(edited release)
More owners than ever before have joined The Race For Education by pledging a portion of winnings from a record 10 starters in Breeders’ Cup World Championships races Oct. 24-25.
The group of horses includes five entrants in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Nominations are possible up until post times for the 14 races, with the tax deductible earnings pledged for The Race For Education going directly to scholarships or educational services for family members of equine and agricultural industry workers or for those who plan a career in an equine or agricultural field.
“We are grateful beyond words for the generous participation by such an accomplished and committed group of owners,” said Elisabeth Jensen, executive director and president of The Race For Education. “We wish them the best of luck on Friday and Saturday as their horses compete for championships and the chance to build a better future for our sport.”
Participating owners are: Jerry and Ann Moss, Tiago, Classic; Millennium Farms, Student Council, Classic; WinStar Farms, Colonel John, Classic and Well Armed, Dirt Mile; Mount Joy Stables, Smooth Air, Classic; Team Valor, Fairbanks , Classic and Jazzy, Filly and Mare Sprint; Tom Durant, Sing Baby Sing, Sprint; West Point Thoroughbreds, Awesome Gem, Mile; and Bill and Corinne Heiligbrodt, Skipadate, Juvenile Turf.
Owners can pledge 1% or 2% of their horses’ earnings in Breeders’ Cup races, as well as throughout the year, under The Race For Education’s Racehorse Nomination Program. Last year, nominated horses earned $14,000 for scholarships in Breeders’ Cup races.
Since 2002, The Race For Education has awarded $2 million in scholarships and grants for educational programs, with 200 students receiving scholarships, including 89 who have graduated to date.
Smooth Air is one of 10 Breeders' Cup starters in the Race for Education program.
Rick Samuels