Churchill Downs Racetrack will host Thoroughbred Aftercare Day on Saturday, September 27, 2025, during its September meet, in a dedicated effort to highlight the importance of responsible retirement and second careers for Thoroughbred horses. This event underscores the racing industry’s ongoing commitment to the welfare of retired athletes and the nonprofit organizations supporting their transition from the racetrack to new vocations.
Celebrating Organizations and Industry Partners
Nine prominent aftercare organizations will participate, including 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 will receive a portion of the proceeds from tickets sold through their specialized links, supporting their ongoing care and rehabilitation services for former racehorses.
Key Event Features
The day offers visitors opportunities to meet notable off-track Thoroughbreds, such as Golden Strike, the dam of 2022 Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike, and learn about their journeys beyond racing. Attendees can participate in interactive activities designed to educate and engage the public about equine aftercare.
An online auction will also run through the event, featuring exclusive experiences like private farm tours, a chance to name a Thoroughbred, and a meeting with Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra. The auction, conducted by the Churchill Downs Foundation, closes at 7 p.m. on event day.
The event coincides with an 11-race program, which begins at 12:45 p.m. ET and includes major stakes such as the GII Lukas Classic and GIII Ack Ack Stakes—important qualifiers for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Gates open at 11:30 a.m.
Community Impact
Thoroughbred Aftercare Day aims to bridge the gap between fans and the broader aftercare community, offering insight into post-racing opportunities for horses and the industry’s investment in lifelong equine welfare. Proceeds support participating non-profits, reinforcing Churchill Downs’ dedication to sustaining retired Thoroughbreds’ wellbeing long after their final race.
