Backside Learning Center Event April 14 in Louisville

Calling all Thoroughbred owners and trainers to come enjoy the magic of the pre-Derby season at Louisville Thoroughbred Society April 14 from 5-7 p.m. ET with the Backside Learning Center. The event, the Thoroughbred Owner's Derby Handicapping Social sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, is the first of its kind and enables owners to take an active role in securing a vibrant and viable backstretch community throughout Louisville and Kentucky.

The Thoroughbred Owner's Derby Handicapping Social serves as a launch for BLC's Purses for a Purpose, a unique initiative in which owners can invest easily and directly in the backstretch workers who are ensuring the success of the racing industry. Through Purses for a Purpose, owners can pledge to donate customizable portions of their horses' winnings, with the money going directly to programming at the Backside Learning Center.

In addition to the launch of Purses for a Purpose, the event will feature a 2022 Derby handicapping seminar with a panel of the industry's top experts: Caton Bredar, Joe Kristufek, and Brandon Stauble, with NBC's Donna Barton Brothers moderating. Special guest Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale, will be on hand to talk about his personal experiences supporting backstretch workers. The event also includes a cigar bar and bourbon raffle, with complimentary hors d'oeurves and drinks by Crushed Ice Catering. 

The Backside Learning Center is a Louisville, nonprofit organization focusing on empowering and partnering with area backside workers and their families. The BLC is honored to work year-round with over 1,000 equine workers and their families, who are behind the scenes grooming, hot walking, exercise riding, caring for, feeding, and training the horses based at Churchill Downs and Trackside Training Center, the only program of its kind in the state of Kentucky. With programs centered around educational support for adults and youth, health and wellness, human services, and more, the BLC is committed to serving as a community center and "home away from home" for the diverse populations within the backside community.

The event is free with a $20 suggested donation at the door.

Learn more and register for the event via this link: https://one.bidpal.net/blcderbyhandicapping.