Churchill Downs will host Thoroughbred Aftercare Day on Saturday, Sept. 27, celebrating organizations and individuals dedicated to retired racehorses, according to a release from track officials.
Nine aftercare organizations will participate in the event, including Friends of Ferdinand Inc., Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, New Vocations, Old Friends, Second Stride, The Secretariat Center, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Thoroughbred Charities of America and Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.
Each organization has shared special Thoroughbred Aftercare Day ticket links through their social media channels, with a portion of each ticket purchased through these links being donated to support their respective aftercare efforts.
Reserved seating tickets are available at www.gofevo.com/group/Thoroughbredaftercareday.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Golden Strike, dam of 2022 Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike, and learn about her post-racing life. The event will feature a horse snack station where guests can feed her horse-friendly treats, along with various activities throughout the day.
The Churchill Downs Foundation will host an online auction in conjunction with the event. Auction items include private farm tours, the opportunity to name a horse, and a meeting with 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra. Bidding closes Saturday at 7 p.m. (ET), with winners notified by email.
Saturday’s 11-race program begins at 12:45 p.m. (ET) and features the Grade II Lukas Classic and Grade III Ack Ack Stakes — both serving as local preps for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Gates open at 11:30 a.m.
