Six Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) contenders will be running for more than the roses this year—they’ll also be helping young people to obtain a college degree.
As participants in the Race For Education’s Racehorse Nomination Program, a percentage of any earnings by Colonel John, Court Vision, Monba, Visionaire, Z Fortune, and Z Humor in the May 3 Kentucky Derby will go to the non-profit, which funds scholarships and educational grants for young people with significant financial need.
History has shown that nominating Triple Crown runners to The Race For Education might give them an edge. Last year’s Derby winner and second-place finisher in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I), James Tafel’s Street Sense, was racing for education, as was WinStar Farm’s Bluegrass Cat, who finished second in both the 2006 Derby and Belmont Stakes (gr. I), and Darley Stable’s Bernardini, who won the 2006 Preakness.
“Education is empowering and it gives young people a choice. There is no better way to give back to the community” says Bill Casner, founding member of the Race For Education and owner of Colonel John.
Colonel John campaigns for WinStar and is trained by Eoin Harty; Court Vision is owned by WinStar in partnership with Michael Iavarone’s IEAH Stable and trained by Bill Mott.
Monba is owned by Starlight Stables and Paul Saylor. Monba is trained by Todd Pletcher.
Visionaire is owned by Barry Irwin’s Team Valor International in partnership with the Vision Racing of Brandon and Diannah Perry and John and Jill Stephens. Visionaire is trained by Michael Matz.
Z Fortune and Z Humor are owned by Zayat Stables; Z Fortune is trained by Steve Asmussen, while Z Humor is trained by Bill Mott.