Breeders' Cup expands its charities program with $100,000 pledge

Breeders’ Cup Ltd. has significantly enhanced its Breeders’ Cup Charities initiative dedicated to generating meaningful, lasting support for key industry charities and the broader Thoroughbred racing community. Led by an annual donation of all royalties received on Breeders’ Cup merchandise sales, a number of new initiatives will increase overall fundraising efforts and ensure the continued success and growth of Breeders’ Cup Charities.

For 2025, Breeders’ Cup Charities will support multiple established charities, including but not limited to,the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, and the Race Track Chaplaincy of America.

“This enhancement is just the beginning of a renewed commitment to generate meaningful, sustainable funding for critical causes within our industry,” said Drew Fleming, President & CEO of Breeders’ Cup. “Through Breeders’ Cup Charities and with the support of our partners, fans, and community, we can create positive, lasting change that benefits our sport for generations to come.”

A generous pledge from Ken Freirich, racehorse owner, philanthropist, songwriter, retired entrepreneur and CEO, will kick off the Breeders' Cup's annual day of giving, which this year will be held next Wednesday. Freirich, who is also a co-owner of popular Grade 1 winner Sandman, will match up to $100,000 for donations raised on this year’s annual day of giving.

Freirich’s commitment to Thoroughbred racing has led to his continued support of many key industry causes, including a recent $100,000 donation to four Thoroughbred aftercare organizations on the Thursday before the Kentucky Derby.

Freirich started his relationship with the Breeders’ Cup in 2023 with a $20,000 pledge, match and donation to Breeders’ Cup Charities’ initiative that year, 40 Days of Giving. The collaboration resulted in a $120,000 check presentation in the winner’s circle at the world championships.

“I am excited to continue the partnership with Breeders Cup and thrilled that they are expanding their philanthropic commitment to a diverse array of deserving organizations through Breeders’ Cup Charities,” Freirich said. “It is critical that we recognize and support the real ‘Rock Stars’ of the industry: the grooms, hot walkers, jockeys, trainers, and everyone who takes care of these amazing equine athletes both during and after their racing careers, as well as the research organizations that help the industry  continue to improve and evolve. I hope that my match donation will ignite a philanthropic spark across the world to support these wonderfully important charities.”

Fans and supporters are encouraged to participate in the annual day of giving by visiting Breederscup.com/charities or by calling 859-514-9428 to make a contribution on July 23 and show their support of the incredible industry causes supported by Breeders’ Cup Charities.  

Beyond merchandise revenue donation and the annual day of giving, the racing community and fans will have multiple ways to support Breeders’ Cup Charities throughout the year. A donation option will be available at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships ticket purchase checkout process, allowing ticket buyers to make contributions to Breeders’ Cup Charities. Attendees at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships will have the opportunity to support Breeders’ Cup Charities through a percentage of the sales from the official cocktails served onsite. Additionally, there will be an option to round up at merchandise checkout. During the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, there will be text-to-donate platforms, along with a post-event online auction of Thoroughbred racing memorabilia. Owners of World Championships contenders are also given the option to dedicate a percentage of purse earnings to Breeders’ Cup Charities.

Founded in 2008, Breeders’ Cup Charities serves as the official outreach program of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Beginning this year, Breeders’ Cup Limited will contribute a significantly increased amount annually to support its mission across five core pillars: Thoroughbred aftercare, jockey health and wellness, backstretch and industry workers, equine research, and other impactful community initiatives.