Kids to the Cup, the national non-profit charitable organization that educates young racing fans, with the support of John E's Restaurant in Louisville, will auction off halters worn by participants in this year's 131st Kentucky Derby (gr. I) on eBay. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Kids to the Cup. The leather halters with personalized brass name plates were donated by John E's and include a signed letter of authenticity from each trainer. The seven-day auction is scheduled to open for bidding on May 2 and close on May 9. The auction is listed on e-bay at in the sports memorabilia section. Additional halters may be added to e-Bay for auction later during Derby week in a supplemental auction, if needed.
The auction's launch coincides with the traditional "Monday Night Derby Preview Dinner" and a radio broadcast from John E's Restaurant (WHAS, 720 AM in the Louisville area) which includes interviews with prominent Derby owners, trainers and jockeys.Kids to the Cup alums Emily Hufford and Amelia Baldree, who now attend the University of Louisville Equine Industry Program, were instrumental in the organization and execution of the auction.