LEXINGTON, Ky. – Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) will host Bid on the Bluegrass, an online auction of unique, Kentucky-themed items and experiences including halters worn by many 2024 Kentucky Derby contenders. Bid on the Bluegrass is set to open on Thursday, May 2 at 9 a.m. and will conclude on Saturday, May 4 at 9 p.m. ET. All proceeds will benefit TCA.
“Thanks to our generous donors, Bid on the Bluegrass offers a wide array of interesting items with a Kentucky focus,” said Erin Halliwell executive director of TCA. “We have bourbon-themed items, racing memorabilia, one-of-a-kind experiences, halters worn by Kentucky Derby starters, and much more.”
A list of items can be found here. Featured items are halters worn by Kentucky Derby starters including Fierceness, Sierra Leone, Catching Freedom, Forever Young, Encino, and more. Other featured items are a meet and greet with Zenyatta at Lane’s End Farm, a tour and visit with Rachel Alexandra at Stonestreet Farm, a tour of Hermitage Farm, an exclusive painting of Cody’s Wish by artist Robert Clark, a private Pinhook Bourbon tasting, and much more. New items will be added daily until the start of the auction.
Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) was formed in 1990 to raise and distribute funds to charities in the Thoroughbred industry that provide a better life for Thoroughbreds, both during and after their racing careers, by supporting qualified repurposing and retirement organizations and by helping the people who care for them. In 2023, TCA granted over $821,000 to 75 approved charities working within Thoroughbred retraining, rehoming and retirement; backstretch and farm worker services, research and equine-assisted therapy. During the last three decades, TCA has granted over $26 million to more than 200 charities that successfully meet the criteria set forth in its annual grant application. TCA administers the Horses First Fund, founded by LNJ Foxwoods in 2016, to assist Thoroughbreds in need of emergency aid. TCA manages Cómo, a mobile app founded by Godolphin, that connects racing industry employees to the vital services they need through a network of racetrack chaplains and Thoroughbred industry organizations. TCA is the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA).
