The American Association of Equine Practitioners and its members have contributed $100,000 to assist this spring’s launching of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA). The contribution consists of $25,000 from the AAEP and $75,000 donated from the organization’s 5,000 international members. In addition to the start-up funding, the AAEP is working with the NTRA in an effort to arrive at an annual fee structure for AAEP members, who will only benefit directly from the NTRA through the joint purchasing component that is part of the business plan.

“Through attracting new fans and wagering revenue, the NTRA holds the promise of creating a healthier economy for Thoroughbred racing and for the many veterinarians within the AAEP whose practices are dedicated to the Thoroughbred breed,” said AAEP president Gary Norwood, DVM.

NTRA interim CEO D. G. Van Clief Jr. said the AAEP contribution symbolizes the broad base of support for the program. “To have the AAEP express its commitment to our mission in such a notable way is symbolic of the unified sense of purpose the NTRA has built throughout the year,” Van Clief said