assist Thoroughbred Charities of America and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation as they re-train and find suitable homes for Thoroughbred racehorses who have retired from racing,” said Matt Iuliano, The Jockey Club’s vice president of registration services.

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 jockeyclub.com.