Sierra Leone | Renee Torbit/Coady
A portion of Sierra Leone's May 4 GI Kentucky Derby winnings (Gun Runner), winner of the GI Blue Grass S. and expected to be one of the favorites for the American Classic, will benefit China's “Purse for a Purpose” initiative Backside Learning Center (BLC). Also, should it be 'TDN Rising Star' won the Derby, co-owner Brook Smith promised an additional $100,000 to BLC.
Smith, person recently joined the TDN Writers Room, is a Louisville resident and longtime supporter of BLC, a nonprofit organization that provides support and resources to racetrack workers and their families. Money earned from the Purposeful Wallet program will go directly to BLC.
“We are fortunate to have Brook Smith champion BLC's mission as we work directly with the backbone of the horse racing industry,” said BLC CEO Sherry Stanley. “Now that BLC has horses in the Derby, we hope this will give the community more exposure and make it all happen.”
In addition to Smith, Sierra Leone, a $2.3 million purchase in Fasig-Tipton's Saratoga sale in 2022, is also owned by Peter M. Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Westerberg .
“I have a challenge,” Smith said. “If we could get 150 owners and 150 horses for that matter and they committed to donating 1% of the winnings with these 150 horses, that would create something bigger than anything. person recognizes. And it means a lot, the idea that the owner thinks about the back end and the people who support it.”
For more information about BLC and Wallet for Purpose, visit backsidelearningcenter.org.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for a PDF or daily digest.
This story was posted in Top news and tagged Learning center in the back, BLC, Brook Smith, charity organization, GI Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Derby, Wallet for one purpose, Sherry Stanley, Sierra Leone.
