Breeders’ Cup
40 Days Of Giving Challenge
Record label’s artist Random Acts of Kindness will make donation to celebrate new hit single “Free to Roam” if Breeders’ Cup Charities hits target on 40th day of fundraising campaign
Breeders’ Cup Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. ― Breeders’ Cup Limited today announced a generous pledge from Better World Records in conjunction with 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.
Founded by Thoroughbred owner, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and songwriter/executive producer Ken Freirich, Better World Records will make a $20,000 donation to Breeders’ Cup Charities if the 40th Day $20,000 match goal is met during the final stage of the program. Breeders’ Cup Limited has pledged to match up to $20,000 of funds raised on the 40th day which, in conjunction with Mr. Freirich’s donation, could see $60,000 being raised on the final day alone.
Breeders’ Cup Charities’ 40 Days of Giving campaign highlights the vital work of Thoroughbred industry nonprofits in the following areas: aftercare, jockey health and wellness, backstretch and industry workers, equine services, diversity and education, and research. The synergy between 40 Days of Giving and Better World Records highlights Freirich’s strong philanthropic calling. A longtime drummer, he is also the founder of Random Acts of Kindness, a music artist and collective that believes in having a positive impact on the world through meaningful lyrics, kindness, and philanthropy.
“Breeders’ Cup Charities is so thankful to Mr. Freirich and Better World Records for supporting 40 Days of Giving with such generosity,” said Stefanie Palmieri, Vice President of Events at Breeders’ Cup Limited. “The outpouring of support for these vital industry charities has been inspirational thus far, and we’re looking forward to raising additional awareness and support as we head toward the finish line at the World Championships.”
The $20,000 match donation from Better World Records on behalf of Random Acts of Kindness celebrates the new single “Free to Roam,” a top 20 Billboard AC hit.
Written by Freirich, “Free to Roam” is a song about liberation, freedom, self-expression, and empowerment. It is about breaking free from the chains of a challenging life situation, overcoming adversity, following your dreams and passions, and living life to its fullest on your own terms. The music video for the song was filmed and cast in Los Angeles, featuring individuals who overcame their challenges, went through transformative life experiences, and became Free to Roam.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Freirich is an investor in Thoroughbred racehorses and in 2022 had the honor of being a partner through West Point Thoroughbreds in Flightline, winner of the 2022 Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). The undefeated colt went on to be named the World’s Best Racehorse for 2022 and Horse of the Year and Champion Older Dirt Male in the United States.
“I am thrilled to partner with the Breeders Cup to support their charitable mission on this wonderful occasion, the 40th Running of the Breeders Cup,” said Freirich, founder and CEO of Better World Records. “I really was moved by the 40 Days of Giving program and hope to inspire others to give to these very deserving Thoroughbred industry nonprofits. Thoroughbreds, philanthropy, and music are all so close to my heart, it is truly a joy to make a charitable impact while celebrating our new hit single, Free to Roam, which is now topping the charts.”
Throughout the 40 Days of Giving program, designated charities and their selected donors – who show support for each cause by offering a match of up to $1,000 on their dedicated day – are featured atBreederscup.com/Giving. Funds raised on each of the beneficiaries’ dedicated days go directly to the designated charity. 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.
A check presentation celebrating funds raised during the 40 Days of Giving campaign will be made Nov. 4 to designated charity representatives in the winner’s circle at Santa Anita Park, including the $20,000 match presented by a representative from Better World Records.
Donors participating in 40 Days of Giving 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, Little Red Feather Cares, Patrick Masson, Nathan McCauley, Old Smoke Clothing Co., Rancho Temescal, Santa Anita Park, Flavien Prat, 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
