One day before flying to Dubai in pursuit of the world’s richest race, jockey Robby Albarado spoke of the newly-formed non-profit bearing his name that will help underprivileged individuals living in the Louisville, Ky. area.
The Robby Albarado Foundation, a 501(C)3 organization, has been established to assist Louisville residents who are homeless, socially-economically disadvantaged, or “less fortunate,” Albarado said.
The jockey, an avid golfer, plans to kick off the Foundation’s fundraising efforts with a Celebrity Golf Classic which will be held April 28 at the Hurstbourne Country Club, preceded by an April 27 Celebrity Cocktail party. Those expected to attend the event include retired and active jockeys such as Jerry Bailey, Steve Cauthen, Mark Guidry, Gary Stevens, Corey Lanerie, and Corey Nakatani.
Other expected celebrities include Brian Brohm, Chris Redman, Jake Delhomme, Denny Crum, Nazr Mohammed, JB Holmes, Scott Padgett, and Tara Connor.
“When I was a young kid I grew up in a very poor area,” Albarado said during a March 25 teleconference hosted by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. “I got a couple of chances from a few people who helped me in racing – and if I can make a change like that in someone’s life, then that’s what I’m looking forward to.”
A Louisiana native, Albarado now makes his home in Louisville and has built a solid career racing at tracks such as Churchill Downs, Keeneland, and Fair Grounds. Among his 3,712 winners he counts current top 4-year-olds Curlin and Grasshopper, as well as retired 2003 Horse of the Year Mineshaft. He rides Curlin in the $6 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) March 29.
Albarado said he had been contemplating the forming of a Foundation for several years, but couldn’t decide whether to launch it in his home state or in Kentucky. He chose Louisville based on his current connections and hopes to expand to Louisiana in years to come. Board members include Robby and Kimber Albarado, Long Run Golf Course golf pro Gary Demling, Louisville businessman Bob Bender Jr., Vining and Associates CPA Jim Vining, and Louisville businesswoman Cary McKiernan.
“I’m not only proud (of the Foundation), I’m very passionate about anything I do,” Albarado said. “I’m putting a lot of heart into this and I feel like I have a chance to make a difference. If just one kid or one person in Louisville gets a better life because of it, then I did my job. I have high goals for myself with this foundation.”
More information is available from the Robby Albarado Foundation c/o Bob Bender, 2501 Plantside Drive, Louisville, KY 40299 – or through RobbyAFoundation@aol.com
