Breeders’ Cup Gives Back Through 40 Days Of Giving Challenge

September 21, 2023

Fundraising campaign offers donors and fans the chance to support industry charities en route to the 2023 Breeders’ Cup World Championships

Breeders’ Cup Press Release

LEXINGTON, Ky.― Breeders’ Cup Limited today announced the launch of 40 Days of Giving, a fundraising program that puts key Thoroughbred industry charities in the spotlight as the countdown continues to the 40th running of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships Nov. 3-4 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California.

Designed to raise funds for a variety of important causes within the Thoroughbred industry, Breeders’ Cup Charities’ 40 Days of Giving campaign highlights the vital work of nonprofits in the following areas: aftercare, jockey health and wellness, backstretch and industry workers, equine services, diversity and education, and research.

Throughout the program, designated charities and their selected donors – who will show support for each cause by offering a match of up to $1,000 on their dedicated day – will be featured at Breederscup.com/Giving. Funds raised on each of the beneficiaries’ dedicated days will go directly to the designated charity.

Breeders’ Cup will match up to $20,000 on the 40th day of the program, Oct. 30, with the intention of raising $40,000 in honor of the Breeders’ Cup’s 40th running. Funds raised on the 40th day will be distributed evenly to all 40 Days of Giving charities. The donation pages will remain open through the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. 

“Since our founding, Breeders’ Cup has worked to find innovative ways to give back to the industry,” said Drew Fleming, President and CEO of Breeders’ Cup Limited. “It couldn’t be more appropriate to celebrate our 40thrunning with this important initiative. We thank the donors who have stepped up to support this program and we look forward to the public joining in support of these vital industry charities.”

Donors scheduled to participate include Bob Babbage, Barbara Banke, Bluewater Sales, Brook Ledge, Brookside Nursery, Stuart Brown II DVM, Javier Castellano, CJ Thoroughbreds, Alan Cooper, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Double L Racing, Steve Duncker, Gainesway Farm, Tyler Gaffalione, Hallway Feeds, Lawrence Herring, Juan Hernandez, Fred Hertrich III, Hronis Racing, Lane’s End, Patrick Masson, Nathan McCauley, Old Smoke Clothing Co., Rancho Temescal, Stephen Reed DVM, Thomas Riddle DVM & Margaret Riddle, Gino Roncelli, Jaime Roth, Saratoga Spring Water, Mike Smith, Spendthrift Farm, Sterling Thompson Equine Insurance, John Velazquez, Elliott & Rebecca Walden, West Point Thoroughbreds, and WinStar Farm.   

For official guidelines and to donate, visit http://www.breederscup.com/Giving

From its ground-breaking debut of multi-million-dollar races in 1984 to record-setting triumphs in the modern era, the rich heritage of the Breeders’ Cup is woven into horse racing’s history. The 40th running campaign, marked by the slogan “It Runs Deep,” highlights 39 years of international competition and resulting champions via innovative fan and participant engagement opportunities across multiple platforms and on-site at Santa Anita Park. For more information, fans can visit BreedersCup.com/40.

40 Days of Giving Selected Charity Partners

California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation

The California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation (“CTHF”) is a 501c-3 registered charitable trust. Since 1984, CTHF has provided for the healthcare needs of backstretch workers, and their families, at California racetracks and training centers, with on-site clinics, offering primary healthcare at most venues. Our mission is “to improve the quality of lives for backstretch workers.”  We accomplish this, not only through our healthcare programs, but by offering and/or financially supporting programs and activities to better balance the lives of these hard-working individuals. www.cthfcares.org

Ed Brown Society 

The mission of the Ed Brown Society (EBS) is to celebrate the rich history of African-Americans in the equine industry and to create opportunities for young people of color to gain industry exposure, training and experience. EBS offers scholarships and internships to students who demonstrate interest, skills and commitment to become trainers, farm managers, equine veterinarians, bloodstock agents and business professionals in all aspects of the thoroughbred industry. www.Edbrownsociety.org 

Edwin J. Gregson Foundation 

The Edwin J. Gregson Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established to develop programs to benefit and enhance the quality of life of California thoroughbred horse racing’s backstretch workers and their family members. Named in memory of veteran trainer Edwin J. Gregson, who was the initial driving force in its establishment, the Foundation has been in existence since 2000. The major focus of the Foundation is to provide scholarship grants to college-bound individuals, as well as supports other important programs for backstretch workers, such as English as a Second Language and literacy classes, and recreation, sports, and social activities. For more information visit www.gregsonfoundation.com  or follow on X @calgregson.

The Foundation for the Horse

For 29 years, providing care and compassion through Veterinary Scholarships, Equine Research, Disaster Relief, and Equitarian Projects. The Foundation seeks a world in which every horse, everywhere, has a healthy and productive life. www.foundationforthehorse.org  

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation is traditionally the nation’s leading source of private funding for equine medical research that benefits all breeds of horses. Since 1940, the foundation has provided more than $40 million to fund more than 426 projects at 45 universities in North America and overseas. Additional information about the foundation is available at grayson-jockeyclub.org.

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame 

Established in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., in 1950, the mission of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is to preserve and promote the history of Thoroughbred racing in America and honor the sport’s most accomplished participants in the Official National Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame. www.racingmuseum.org

Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund

The PDJF is a 501(c)(3) charity providing financial assistance to approximately 60 former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries. Founded in 2006, the PDJF has disbursed over $13 million dollars to permanently disabled jockeys, most of whom have sustained paralysis or traumatic brain injuries. The Fund is a cooperative effort among racetracks, jockeys, horsemen, owners, and racing fans. Visit www.pdjf.org for further information.

Race Track Chaplaincy of America

From the backside to the boardroom, the Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA) exponentially improves the lives of the 400,000+ individuals of the horse racing industry through the love of Christ.  As an evangelical Christian ministry, RTCA Chaplains, Councils, and volunteers accomplish this vision by teaching, preaching, and meeting the spiritual, emotional, physical, social, and educational needs of everyone involved in horse racing.  For more information about RTCA, go to www.rtcanational.org.

The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation

The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation is a charitable trust that provides, on a confidential basis, financial relief to needy members of the Thoroughbred industry and their families. Recipients of the Safety Net Foundation’s support represent virtually every facet of the Thoroughbred industry, from jockeys, trainers, exercise riders, and grooms to office personnel and other employees of racetracks, racing organizations, and breeding farms. Assistance can come in any number of forms, including financial aid for basic living expenses such as rent and household bills, and for medication, surgical, and hospital costs. Since 1985, The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation has provided more than $16 million in assistance. www.tjcfoundation.org

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance & CARMA

Based in Lexington, KY, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $28.1 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 81 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org.

CARMA (California Retirement Management Account) is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to assisting Thoroughbred rehabilitation and retirement organizations. CARMA provides essential support to ensure the care and retraining of racehorses who have concluded their careers in California. By managing and disbursing funds to qualified retirement facilities, CARMA enables retired racehorses to enjoy fulfilling second careers and secure futures.

Winners Foundation

Winners Foundation is an employee assistance program (EAP) serving the California horse racing industry. An employee assistance program helps employees with personal problems that may impact their job performance, health, and mental and emotional well-being. We provide a variety of services for all employees licensed with the California Horse Racing Board and any family members of the licensee. Our team is dedicated to assuring that each employee and/or family member is comfortable and safe. We are bound by strict confidentiality guidelines in providing services. www.winnersfoundation.org

@PastTheWire Thank you for that article. I was 11yrs old watching race on TV & remember it like yesterday.Great article #GreatHorse #Ruffian

Ed Cofiño (@ItsmeEddieC) View testimonials

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