Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance names new board members

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, an accrediting and fundraising body for aftercare facilities, has named four new members to its board of directors.

Joining the board will be Jimmy Bell, president of Darley America; Craig Bernick, president and CEO of Glen Hill Farm; Bob Elliston, chief operating officer of Breeders Cup Ltd.; and Rachel Kukulewich, national manager of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society.

They will join existing directors Madeline Auerbach, Diana Baker, Stacie Clark, Erin Crady, Anna Ford, Matt Iuliano, Reiley McDonald, Mike Meuser, Sharyn Neble, Bryan Sullivan, Bill Thomason, Rick Violette and Jack Wolf on the TAA Board.

“The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is extremely fortunate to have such an accomplished and diverse group willing to donate their time on behalf of our retired Thoroughbred athletes,” said TAA Executive Director Mike Ziegler. “The expertise and passion of Rachel, Jimmy, Craig and Bob will add to that group significantly as we strive to improve the welfare of retired Thoroughbreds across North America.”

The TAA Board of Directors is currently accepting and reviewing applications from eligible Thoroughbred aftercare organizations for TAA accreditation. Passing the TAA’s on-site accreditation inspection will make a facility eligible to receive financial support for the ongoing care of retired Thoroughbreds.

Applications for accreditation must be submitted by June 1 for organizations to be eligible for consideration for grants in 2013 and 2014. The complete TAA Code of Standards for aftercare facilities and the accreditation application are available here.