Three $100,000 Claims Join Backside Funding Program

Longtime Backside Learning Center supporter, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and owner of RSLP Racing, Brook Smith made big news June 19 at Churchill Downs when he claimed three horses in one race—a maiden $100,000 claiming race. All three horses, Just Call Ray, Versatile, and Braggadocio (FR), will be trained by Jeff Hiles. Then he and BLC made a little more news June 22 in announcing the horses will also be enrolled in the BLC's "Purses for a Purpose" program, whereby a percentage of a horse's winnings, as designated by its owner, is donated to support the non-profit organization's mission to build community and enrich the lives of backside workers and families. The BLC calls its organization the only one of its kind in the country. The BLC is based at Churchill Downs, serving equine workers and their families throughout the Louisville area and Kentucky. The organization provides comprehensive educational programming and social services to this important community that serves as the backbone for Kentucky's Thoroughbred industry, which generates over $1 billion in labor income annually in the state. Smith proposed the concept "Purses for a Purpose" to the BLC about three years ago as a mechanism for owners and trainers to directly support the important work of the organization. "When launching RSLP Racing, beyond the excitement of doing things a bit differently—making a splash—thoughts immediately went to supporting those that make horse racing possible, the backside. RSLP will give 4% of the purses of its runners to support the Backside Learning Center. At present, there are eight RSLP horses and growing. It's time we all contribute to those who are making the industry great," said Smith. "We are so fortunate to have Brook in our corner. Since we met him about five years ago, he has brought some incredibly innovative and strategic ideas to us with the goal of helping us build sustainability. He has always recognized the critical role of this organization, which plays a key role in the success of the entire industry by supporting those who work behind the scenes, and are its true unsung heroes," stated Sherry Stanley, executive director of BLC. More information on how to become involved with Purses for a Purpose is available on the BLC website. TVG previously produced a segment on the program.