The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) has named Nat T. Messer IV, DVM, ABVP, and Christopher Scherf to its board of directors.

"Nat Messer and Chris Scherf have been elected to serve on our board, as their commitment to the plight of retired Thoroughbred racehorses is unquestioned," said John C. Moore, TRF chairman and president, in a release. "Both gentlemen are quite familiar with the problem of the unwanted horse, and their ideas and suggestions will certainly resonate with those of our existing board members."

Messer is a consultant to the University of Missouri's department of veterinary medicine and surgery, where he served as the equine center director for seven years and as a professor from 2008-12. He is a recipient of the distinguished service award (2001) and was named a distinguished life member (2012) of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).

Scherf, a well-known figure in the racing industry, is the executive vice-president of Thoroughbred Racing Associations (TRA) of North America, which represents member racetracks in regulatory, legislative, and other industry matters. In 1990, the TRA formed Equibase with The Jockey Club, thereby creating an industry-owned database of racing information that enabled the unfettered growth of full-card simulcasting