(Edited press release)
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Churchill Downs, Magna Entertainment, and the New York Racing Association announced March 20 that Kentucky Derby Day (May 5), Preakness Stakes Day (May 19), and Belmont Stakes Day (June 9) have been established as national fundraising dates for the NTRA Charities – Barbaro Memorial Fund.
Racetracks and other organizations will be holding fundraising initiatives during the Triple Crown with the goal of raising $1 million for the Barbaro Memorial Fund.
The Barbaro Memorial Fund was created to raise awareness and money for equine health and safety research in the name of 2006 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Barbaro, whose gallant struggle to overcome a catastrophic injury captivated horse enthusiasts around the world. Monies raised by the Barbaro Memorial Fund will support equine research projects, including those that focus on laminitis, the often fatal hoof disease that plagued Barbaro for so much of his recuperative period following his injury in the 2006 Preakness Stakes (gr. I).
Blue wristbands carrying the words “Riding with Barbaro” are now on sale to raise money for the Fund. The wristbands, priced at $2.00 each, are available online at www.ridingwithbarbaro.org. The blue coloring is designed to represent the primary color of the blue, green, and white racing silks of Roy and Gretchen Jackson’s Lael Stables, which owned and raced Barbaro.
“Through the support of member organizations, fans, and those of us who depend on these beautiful animals for our livelihood, we hope to exceed our fundraising goal to address equine health and safety issues, including finding a cure for laminitis,” said NTRA president and CEO Alex Waldrop.
All contributions are tax deductible. Questions regarding the fund can be directed to the NTRA's Lexington office at (800) 792-NTRA (6872).
