The Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA), Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, and Churchill Downs in Louisville have joined in a unique partnership designed to generate funds for the work of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), the nonprofit organization that serves as both an accrediting body for facilities that care for Thoroughbreds at the conclusion of their racing careers and a fundraising engine to support aftercare facilities approved by the alliance.

A partnership agreement signed by leaders of the three organizations calls for Kentucky HBPA member owners to contribute $5 to the TAA for each of their horses that start in races at the two tracks. Churchill Downs and Keeneland would then match each contribution generated in their respective races. The owner contribution and matching racetrack donations will begin on the opening day of each track’s spring racing sessions.

Keeneland is set to open its 15-day spring meet on April 3, while Churchill Downs’ 38-day spring meet is set to begin on April 25.

Participation in the partnership by Thoroughbred owners is voluntary. Owners who wish to opt-out of the TAA funding partnership can do so by contacting the tracks’ horseman’s bookkeepers