Second Stride Inc.—which has launched more than 2,100 Thoroughbreds to second careers and safe forever homes off the racetrack since its 2005 inception—is challenging industry stakeholders to help the organization raise $50,000 by the end of Saturday.
Second Stride is teaming with Churchill Downs Inc. to raise money for retired racehorses and other Thoroughbreds in need as part of the Louisville-based corporation's Gallop for Good Day this Saturday. In conjunction with the nationwide online day of giving, Second Stride has created its Horsemen's Challenge with a goal of raising at least $50,000 this week in donations from those who work in horse racing in any capacity, owners and syndicates, horseplayers and fans.
Churchill Downs is staging Gallop for Good Day to coincide with Saturday's high-profile Stephen Foster Day card featuring seven stakes, highlighted by the Grade 1, $2 million Stephen Foster. However, tax-deductible donations already are being accepted to Second Stride through the online fundraiser at this link. Every dollar raised will help Second Stride's mission of rehabbing, retraining and rehoming Thoroughbreds for second careers in a multitude of capacities.
Churchill Downs has committed to kicking off Second Stride's Horsemen's Challenge with its own donation in hopes of encouraging others—especially, but not limited to, those who have a vested interest in the industry—to take part in Saturday's fundraising event.
"Ensuring safe, life-long homes for the horses in our care is our main objective, and we appreciate that so many owners, trainers and breeders entrust us to do just that," said Kim Smith, Second Stride's founder and executive director. "If anyone understands what it takes to transition these Thoroughbreds, it's the ones who originally laid their hands on them. With longer stays and an average monthly cost of $2,200 per horse, we are hoping they will step up and contribute to the campaign.
"To put $50,000 in perspective, that's about what it costs to provide two months of care to 11 horses. We applaud Churchill Downs Inc. for creating Gallop for Good Day and appreciate their own contribution. Now we challenge horsemen to not only help us cross our goal's finish line but to have a strong gallop out past the wire that will allow us to help more horses."
Second Stride is one of 70 aftercare organizations across the country participating in Gallop for Good Day. Donations made as part of the event may be matched or boosted through additional fundraising incentives.
"Racehorses give so much to us, and this is a great way to give back to them," said trainer Whit Beckman, who serves on the Second Stride board. "Second Stride and other retraining and adoption programs provide such an important service to horsemen. So many of us have given horses to Second Stride when their racing days are over. Second Stride evaluates each horse to determine where it is best suited and will be happiest, then gives them the necessary preparation before offering them for adoption. When a horse goes to Second Stride, we trainers and owners have peace of mind that it ultimately will go to a safe, secure home, many with new jobs they enjoy."
Those planning to attend Saturday's races can also support Second Stride by purchasing dining and reserved seating tickets for Stephen Foster Day, with $5 from every ticket directly benefiting the organizations participating in Gallop for Good through the Churchill Downs Foundation. Eligible tickets may be purchased at https://www.gofevo.com/group/GallopforGood.
"Horses racing Saturday such as Derby winner Sovereignty, Dubai World Cup winner Magnitude and Breeders' Cup Classic winner White Abarrio have secure futures," said trainer Tommy Drury, a Second Stride board member and officer. "But they are the top 1 percent. Second Stride and the other Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-certified organizations are invaluable as the industry accepts its responsibility to care for ex-racehorses, retired broodmares and unraced horses and yearlings that aren't cut out for the track. These horses support us, and we need to support them."
Second Stride is certified by the Kentucky Equine Health and Welfare Council as an equine rescue facility for the State of Kentucky. The organization has been a GuideStar (now Candid) Platinum 501(c)(3) organization since 2019 and has been accredited by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance since 2014. The organization is a member of the Chambers of Commerce in Kentucky; Prospect Area and Oldham County, as well as a member of the Kentucky Horse Council.
Adopted horses receive a Jockey Club-sanctioned "not for racing use" certificate valid for the life of the horse, with the adoption contract stipulating the horse won't be raced or sold at public auction.
Donations to Second Stride can also be made at any time at this link.
This press release has not been edited by BloodHorse. If there are any questions please contact the organization that produced the release.
