The Churchill Downs Foundation has launched the Relief for Equine Industry Needs (“R.E.I.N.”) to assist members of the racing community that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, it was announced Friday.
The R.E.I.N. Fund will specifically address the needs of backstretch communities by providing meals, micro-grants and financial assistance with emergency needs as well as the fulfillment of essential care for horses.
One of the earliest supporters of the R.E.I.N. Fund has been trainer Jack Sisterson, who announced in early May that he would donate a portion of his horse's purse earnings to the cause.
“Horsemen are the most generous people I know,” Sisterson said. “With us being so fortunate to reopen our business, all the horsemen I talk to say, 'I wish I could help the less fortunate.'”
Jockeys Tyler Gaffalione and Julien Leparoux and owner Skychai Racing, have also pledged to donate a portion of their earnings to the R.E.I.N. Fund.
“I made a deal with Jack at the beginning of the meet to help the cause,” Gaffalione said. “It's such a great cause and it's a way for us to easily give back to those less fortunate on the racetrack.”
As a result of the success of the R.E.I.N. Fund, the Churchill Downs Foundation has already aided several members of the horse racing community when they returned to Churchill Downs in mid-May. Applications for aid within the racing community can be sent to CDIFoundation@kyderby.com. An advisory committee will then review the applications.
Visit www.churchilldowns.com/horsemen/rein for more information.
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