Claiming Assessment Helps Beyond The Wire Cover Rising Costs

The 1.5% assessment on claims at Maryland racetracks enacted earlier this year to support the Beyond The Wire program was discussed during an Oct. 27 meeting of Mid-Atlantic region aftercare representatives who shared ideas on funding and other issues.

The assessment is used to cover the expense of shipping horses to partner retirement facilities, surgeries, and for their care while they reside at Thoroughbred Aftercare Association-accredited retraining and rehabilitation facilities. The average cost to put a horse through the program has increased to about $3,600, and the $16 per-start charge paid by owners barely covers shipping in most cases.