(Edited press release)
In celebration of new quarters that will help provide better services to the Thoroughbred industry, The Race For Education will host an open house on April 16, from 6 to 8 p.m.
The event will take place at the new office located at 1818 Versailles Road in Lexington and will feature artist Robert Clark painting a portrait of the field of the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) breaking from the gate as well as refreshments and a Bourbon tasting provided by Four Roses and wine provided by Lover’s Leap Winery.
“We want to welcome everyone connected with racing and breeding to our new home,” said Elisabeth Jensen, president and executive director of The Race For Education. “With the coming of spring and the classic season, there is much we look forward to in our continuing efforts to help the family members of farm and backstretch workers, as well as others interested in the equine business, to obtain a higher education.”
The new office is the result of ongoing support for The Race for Education by prominent members of the Thoroughbred community. Several board members including Bill and Susan Casner, Corinne Heiligbrodt, Chris Young, Elisabeth Jensen, Kirsten Johnson, David Ingordo and Carl and Wanda Nafzger contributed funds for the purchase of the building and furnishing of the interior. Other board members Barry Irwin and Joe Miller worked with many students and families who volunteered to clean, paint and help with other necessary tasks to get the building open.
During the open house, informational materials will be available for owners considering nominating their horses to The Race For Education’s scholarship program. Many outstanding runners have helped provide scholarships to young people across the country, including WinStar’s Farm’s homebred Well Armed. In winning the $6 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) by a record 14 lengths March 28, Well Armed instantly provided funds to boost the educational opportunities for many young people.
With the classic season about to begin, there is no better time to get involved in supporting racing’s future. Fifth Third Bank has pledged to match contributions raised by nominated horses competing in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) up to $10,000.
The racehorse nomination program is the primary source of funding for scholarships provided by The Race For Education. One hundred percent of all donations to The Race For Education are used for scholarships and other educational programs.