Minnesota Passes Law Earmarking Funds For Thoroughbred Aftercare

A new law in Minnesota which sets aside funds to Thoroughbred aftercare took effect on July 1, 2022, reports ktsp.com. The funding stems from a $500,000 tax surplus after wagering on racing boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Minnesota Racing Commission will be responsible for disbursing the funds to support racehorse adoption, retirement, and repurposing.

“Each horse will generate close to $250,000 in economic impact to the state,” Joe Scurto, president of the Minnesota Racehorse Engagement Project, told KTSP. “So when you're talking about maybe 50-75 Thoroughbreds coming off the racetrack each year and the 22,000 Thoroughbreds that are already in the state … it's a large, large number.”