By Bill Heller
The Ferdinand Fee, a voluntary donation program initiated late last year by the New York Thoroughbred Breeder's, Inc. and New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association to assist Thoroughbred horse rescue and retraining organizations throughout the country, is officially under way.
The Ferdinand Fee was named to honor the 1986 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner and 1987 Horse of the Year believed to have been slaughtered in Japan, in 2002. Revenue from The Ferdinand Fee will be split by Thoroughbred Charities of America and Blue Horse Charities, which annually distribute money to legitimate rescue/retraining operations around the country.
“It's now important that other racing jurisdictions and national associations follow New York's example,” Blue Horse Charities founder John Hettinger said on February 15, 2006.
The New York Thoroughbred Breeders allowed it's 1,000-plus members to participate by checking a box with their annual membership renewal for 2006. Through January renewals alone, $990 was raised. The breeders sent checks to Thoroughbred Charities of America and Blue Horse Charities earlier this month.
The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association allows owners to participate by checking a box for a donation every time one of their horses starts in a race. NYTHA President Richard Bomze said more than 250 owners have contributed already.
Reprinted with permission from Thoroughbred Times