One. Helping Many.

Thoroughbred
Charities of
America

Ken Freirich Donates “Once-in-a-Lifetime” Kentucky Derby Experience Auction Package to TCA and TAA

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

LEXINGTON, Ky. – To help raise awareness and funds for Thoroughbred aftercare, Ken Freirich, racehorse owner and philanthropist, has generously donated an exclusive Kentucky Derby and Oaks Package to Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA). The package is being offered via an online auction through Friday, April 17 at 5 p.m. EST. Bidding is open and available here. The proceeds will be split evenly between the two non-profit organizations. 

 

The package includes:

  • Behind-the-scenes barn visit with a top trainer on Kentucky Oaks Day; thanks to Freirich’s long-time partner, Terry Finley of West Point Thoroughbreds for coordinating this experience;
  • Front row reserved outdoor table for four in the exclusive Woodford Reserve Paddock Club overlooking the Paddock/Runway on May 1 and 2;
  • Exclusive Paddock access;
  • Railside viewing of the races near the Finish Line on a private lawn;
  • Luxury hospitality with curated food stations, premium open bar, all-day white glove concierge service, bourbon tasting experiences available by reservation and subject to availability, and private restrooms and wagering windows.

“When I realized I would not be able to attend the Derby this year, I instantly knew what I wanted to do with my table in the Woodford Reserve Paddock Club; raise awareness and money for Thoroughbred aftercare,” said Freirich. “I am passionate about taking care of these amazing equine athletes after their racing careers and knew the leading aftercare organizations, TCA and TAA would be the perfect stewards of this donation and package.”

 

“The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is so grateful for this opportunity, we appreciate all Ken Freirich does for Thoroughbred aftercare and we look forward to the results of this auction,” said Stacie Clark Rogers operations consultant for TAA.

 

“We are extremely grateful to Ken for his continued support of TCA and TAA and his unwavering commitment to aftercare,” said Erin Halliwell executive director of TCA. “This is an amazing package, and we are excited to be able to offer this incredible experience to the lucky high bidder.”

 

“I experienced this package last year when my horse Sandman was in the Derby,” continued Freirich. “This is truly the dream and once-in-a-lifetime memory that you will have forever. You will have one of the best tables at Churchill Downs for the Oaks and Derby. Paddock access is priceless and the barn visit on Oaks Day will truly be magical. The most wonderful thing is your winning bid will support Thoroughbred aftercare, so bid generously,” said Freirich.

 

Freirich is a race horse owner, retired CEO/entrepreneur, international philanthropist, and founder of a music group/record label (Random Acts of Kindness/Better World Records) focused on spreading kindness and making the world a better place. His new single “I Wish” featuring the African Children’s Choir has over 14 million views on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook over the past five weeks. He has made philanthropy and advising nonprofit leadership in the Thoroughbred industry, one of his top priorities. He is a board member of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) and recently made a first of its kind, multi-year leadership gift to Breeders’ Cup Charities to positively impact the industry’s culture of giving in the short and long term. It is this generosity, leadership, advocacy, and desire to affect change that led TCA to name him the 2025 Allaire du Pont Leadership Award winner. Last year, on the Thursday before the Derby, Freirich donated $100,000 to celebrate four aftercare organizations with a special check presentation in the winner’s circle. In addition to his philanthropic endeavors, Freirich has enjoyed great success in racing in recent years, having been a partner in 2022 Horse of the Year Flightline and 2022 Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Mo Donegal. He is currently a co-owner of the popular Grade 1 winner Sandman with a minority stake through West Point Thoroughbreds.

 

About TCA. TCA’s mission is to fund and facilitate the support of Thoroughbreds and the people who care for them. TCA distributes grants to several categories of Thoroughbred-related nonprofits including rehabilitation, retraining, rehoming and retirement organizations; backstretch and farm employee programs; equine-assisted therapy programs; and research organizations.  Since its inception in 1990, TCA has granted over $28 million to more than 200 charities. TCA also administers the Horses First Fund, founded by LNJ Foxwoods in 2016, to assist Thoroughbreds and their caretakers in need of emergency aid. TCA is the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA). More information can be found at TCA.org.

 

About TAA. Based in Lexington, KY, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since its inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $40.74 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently, 86 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 175 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org.

 

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