Brook Smith supports BLC with $10,000 Derby bet on Tiz the Bomb
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
A Backside Learning Center release (above: an invitation to last spring’s fundraiser for the Backside Learning Center.)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Brook T. Smith, a longtime supporter of the Backside Learning Center (BLC), placed a $10,000 bet January 21 towards Derby hopeful Tiz the Bomb for the 2022 Kentucky Derby.
It’s a case of one big bet deserving another.
It all started when Jim McIngvale — the Texas-based businessman nicknamed “Mattress Mack” and known for big philanthropy and big bets — put a $10,000 bet on Kentucky Derby hopeful Smile Happy in the first pool of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager. In the spirit of direct, friendly competition, Smith placed his own $10,000 stake in the second wagering pool on Tiz the Bomb. Both Tiz the Bomb and Smile Happy are trained by Kentucky native Kenny McPeek and are among the top 3-year-old Thoroughbreds in the nation currently.
“Bourbon Brook won’t let Mattress Mack have all the fun!” joked Smith, who seems determined to share the fun by pledging any bet winnings on the Tiz the Bomb wager to the Backside Learning Center to support educational programming for equine workers and their families in the Louisville area. At odds of 10 to 1 when wagering closed, Smith’s wager would return approximately $114,000 if Tiz the Bomb is successful the first Saturday in May.
Smith, owner of Rocket Ship Racing, LLC, is a Louisville resident and long-time supporter of the BLC’s mission. In addition to this venturesome bet, he’s also helped to spearhead a new BLC initiative, Purses for a Purpose, a program that builds on the BLC’s efforts to connect horse owners more closely with the backside community. Through Purses for a Purpose, owners pledge to make a donation or a portion of their horse’s winnings to support programs for backside workers and their families. For more information on Purses for a Purpose, visit https://www.backsidelearningcenter.org/purses-for-a-purpose.
With Tiz the Bomb currently training in South Florida and scheduled to compete this Saturday in the Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park, The BLC is anxiously awaiting Tiz the Bomb’s progress as Kentucky Derby approaches this spring! He’s currently at 5-1 odds this weekend. (Update: Tiz the Bomb did not hit the board.)
“Was the wager a gimmick, call it what you want, what it was, another shout-out to support the backbone of the industry – the backside and the importance of funding the impact of the BLC. I’d love nothing more than to see Tiz the Bomb covered in roses!” said Smith.
Sherry Stanley, Executive Director of the BLC, says she is so excited for Brook Smith’s ambitious and courageous bet.
“Brook has been such an enthusiastic and innovative donor,” she said. “For some reason, this generous act comes as no surprise. Obviously, we are incredibly excited about the 148th Run for the Roses and equally grateful to Brook!”
