Fasig-Tipton Establishes Blue Horse Charities

Beginning with its July sale, Fasig-Tipton Company will offer consignors the opportunity to contribute to organizations benefiting retired racehorses through its Blue Horse Charities. The sales company will match those funds, then distribute money to existing organizations through a board of directors.

Walt Robertson, Boyd Browning, and Terence Collier announced Thursday the creation of the 501(C)(3) foundation Blue Horse Charities. Fasig-Tipton will enable consignors to designate one quarter of one percent of their proceeds from a sale to the foundation, and will match that amount. Browning said no consignor will be required to donate, nor will they be solicited. A check-off option will be available to buyers.

"It's time to do something for the horse," Robertson said.

"We're not trying to fill the role of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation or ReRun (for example)," Browning said. "We're just trying to assist those agencies."

Robertson said the option would be available for the first time in July. As of yet no directors have been named to the foundation, but plans for current Fasig-Tipton directors and outside members to participate are in place. Robertson said a board would be complete by July.

Apparently some of the greatest champions of the plan are members of Fasig-Tipton's board (who are also consignors) and $50,000 has already been donated by them.

Collier said increased awareness of limited funds and options for retired racehorses contributed to establishing Blue Horse Charities.

Browning said Fasig-Tipton has and will continue to support other similar efforts by the NTRA, Thoroughbred Charities of America, and similar groups. Blue Horse Charities will simply give more help to address an ongoing concern.