The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) has announced that James G. "Jimmy" Bell, president and racing manager of Darley America, has been elected as president of the organization.

Bell succeeds TAA founder Jack Wolf, managing partner of Starlight Stables, who is stepping down from the leadership role but will remain an active board member.

"I think that it is important that our organization gets fresh leadership going forward," said Wolf. "Jimmy has been very instrumental in the success of the TAA and his knowledge, experience, and commitment to aftercare make him the ideal person to fill this role. As I step down, I want to thank all of our industry leaders for making the TAA the success that it is and ask for continued support in the years to come."

Started in 2012, the TAA was launched by Wolf with initial seed funding from The Jockey Club, Breeders’ Cup, and Keeneland Association. The organization’s goal is to unite those who work with and on behalf of Thoroughbred racehorses to raise funds for their responsible retirement once their careers are over, and to set uniform standards by which to accredit aftercare facilities eligible for such funding