Thoroughbred Aftercare Day this Saturday at Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs press release (Gwen Davis/Davis Innovation photo of horses at Second Stride)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025) – Churchill Downs Racetrack will host Thoroughbred Aftercare Day on Saturday, honoring organizations and individuals dedicated to retired racehorses.
Saturday’s 11-race program begins at 12:45 p.m. (all times Eastern) and is headlined by the $500,000 Lukas Classic (Grade II) and $400,000 Ack Ack (GIII), both local preps for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Gates open at 11:30 a.m.
Nine aftercare organizations will be on-site, giving guests an opportunity to learn more about rehoming and retraining efforts for retired Thoroughbreds. Participating groups include Friends of Ferdinand Inc., Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, New Vocations, Old Friends, Second Stride, The Secretariat Center, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Thoroughbred Charities of America and Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.
Each organization has shared a special Thoroughbred Aftercare Day ticket link on their social media channels. A portion of each ticket purchased through those links will be donated to support their aftercare efforts. To purchase reserved seating tickets through the official link, fans can visit: www.gofevo.com/group/Thoroughbredaftercareday.
Guests also will be able to meet Golden Strike, the dam of 2022 Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike, and learn about her post-racing life. A horse snack station will be available for guests to feed her horse-friendly treats, along with other activities throughout the day.
Fans can support Thoroughbreds beyond racing and the organizations that serve them through an online auction with the Churchill Downs Foundation. Auction items include private farm tours, naming a horse, and meeting 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra. Bidding ends on Saturday 7 p.m. and winners will be notified by email.
For more information about Thoroughbred Aftercare Day, visit www.churchilldowns.com.
