Breeders' Cup announced July 15 a significantly enhanced 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.
Beginning this year, Breeders' Cup will contribute a significantly increased amount annually to support its mission across five core pillars: (i) Thoroughbred aftercare, (ii) jockey health and wellness, (iii) backstretch and industry workers, (iv) equine research, and (v) other impactful community initiatives. Breeders' Cup Charities will also conduct an Annual Day of Giving on July 23—exactly 100 days before the Breeders' Cup World Championships.
For 2025, Breeders' Cup Charities will proudly support multiple established charities, including 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, Breeders' Cup president and CEO. "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 Annual Day of Giving. Freirich, who is also a co-owner of the 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.
Other options are available for fans to donate throughout the year. A donation option will be available at the Breeders' Cup 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, text-to-donate platforms will be available, along with a post-event online auction of Thoroughbred racing memorabilia. Owners of Breeders' Cup contenders are also given the option to dedicate a percentage of purse earnings to Breeders' Cup Charities.
