A generous $100K match from Ken Freirich will kick off Breeders' Cup Charities' Annual Day of Giving, doubling donations received on July 23 up to $100K. The fundraising program puts key Thoroughbred industry charities in the spotlight 100 days out from the Breeders' Cup World Championships Oct. 31-Nov. 1 at Del Mar.
Fans and supporters are encouraged to participate in the Annual Day of Giving Wednesday by visiting BreedersCup.com/Giving, by texting BCWC to +1 (855)-800-4975, or by calling 859-514-9428 (9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET) to make a contribution and show support of the incredible industry causes that will benefit from Breeders' Cup Charities.
Freirich, a racehorse owner, philanthropist, retired entrepreneur, and CEO who will match up to $100,000 for donations raised on this year's Annual Day of Giving, believes strongly in making the world a better place and doing regular random acts of kindness. He believes one kind act can change the world and inspire others to do the same. He is also a songwriter, drummer, and has a record label called Better World Records and a music group called Random Acts of Kindness.
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 as a West Point Thoroughbreds partner and is a named partner through West Point Thoroughbreds in the hot 2-year-colt Ewing. His 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, celebrating his Billboard AC Top 20 hit Free to Roam 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 thrilled to continue the partnership with Breeders Cup and play a key role in the expansion of their philanthropic commitment to such deserving organizations starting with the Annual Day of Giving and continuing throughout the year. This match is just my initial contribution to Breeders' Cup Charities—more will follow," said Freirich. "I believe that owners, fans, and all constituents involved with racing that love these special equine athletes have a responsibility to take care of them both during and after their racing careers. It's also critical that we recognize and support the Rock Stars of the industry, the grooms, hot walkers, jockeys, trainers, and everyone who takes care of the horses that we love. I hope you can join me in supporting these wonderfully important charities."
"We greatly appreciate Ken's generosity and the leadership role he has taken on as a partner and contributor to Breeders' Cup Charities," said Stefanie Palmieri, vice president of events at Breeders' Cup Limited. "Ken has enabled us to double the impact on the Annual Day of Giving, and we look forward to his continued support. All of the proceeds will benefit a variety of causes that are near and dear to many in our sport, enabling these worthy charities to continue their great work."
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.
"Grayson is honored to be chosen as an Annual Day of Giving recipient, and we truly appreciate Breeders' Cup Charities and Mr. Freirich's incredible generosity," said Jamie Haydon, president of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. "Mr. Freirich's clear love of the sport and its equine athletes is inspiring, and Grayson is proud the research it funds helps care for those horses from the foaling stall, throughout their careers, and into retirement."
"The PDJF is proud to be included among Breeders' Cup Charities' Day of Giving recipients. Words cannot express our gratitude to the Breeders' Cup Limited and to Mr. Freirich for his generous support for our mission and those of our fellow organizations," said Joe Clabes, executive director of the PDJF. "Initiatives like this go a long way in helping us improve the lives of the disabled riders we support."
"We are deeply grateful to Breeders' Cup and Breeders' Cup Charities for their support of the work of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America, and our ongoing mission to meet the spiritual, emotional, physical, social and educational needs of those in the horse racing industry," said Dan Waits, executive director of the RTCA. "We also appreciate Mr. Freirich's generous matching pledge and his commitment to Thoroughbred racing and its community. This campaign and its Annual Day of Giving highlight their belief in the work of these incredible organizations, and it is so encouraging to see them give back to the sport we all love."
"The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, representing accredited organizations across North America, is delighted to be selected as a recipient of the Breeders' Cup Annual Day of Giving. We appreciate and commend the Breeders' Cup and Mr. Ken Freirich for their dedication to aftercare and to our industry's most important charities," said Walt Robertson, TAA President.
Beyond the Annual Day of Giving, the racing community and fans will have multiple ways to support Breeders' Cup Charities throughout the year. All Breeders' Cup royalties on merchandise sold will be donated to Breeders' Cup Charities, making every purchase have a larger purpose. A donation option is also available at the Breeders' Cup World Championships ticket purchase checkout process, allowing ticket buyers to make contributions directly to Breeders' Cup Charities. Attendees at the Breeders' Cup World Championships will have the opportunity to support Breeders' Cup Charities through the sale of official Breeders' Cup cocktails, $1 from each drink will benefit Breeders' Cup Charities. Additionally, there will be an option at the 2025 Breeders' Cup at Del Mar 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.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
