Halters worn by Triple Crown winner American Pharoah; Thoroughbred racing's all-time leading earner, Arrogate; and such world-famous stallions as Frankel and Tapit are among the coveted items in an online auction to raise money for Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, the 36-year-old program at the Kentucky Horse Park that offers equine-assisted activities and therapies to people of all ages.
The auction of halters of famous Thoroughbreds is part of CKRH's 14th annual gala fundraiser, NIGHT OF THE STARS, on Saturday, June 24, at the Keene Barn & Entertainment Center at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky. Online bidding on the halters and other items is available at http://KYSTARS17.gesture.com.
"CKRH is extremely proud to present NIGHT OF THE STARS, which celebrates the healing power of horses," CKRH Executive Director Pat Kline said. "Thanks to the backing of the Thoroughbred industry, we are able to offer a number of halters from popular horses that are prized by collectors. The online auction enables the halters and other items to be available to people who aren't able to attend the event but want to participate and support CKRH."
Farms that donated halters include Adena Springs, Ashford Stud, Claiborne Farm, Coolmore, Darby Dan Farm, Gainesway Farm, Godolphin, Hill 'n' Dale Farm, Juddmonte Farms, Old Friends, Ramsey Farm, Spendthrift Farm, Taylor Made Farm, Three Chimneys Farm and WinStar Farm.
Halters were worn by:
Alphabet Soup
American Pharoah
Arrogate
Bernardini
California Chrome
Curlin
Dialed In
Frankel
Frosted
Ghostzapper
Into Mischief
Kitten's Joy
Malibu Moon
Midnight Lute
Nyquist
Palace Malice
Pioneerof the Nile
Runhappy
Shackleford
Speightstown
Tapit
Tiznow
Uncle Mo
Will Take Charge
Former Racehorse in CKRH Therapy Herd Part of Fundraiser Activities
"Champions" is the theme of this year's NIGHT OF THE STARS, which features cocktails, dining and live and silent auctions. The highlight is the auction of CKRH students and therapy horses in themed costumes in the style of a prestigious Thoroughbred sale. Among the horses in the auction is the Thoroughbred Impressive John R., who participates in CKRH programs for Military Veterans, at-risk youth and Fayette County high school students.
Known as "John R.," the 13-year-old gelding by Souvenir Copy won two races in 26 starts in Texas and Louisiana and earned $34,077 from 2006-09. Bred in Kentucky by Brandywine Farm, he has been a therapy horse at CKRH since 2011 and is among the retired Thoroughbreds at the program.
Other Silent Auction items available for online bidding include a one-way flight on H.E. "Tex" Sutton Forwarding Company, a top airline carrier for horses; two tickets to home games of the University of Kentucky men's basketball team during the 2017-18 season; a highly collectible antique carousel horse dated from 1919 and signed by restorer Tom Layton, along with jewelry, art and photography, antiques and collectibles, equestrian-themed items, gift certificates to local restaurants, tickets to area attractions, and items for home, garden and office.
As many as 500 people annually attend NIGHT OF THE STARS. Tickets are $150 each and may be purchased by calling CKRH at (859) 231-7066.