Second Stride Fundraiser Set for The Manhattan Project

Second Stride has a new venue for its Champions Night fundraiser Monday, April 29: The Manhattan Project, 2101 Frankfort Avenue in Louisville.

Locally owned The Manhattan Project is donating 10 percent of its bar business during Champions Night to Second Stride—one of the nation's leading programs for rehabbing, retraining and adopting out retired Thoroughbred racehorses for second careers.

The Second Stride Champions Night Fundraiser is the only Derby Week event raising money to benefit horses. The centerpiece again will be the Kentucky Derby and Oaks handicapping panel, presented by Skychai Racing and featuring some of the most astute analysts in the game.

Also: the Smoke Easy Cigar Lounge, live and silent auctions of cool racing memorabilia and experiences, raffles throughout the evening as well as great food, drinks and conversation. The festivities raise money (and awareness) to transition racehorses to qualified homes and second careers within their physical limits while providing joy to both horse and humans.

The Derby handicapping panel will be moderated by the Blood-Horse's Byron King with Fanduel/TVG's Andie Biancone, At the Races host Steve Byk and St. Louis radio show host and handicapper Doug Nachman.

The event runs from 6-9 p.m. ET, with admission a $25 donation to Second Stride at the door. Champions Night traditionally attracts trainers, owners, jockeys, fans and other industry notables. Additional details available at secondstride.org/champions-night/.

"Aftercare is no longer an afterthought, as the industry has embraced its obligation to take care of the horses who take care of so many of us at the track and breeding farm," said Kim Smith, Second Stride's founder and executive director. "Why not have fun in the process as we celebrate the amazing thoroughbred and kick off this historic Derby Week leading to the 150th Kentucky Derby?

"Every dollar raised on Champions Night will go to helping off-the-track racehorses and other thoroughbreds in need such as broodmares and horses that never made it to the races. The Manhattan Project is a true champion as well, stepping up as our host site and its generous donation of 10 percent of the bar business. We helped a record 197 horses last year and want to blow past that in 2024."