(Edited press release)
“Horses and Hope,” a new program designed to promote breast cancer awareness in Kentucky’s horse industry, will be the focus of a special “Horses and Hope Day at the Races” Nov. 16 at Churchill Downs.
The program, launched by Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear in partnership with the Kentucky Cancer Program, will be the center of activity throughout the 10-race Sunday program at the famed home of the Kentucky Derby.
“Horses and Hope” is an outreach program aimed at women who work in the stable areas of Kentucky racetracks and farms and is designed to enhance breast cancer awareness among that population through education, screening, and treatment referral.
Beshear will be joined by her husband, Gov. Steve Beshear, for the special program for more than 900 breast cancer survivors on Millionaire’s Row four and Skye Terrace five in the Churchill Downs clubhouse. The program is expected to begin after the first race, which has scheduled post time of 12:40 p.m (all times ET).
The color pink will be prominent throughout the track during Nov. 16, but especially surrounding the fifth race, which will honor the Horses and Hope initiative and has a scheduled post time of 2:35 p.m.
Saddle towels for that race will honor the initiative, while pink will also be the color scheme for jockeys’ arm bands, grooms’ vests, outriders, flags, bunting, and the trophies that will be presented to the winning horse owner. There also will be a special pink cosmopolitan drink on sale throughout the day with proceeds going to the “Horses and Hope” initiative. Following the fifth race, a group photo of breast cancer survivors in attendance is scheduled near the statue of Kentucky Derby winner Aristides in the paddock garden.
A special treat will be an appearance by the Kentucky Derby Museum’s resident miniature horse Winston, who will be decorated in pink and paraded throughout the facility to collect donations for Horses and Hope. Winston is expected to make a cameo appearance in Millionaires’ Row four around 1:20 p.m.
