Ken Freirich Donates “Once-in-a-Lifetime” Kentucky Derby Experience Auction Package to TCA and TAA to Help Raise Awareness for Thoroughbred Aftercare
LEXINGTON, Ky. – To help raise awareness and funds for Thoroughbred aftercare, Ken Freirich, racehorse owner and philanthropist, has generously donated an exclusive Kentucky Derby and Oaks Package to Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA). The package is being offered via an online auction through Friday, April 17 at 5 p.m. EST. Bidding is open and available here. The proceeds will be split evenly between the two non-profit organizations. The package includes: Behind-the-scenes barn visit with a top trainer on Kentucky Oaks Day; thanks to Freirich’s long-time partner, Terry Finley of West Point Thoroughbreds for coordinating this experience; Front row reserved outdoor table for four in the exclusive Woodford Reserve Paddock Club overlooking the Paddock/Runway on May 1 and 2; Exclusive Paddock access; Railside viewing of the races near the Finish Line on a private lawn; Luxury hospitality with curated food stations, premium open bar, all-day white glove concierge service, bourbon tasting experiences available by reservation and subject to availability, and private restrooms and wagering windows. “When I realized I would not be able to attend the Derby this year, I instantly knew what I wanted to do with my table in the Woodford Reserve Paddock Club; raise awareness and money for Thoroughbred aftercare,” said Freirich. “I am passionate about taking care of these amazing equine athletes after their racing careers and knew the leading aftercare organizations, TCA and TAA would be the perfect stewards of this donation and package.” “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is so grateful for this opportunity, we appreciate all Ken Freirich does for Thoroughbred aftercare and we look forward to the results of this auction,” said Stacie Clark Rogers operations consultant for TAA. “We are extremely grateful to Ken for his continued support of TCA and TAA and his unwavering commitment to aftercare,” said Erin Halliwell executive director of TCA. “This is an amazing package, and we are excited to be able to offer this incredible experience to the lucky high bidder.” “I experienced this package last year when my horse Sandman was in the Derby,” continued Freirich. “This is truly the dream and once-in-a-lifetime memory that you will have forever. You will have one of the best tables at Churchill Downs for the Oaks and Derby. Paddock access is priceless and the barn visit on Oaks Day will truly be magical. The most wonderful thing is your winning bid will support Thoroughbred aftercare, so bid generously,” said Freirich. Freirich is a race horse owner, retired CEO/entrepreneur, international philanthropist, and founder of a music group/record label (Random Acts of Kindness/Better World Records) focused on spreading kindness and making the world a better place. His new single “I Wish” featuring the African Children’s Choir has over 14 million views on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook over the past five weeks. He has made philanthropy and advising nonprofit leadership in the Thoroughbred industry, one of his top priorities. He is a board member of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) and recently made a first of its kind, multi-year leadership gift to Breeders’ Cup Charities to positively impact the industry’s culture of giving in the short and long term. It is this generosity, leadership, advocacy, and desire to affect change that led TCA to name him the 2025 Allaire du Pont Leadership Award winner. Last year, on the Thursday before the Derby, Freirich donated $100,000 to celebrate four aftercare organizations with a special check presentation in the winner’s circle. In addition to his philanthropic endeavors, Freirich has enjoyed great success in racing in recent years, having been a partner in 2022 Horse of the Year Flightline and 2022 Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Mo Donegal. He is currently a co-owner of the popular Grade 1 winner Sandman with a minority stake through West Point Thoroughbreds. About TCA. TCA’s mission is to fund and facilitate the support of Thoroughbreds and the people who care for them. TCA distributes grants to several categories of Thoroughbred-related nonprofits including rehabilitation, retraining, rehoming and retirement organizations; backstretch and farm employee programs; equine-assisted therapy programs; and research organizations. Since its inception in 1990, TCA has granted over $28 million to more than 200 charities. TCA also administers the Horses First Fund, founded by LNJ Foxwoods in 2016, to assist Thoroughbreds and their caretakers in need of emergency aid. TCA is the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA). More information can be found at TCA.org. About TAA. 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 its inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $40.74 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently, 86 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 175 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org.
America’s Best Racing to Host Pre-Preakness Party at Laurel Park During Historic Preakness Week
America’s Best Racing (ABR), the fan-development platform and national marketing initiative funded by The Jockey Club, today announced the return of its 11th annual Pre-Preakness Party on Thursday, May 14, at Laurel Park. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) and The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation have been named as the event’s primary charitable beneficiaries. The event will serve as a kickoff to the historic running of the 2026 Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park, the first time the race will be held at the venue while Pimlico Race Course undergoes construction. The Maryland Jockey Club (TMJC) will not only host the party but is also its presenting sponsor. As in past years, TAA will present a silent auction featuring premium racing memorabilia and collectibles, including signed items and halters from some of racing’s most recognizable stars. “Every ticket sold and every dollar raised at the Pre-Preakness Party makes a direct difference in the lives of off-the-track-Thoroughbreds,” said Georganne Hale, senior vice president of Racing Development of TMJC and vice president of TAA. “We’re grateful to ABR, the event organizers, and to everyone who’s going to attend. We’re proud to be part of this historic Preakness week at Laurel Park.” Fans interested in the auction may now pre-register here for updates on items and will be notified once the auction is live. Additionally, the evening will spotlight several other organizations that provide vital support to racing’s human and equine communities, including the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) and the Ed Brown Society. PDJF will offer fans an opportunity to meet riders during a special jockey autograph signing (donations encouraged). A number of recognizable racing personalities from across the sport are expected to attend. “This event has always been about creating an accessible space where fans can connect with other fans and mingle with their favorite jockeys, trainers, or anyone who’s involved in making this sport so special,” said Dan Tordjman, president of TJC Media Ventures / ABR. “Hosting the party at Laurel Park during this historic year for the Preakness adds another meaningful layer to the celebration. We’re grateful for our charity partners, and we’re excited to shine a bright light on their essential contributions to the industry.” The event will run from 6–9 p.m. ET in the Sports Book Lounge at Laurel Park. Tickets are priced at $50 online at bit.ly/ABRPartyTickets and $60 at the door. Advanced purchases are encouraged because tickets could sell out prior to the event date. Additional event details and programming updates will be announced in the coming weeks. About America’s Best Racing America’s Best Racing is a multimedia fan development and awareness-building platform, funded by The Jockey Club, designed to increase the profile and visibility of North America’s best Thoroughbred racing events and is the online destination for all things related to the sport. Through expert content, human and equine interest features, award-winning video content, livestream, second-screen productions, and wide-reaching influencer campaigns, America’s Best Racing introduces the love of horse racing to the next generation of fans, turning them into lifelong fans of the sport and lifestyle. For more information visit americasbestracing.net and follow ABR on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. About Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance 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 its inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $40.74 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently, 86 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 175 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org. About 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 $19 million in assistance. To learn more about The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation visit tjcfoundation.org. About the Ed Brown Society The Ed Brown Society is named after the noted African American horseman, Edward Dudley Brown from Lexington, who achieved great success as a jockey, trainer and owner from the latter 19th century through the time of his retirement in 1903. Brown, who won the 1870 Belmont Stakes aboard Kingfisher, trained Baden-Baden to win the 1877 Kentucky Derby and developed future Derby winners Ben Brush and Plaudit, was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 1984. For additional information about the Ed Brown Society, visit edbrownsociety.org. About the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) is an independent charitable organization that provides financial assistance to jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries. The PDJF was created in 2006 as a collaborative effort of leaders representing race tracks, jockeys, horsemen’s groups, and others within the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse industries. The PDJF provides much-needed financial support to permanently disabled jockeys who have given so much to the sport of horse racing. Currently, the PDJF supports 60 former riders who have suffered paralysis, brain injuries, or both. Since its founding, the PDJF has disbursed nearly $13.5 million dollars in aid.
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to Present Evening Jewel Stakes on Santa Anita Derby Day
LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be on-site this year at Santa Anita Park for the Santa Anita Derby on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will present the Evening Jewel Stakes. Following the race, the winning connections will receive a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance blanket and gift bag during a winner’s circle presentation.
The Astral Rascal
Laura Otten had previously owned an off-track Thoroughbred and always intended to return to riding and horse ownership.
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance On-Site at Florida Derby
LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be on-site at Gulfstream Park for the 75th running of the Curlin Florida Derby on Saturday, March 28, 20265. Known as “the biggest race day of the year in South Florida,” the Curlin Florida Derby is a Grade 1 Kentucky Derby prep-race.
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Honored with Race at Texas Champions Day
LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be on-site at Sam Houston Race Park on Saturday, March 21, 2026, for Texas Champions Day. This event aims to showcase Texas Thoroughbreds through a day of thrilling and competitive racing.
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announces Presence at Turfway Park for Jeff Ruby Steaks Day
LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present at Turfway Park for the Jeff Ruby Steaks on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Jeff Ruby Steaks Day is highlighted by the Jeff Ruby Steaks, a Grade III Kentucky Derby prep race.
NTRA Pledges to Match Horseplayer Contributions to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance During NHC Up to $5,000
LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has been announced as the Official Charity Partner of the NTRA National Horseplayers Championship (NHC). The event will take place at the Horseshoe Las Vegas Hotel and Casino from March 13-15, 2026. On Sunday, March 15, NTRA will present a check to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, matching horseplayer donations made throughout the week up to a maximum of $5,000.
The Importance of Racetrack Placement Programs for Retiring Thoroughbreds
Over the past several decades, many racetracks and horsemen’s organizations have recognized the growing need for structured placement programs to assist Thoroughbreds after their racing careers conclude. While such initiatives were virtually nonexistent in the 1980s and 1990s, today they play an essential role in the welfare and reputation of the sport.
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announces Presence at Tampa Bay Derby
LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present at Tampa Bay Downs on Saturday, March 7, 2026, for the Tampa Bay Derby. The organization’s presence underscores Tampa Bay Downs’ ongoing commitment to supporting accredited aftercare and promoting the welfare of Thoroughbreds beyond their racing careers.