The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) has formed the National Equine Veterinary Alliance, which consists of professionals who have agreed to provide pro bono veterinary care to Thoroughbred ex-racehorses located at nonprofit organizations that have been registered with–and approved by–the TRF.

The issue of Thoroughbred retirement remains a major area of concern to racing supporters and the industry’s inability to get a handle on it receives a frequent stream of sharp criticism from the public. The Alliance’s mission is to promote a beneficial and cooperative outreach program to the rescue/adoption organizations providing aftercare to these deserving ex-racehorses.

"Rescue and adoption organizations are doing all that they can but are strictly limited in most cases to private monetary donations and the goodwill of local veterinarians and vendors," said Patricia Hogan, VMD, of Cream Ridge, N.J., a TRF board member and chairman of its Veterinary Liaison Committee. "The TRF would like to bring some structure and organization to this problem, provide an avenue for veterinary assistance for these organizations, and at the same time shine a positive light on the veterinary professionals already working hard to help transition these horses."

Hogan is a renowned equine orthopedic surgeon who has cared for some of the top racehorses in the country, including Smarty Jones