charity

A portion of any purse money earned in the May 4 GI Kentucky Derby by Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), winner of the GI Blue Grass S. and expected to be one of the favorites for the American Classic, will benefit the Backside Learning Center (BLC)'s initiative "Purses for a Purpose." In addition, should the 'TDN Rising Star' win the Derby, co-owner Brook Smith has promised an additional $100,000 to the BLC. Smith, who recently joined the TDN Writers' Room, is a Louisville resident and long-time supporter of the BLC, which...

Horseshoe Indianapolis will distribute $32,815.10 to the Especially Kidz organization--which focuses on the care of physically challenged kids and young adults with 24-hour skilled nursing care--via funds from a special option utilized by guests on the casino floor, the track announced in a press release Monday. The NRT Technology kiosks provide an option for guests, when cashing out, to earmark any winnings to charity and Especially Kids was included as one of the recipients for the charitable giving option in 2023. A group of Horseshoe Indianapolis team members stopped by...

Sean Berns, Sarah Pepper and Larry Mulvany are the recipients of the Gerry Dilger Equine Foundation Kentucky Experience scholarship, which places the winners on Kentucky farms for a period of one year beginning in January 2024. Like the late and beloved Dilger, Berns graduated from the prestigious Irish National Stud and will be placed in Kentucky at Springhouse Farm. Though not originally from a horse background, Berns has studied equine business at Maynooth College and has worked at Derrinstown Stud and Coolmore in Ireland and at Newgate Stud in Australia....

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will host its second annual Holiday Giving Campaign beginning Nov. 28 and running through Dec. 31. The 2023 campaign, designed to increase awareness for accredited Thoroughbred aftercare and to raise funds for the accredited organizations responsible for ensuring a quality life for equine athletes after their racing careers, is set to follow the success of last year's inaugural campaign which raised over $180,000. "Our Thoroughbred horses provide us with so much, and each donation to the campaign goes a long way in supporting a network of...

This is the first in a new TDN series on people in the Thoroughbred industry who have a passion for a non-industry charity. Want to recommend someone for the series? Email [email protected] or [email protected].  Dr. Scott Pierce has a lot to be proud of and even more to look forward to. The Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital partner and owner of Omega Farm is the breeder of MGISW Country Grammer (Tonalist), who is set to join the WinStar stallion roster this coming year. But if you caught Dr. Pierce bragging...

For the fourth consecutive year, Au-Dela Des Pistes hosted its fundraiser 'Arc Promise' during the weekend of the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Supported by France Galop, the fundraising effort drew almost €45,000 in donations for Au-Delà Des Pistes, which finances the convalescence and retraining of retired racehorses, while seeking to promote the versatility of the Thoroughbred. The funds were generated by donations from the connections over Arc weekend, including Aga Khan Studs, Al Shaqab Racing, Godolphin, Wertheimer et Frère, Juddmonte, Arqana, Coolmore, l'Association des Entraineurs de Galop, Haras...

With October well-known as the month for Breast Cancer awareness, this year Arqana will partner with the François Baclesse Center, inviting all vendors/consigners to participate in a charitable challenge throughout the October Yearling Sale. Arqana will organize its own version of the 'Pink Walk' beginning Monday, Oct. 16 and continue through Friday, Oct. 20. A limited edition of the Arqana cap will also be available for purchase (boutique, customer service and restaurant) at the price of 15€. All proceeds will be donated to the François Baclesse Center. For more information,...

Canter for a Cause, back for the third straight year after the 2020 cancellation, will return to Pimlico Race Course Sunday, Oct. 29. Sponsored by the Maryland Jockey Club, the organization allows the public the chance to walk, trot, canter or gallop their favorite horse or pony over the same oval which has hosted esteemed runners like Seabiscuit, Secretariat, War Admiral and recent Triple Crown champions American Pharoah and Justify. More than 270 riders participated last fall, one of the most successful events. Registration is $65 per trip, with proceeds...

President of Jockeys and Jeans Barry Pearl has officially retired. The 76-year-old headed the annual event that has raised $3.1 million for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund in their nine-year history. A former jockey, Pearl later became the track photographer at Penn National Racetrack and then a top salesperson for West Publishing. He retired in 2009 and moved to Juno Beach Florida with his wife Dee. Hall of Fame Jockey Sandy Hawley, who along with his wife Karou, oversaw relationships with Hall of Fame Jockeys has also resigned. Each year...

As the official charity partner for the 52nd annual Eclipse Awards, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) was commemorated throughout the awards celebration and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association concluded the evening by announcing a $10,000 donation to the TAA. "The work and mission of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is vital to the growth and success of our industry," said NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney. "NTRA is grateful for the care and due diligence provided by the TAA each and every day to support our retired racehorses and we encourage...

Horseshoe Indianapolis made a delivery to Helping Veterans and Families of Indiana (HVAF) Friday, Dec. 16 from the special Veteran's Day event held during live racing. A Veteran's Day Challenge Handicapping Contest was held featuring 11 top handicappers from across the nation who placed wagers on the Pick 5. A total of $1,517.50 was raised through the promotion along with the delivery of 210 pounds of peanut butter collected by the jockeys at Horseshoe Indianapolis; peanut butter being one of the two most request items at the pantry alongside canned...

'Hats and halters,' an online auction in which racing fans will have an opportunity to bid on and win halters and hats of this year's GI Breeders' Cup Classic entrants, will raise funds for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) and The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation. The fundraiser opened Oct. 25 and runs through Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. ET. The auction winner of each halter gets a meet and greet with the horse by January 2023, and if they select the halter of the Classic winner, they receive...