Freirich Aims to Inspire With Major Breeders’ Cup Gift

Breeders’ Cup Limited announced Sept. 19 a $500,000 gift from international philanthropist and racehorse owner Ken Freirich to Breeders’ Cup Charities, the official charitable program of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Freirich said he hopes to positively impact the Thoroughbred industry’s culture of giving by illustrating the importance of long-term commitments. Funds from Freirich will be released over a 3 1/2-year period, providing a strong foundation for Breeders’ Cup Charities to build upon. 

This major gift, the first of its kind for Breeders’ Cup Charities, is in addition to the $100,000 match Freirich provided to Breeders’ Cup Charities in July during the organization’s Annual Day of Giving, which raised $200,963. From the gift, Freirich will use $50,000 for a match this fall for funds raised during Breeders’ Cup Charities’ “Champions Give Back” campaign, which kicks off Oct. 1 and runs through the World Championships on Oct. 31-Nov. 1. In addition to the unprecedented donation of all royalties received on Breeders’ Cup merchandise, the campaign will include several fundraising initiatives that will be announced in the coming weeks.  

A retired entrepreneur/CEO, Freirich believes strongly in making the world a better place and doing regular random acts of kindness. He believes one kind act can change the world and inspire others to do the same. He is also a songwriter, drummer, and founder of Better World Records and the music group Random Acts of Kindness. Freirich hopes to encourage owners, breeders, trainers, corporate partners, and individuals to incorporate significant support of Thoroughbred charities into their annual and long-term planning, including their corporate budgets, trusts, estates, and foundations.   

“I have spent significant time with the executive directors and CEOs of many Thoroughbred racing charities, and see an opportunity for additional funding across many charitable segments,” Freirich said. “I want to send two messages to the industry—we need to do more, and we need to plan now for the future of the sport we all love. 

“I applaud Breeders’ Cup for stepping up and revitalizing Breeders’ Cup Charities and making their long-term commitment. I believe they can play a pivotal leadership role in global Thoroughbred philanthropy in many ways, including setting the standard for accountability once funds are distributed.” 

“We are deeply grateful to Ken Freirich for his generosity and leadership,” said Drew Fleming, president and CEO of Breeders’ Cup. “This leadership gift to Breeders’ Cup Charities not only supports important causes but also sets an example for others in the Thoroughbred industry to give back and plan for the future.” 

In addition to his financial commitment, Freirich will take on an advisory role with Breeders’ Cup Charities. His relationship with the Breeders’ Cup started in 2023, celebrating his Billboard AC Top 20 hit Free to Roam with a $20,000 matching donation to Breeders’ Cup Charities’ 40 Days of Giving initiative, which resulted in $120,000 donated to industry nonprofits.

Freirich has enjoyed great success in racing in recent years, having been a partner in 2022 Horse of the Year Flightline and 2022 Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Mo Donegal. He is currently a minority co-owner of the popular grade 1 winner Sandman, a co-owner and named partner in the promising grade 2-winning juvenile Ewing, and a minority partner in grade 1-placed 2-year-old Curtain Call through West Point Thoroughbreds 

Earlier this year, Breeders’ Cup Limited announced a significantly enhanced Breeders’ Cup Charities initiative dedicated to generating meaningful, lasting support for key industry charities and the broader Thoroughbred racing community. Funds support five core pillars: (i) Thoroughbred aftercare, (ii) jockey health and wellness, (iii) backstretch and industry workers, (iv) equine research, and (v) other impactful community initiatives. Led by an annual donation of all royalties received on Breeders’ Cup merchandise sales, a number of new campaigns will increase overall fundraising efforts and ensure the continued success and growth of Breeders’ Cup Charities.   

This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.