According to the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and ESPN Sports Poll there are approximately 29 million people in the United States 18 years of age and older who identify themselves as fans of Thoroughbred racing. If you are reading this, you can include yourself in that number. Fans come from all walks of life and enjoy many different aspects of the racing game. Some of us bet and many more handicap for the shear joy of the mental stimulation. Eventually, when that stimuli is peeked it is a thrill to have the vehicle for betting. Some of us own, breed train or work with these fabulous creatures. Others of us just enjoy to look at them and imagine their souls. The fan is critical to Thoroughbred racing.

December 2007 a few people began discussions about the viability of a fan organization. Although some tracks have clubs, they are mostly for marketing. Research indicated that there was not a national, independent fan driven body.

The recent concern over the future of racing in New York has been deeply felt by the entire racing industry, including the fans. Also, the tragedies of Eight Belles has brought negative publicity, much of it growing out of the lack of public knowledge of our beloved sport. As, the Triple Crown of 2008 brought public enthusiasm, all regular fans took a deep breath and hoped for a safe trip for the 9 horses and jockeys in the Belmont gate. But, Big Brown and racing were not to have their day.

Sad as it was to hear the “boos” of the crowd jeering the “take down” of an athlete it opened the eyes and hearts of many more fans to the fact that the public needs racing education and that changes need to be made within the industry. The time is right for us to step up if racing is to survive. We can no longer put our money, time, energy, and enthusiasm on the line without having our collective voice heard.

As our organizational efforts advanced and our weekly meetings grew in size we were hosted by several venues including .
National Museum of Racing and the Saratoga Springs Library. The excitement and positive energy from every new fan, corporation, and organization that heard of our efforts constantly amazed and energized us.

As our non-profit papers and website development were in process, The New York Racing Association (NYRA) joined our efforts by offering an area at the track during the Saratoga summer meet stating the expectation that we could gather a potential 10,000 members by September. Then, the sponsors began to come.  We all went to work to be ready to bring this idea to you, the fan.

Membership fees will be kept low with benefits that satisfy members, needs. Thorofan will offer each fan:

a camaraderie with other fans through events, programs and meetings

an opportunity to improve understanding and appreciation for all aspects of the sport

special access to educational programs and materials that contribute to each fan’s enjoyment, skills and knowledge of the sport

a positive voice in the Thoroughbred racing industry

continuously growing membership benefits

a robust and interactive website that provides a bulletin page where fans can offer ideas and opinions.

After the summer, we will continue to develop the pilot project with all the New York venues. As the pilot becomes successful and we acquire our national non-profit status, we will grow a national membership and begin identifying pockets of interest around the country for the development of state chapters. This will give the fan a way to voice ideas locally and nationally.
 
This is a big undertaking. The fan is critical to Thoroughbred racing. With every new member our voice becomes stronger.

The time is right.