LEXINGTON, Ky. – Philanthropist and racehorse owner, Ken Freirich has pledged to make a leadership gift of $10,000 to TCA via Gallop for Good and will also match donations up to $2,500 for two TCA grantee charities, Second Stride and New Vocations. Celebrated on Saturday, June 27, Gallop for Good is an online, national day of giving led by Churchill Downs Incorporated to support Thoroughbred aftercare organizations across the United States.
Freirich encourages others to follow his lead by supporting the aftercare organizations that provide for our industry’s equine athletes. “I didn’t hesitate to support Gallop for Good and I am so glad that Churchill Downs has created this special day of giving,” said Freirich. “Aftercare is absolutely critical for the next chapter of our amazing equine athletes that we love like family members.” Freirich continued, “there are so many small to midsize organizations around the country that desperately need our support. Please join me in donating to this very worthy initiative.”
Donations can be made today through June 27 here: https://gallopforgood.mightycause.com/organization/TBcharities
“Churchill Downs is grateful for Ken’s unwavering dedication to Thoroughbred aftercare and his commitment to the vision of Gallop for Good,” said Cathy Shircliff, Director of Equine Industry Relations and Experience at Churchill Downs.
“We are extremely appreciative of Ken’s generosity and continued support of TCA. He is a staunch advocate of aftercare and believes strongly in leading by example,” said Erin Halliwell, Executive Director of TCA. “We encourage others to join Ken in donating to the organizations that work so hard to support the horses we all love. We also thank Churchill Downs for their leadership in creating a fundraising opportunity for organizations that work to assist Thoroughbreds as they transition out of racing.”
Nearly 75 charities are participating in Gallop for Good and the platform is currently open for donations. Software expenses are underwritten by Churchill Downs, and participating organizations will receive access to promotional resources, campaign tools and support to help maximize their fundraising efforts.
About Ken Freirich. Ken Freirich is a racehorse owner, retired CEO/Entrepreneur, international philanthropist, songwriter/executive producer and founder of a music group/record label focused on spreading kindness and making the world a better place. His single “I Wish” debuted last fall live at the Breeders’ Cup. The latest version featuring the African Children’s choir has gone viral and the music video has generated over 30 million views on YouTube and social media. Ken has made philanthropy and advising nonprofit leadership in the Thoroughbred industry, one of his top priorities. Ken is a board member of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) and 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. While Ken’s philanthropy spans the globe through dozens of charitable organizations, he has made a profound impact in one of our local racing communities, Saratoga Springs. At his alma mater, Skidmore college, he started and funded an Entrepreneurship and business plan competition sixteen years ago, which he endowed in 2020. 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. Ken’s unwavering support of the industry through his advisory roles, philanthropy, his commitments to aftercare organizations, and his ongoing advocacy garnered him TCA’s 2025 Allaire du Pont Leadership Award.
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).
