Trainer Cherie DeVaux and bloodstock agent David Ingordo have taken up Brook Smith's challenge and have joined the Backside Learning Center's “Purses for a Purpose” initiative.
“I have a challenge,” Smith said last week. “If we can get 150 owners, and 150 horses for that matter, and they pledge to donate 1% of purse winnings with these 150 horses, that moves a bigger needle than people realize. And it means a lot, the thought that the owners think about the backside, and those who support it.”
DeVaux and Ingordo have personally agreed to pledge up to $10,000 of purse winnings of all seven of their horses running in races between Churchill's opening day (Apr. 27) and Derby day (May 4). Three of the seven runners are entered in graded stakes this weekend: Vahva (GI Derby City Distaff S.), Pipeline (GII Alysheba S.) and Medalla Match (GIII Unbridled Sidney S.).
“We encourage other owners, trainers, jockeys and bloodstock agents to also find a way to contribute to the Backside Learning Center and the great work it does for our racetrack families,” said Ingordo.
Smith is co-owner of leading Derby contender Sierra Leone. In addition to the standard percentage of purse earnings Smith automatically donates via “Purses for a Purpose,” should Sierra Leone win the Derby, he has promised an additional $100,000 to the BLC.
The Backside Learning Center is an independent non-profit organization providing support and resources in a safe, welcoming environment for the diverse community of racetrack workers and their families.
For more information on the organization, click here.
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