A generous match from Ken Freirich will launch Breeders' Cup Charities' second Annual Day of Giving, doubling donations received on July 22 up to $100K. Held just 100 days before the Breeders' Cup World Championships Oct. 30-31 at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky, Annual Day of Giving benefits vital Thoroughbred industry charities.
Supporters are encouraged to participate in the Annual Day of Giving on 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.
Breeders' Cup Charities donates 100% of funds raised to industry nonprofits, led by Breeders' Cup Limited's donation of all royalties received from the sale of Breeders' Cup merchandise. Five core areas are supported: Thoroughbred aftercare, jockey health and wellness, backstretch and industry workers, and equine research, along with other impactful community initiatives. In 2025, Breeders' Cup Charities raised more $672,000 through individual contributions from fans and industry stakeholders, with more than $200,000 secured on the Annual Day of Giving alone.
For the second consecutive year, Ken Freirich will match up to $100,000 for donations raised on the Annual Day of Giving. Freirich is a racehorse owner, retired CEO/Entrepreneur, international philanthropist, songwriter/executive producer, 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 single "I Wish" debuted last fall live at the Breeders' Cup, performed by the San Diego Children's Choir. The latest version of the song featuring the African Children's choir has gone viral, and the music video has generated more than 31 million views on YouTube. Ken 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 a 2025 recipient of the Thoroughbred Charities of America 2025 Allaire du Pont Leadership Award.
The Annual Day of Giving contribution is part of a $500,000 pledge Freirich made last year to Breeders' Cup Charities, which will be donated over a 3 1/2-year period. His generosity serves as an impetus for others to positively impact the Thoroughbred industry by helping inspire more giving through long-term commitments.
"I am excited to continue the partnership with Breeders' Cup for this second Annual Day of Giving and happy to continue to help Breeders' Cup Charities throughout the year," said Freirich. "I was humbled that my philanthropic leadership encouraged so many others to participate last year and grateful for everyone's support. There is still more work to be done, however. These very deserving organizations need our help. This special day is a terrific opportunity to show our love and support for the amazing equine athletes, backstretch workers, jockeys, 'Aftercaregivers,' and also prep for the future through important research. Please join me in supporting all of the rockstars of the Thoroughbred industry."
"Ken continues to be an incredibly generous contributor, partner, and energetic leader for Breeders' Cup Charities," said Stefanie Palmieri, Vice President of Events at Breeders' Cup Limited. "We greatly appreciate his increasing support for important beneficiaries, punctuated by his $100K match of contributions from fans and industry stakeholders. All proceeds from our Annual Day of Giving will benefit vital charitable programs and foundations in our sport."
In 2026, Breeders' Cup Charities will proudly 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.
"We are honored to continue our partnership with Breeders' Cup Charities and deeply appreciative of Ken Freirich's leadership and generosity in supporting the Annual Day of Giving," said Jamie Haydon, President of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. "By matching donations up to $100,000, Mr. Freirich is helping inspire others to invest in research that advances equine health and welfare. Every gift made on July 22 helps drive scientific innovation that benefits Thoroughbreds not only on the racetrack, but throughout their entire lives."
"The PDJF is proud to once again be included among Breeders' Cup Charities' Day of Giving recipients. Our appreciation for the Breeders' Cup Limited and Mr. Freirich's generous support of our mission and those of our partner organizations is beyond measure," said Joe Clabes, President of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. "This support helps us continue to make a difference in the lives of the disabled riders we serve."
"RTCA is profoundly grateful to Breeders' Cup and Breeders' Cup Charities for their steadfast support of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA) and our commitment to addressing the spiritual, emotional, physical, social, and educational needs of the men and women of the horse racing industry," said Dan Waits, Executive Director, RTCA. "We also extend our sincere appreciation to Mr. Freirich for his generous matching pledge and his enduring dedication to Thoroughbred racing and its community. This campaign and its Annual Day of Giving is very encouraging, as it not only underscores their confidence in these outstanding organizations, but also serves as a reminder of giving back to the sport we all hold dear."
"Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is honored to once again be chosen as a beneficiary of the Breeders' Cup Annual Day of Giving. We are grateful to both Breeders' Cup and Mr. Ken Freirich for their outstanding commitment to aftercare and the well-being of the racing industry," 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. In addition to the donation of all royalties received on Breeders' Cup merchandise sales, beginning in October, select specialty merchandise items will be available with all proceeds benefiting the cause. Additionally, a donation option will be available at merchandise checkout.
A donation option is also available at the Breeders' Cup World Championships ticket purchase checkout process, allowing ticket buyers to make contributions. Attendees at the Breeders' Cup World Championships at Keeneland will have the opportunity to support Breeders' Cup Charities through a portion of the sales from the official cocktails served onsite, a text-to-donate platform, and a post-event online Thoroughbred racing memorabilia and experience auction. Owners of World Championships contenders are also given the option to dedicate a percentage of purse earnings to Breeders' Cup Charities. Visit BreedersCup.com/Charities to learn more about ways to give.
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