In The News

Friday, October 11, 2013

 

Fifth Renewal of Breeders' Cup or Bust Journey to Focus on Equine and Human Health to Raise Funds

 

Breeders' Cup Press Release

Paulick Report Team to Post News and Videos of California Aftercare Facilities

With the Breeders' Cup celebrating its 30th running this year Nov. 1-2 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., the Paulick Report's fifth annual Breeders' Cup or Bust fundraiser to benefit Breeders' Cup Charities will be focusing on the health and well-being of the equine and human athletes who make this annual championship event possible.

Paulick Report's publisher Ray Paulick and Editor-in-chief Scott Jagow will tour a number of California's Thoroughbred aftercare facilities, stop in on racing Hall of Fame jockey Russell Baze at Golden Gate Fields, and visit with veterinarians conducting research on horse health issues. They'll document their "BC or Bust" tour with a series of articles and videos compiled throughout the Golden State while raising awareness and donations for three organizations selected by Breeders' Cup Charities: CARMA, the California Retirement Management Account that funds Thoroughbred aftercare facilities for horses that raced in California; the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, providing assistance to severely injured jockeys and the Grayson Jockey Club Research Foundation, which annually funds a number of veterinary research projects at various universities."

"We've driven, walked, run and sung our way to the Breeders' Cup to raise over $300,000 for Breeders' Cup Charities since starting BC or Bust in 2009," said Paulick, citing two cross-country drives, an 85-mile solo walk and subsequent one-day relay run from Lexington to Louisville, and last year's National Anthem racetrack performances by former Paulick Report CEO Brad Cummings. "The Thoroughbred industry is really fortunate to have so many people who support worthy causes, so this year's 'BC or Bust' focus will be on demonstrating how their dollars are making a positive difference."

"We are delighted to partner with Ray and Scott in our fifth consecutive year with Paulick Report raise to call attention and raise money for such outstanding causes in Thoroughbred Charities of America, the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, CARMA and the Grayson Jockey Club Research Foundation," said Breeders' Cup President and CEO Craig Fravel. "'Breeders' Cup or Bust' has become an important part of Breeders' Cup Charities and we look forward to learning about the great people whose dedicated work supports our industry."

"Ray and Scott, with their Breeders' Cup or Bust fundraiser, epitomize all the good that can be accomplished when our industry works together toward a common goal," said PDJF President Nancy LaSala. "We're especially appreciative that this year's focus is the well-being of our human and equine athletes. PDJF thanks them and Breeders' Cup Charities for raising awareness of the needs of permanently disabled jockeys."

"The Breeders' Cup or Bust program is a unique and imaginative form of fund raising, and we recognize that it requires considerable personal effort," noted Edward L. Bowen, president of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. "We are flattered to be a beneficiary and are pleased that the Breeders' Cup recognizes that our work is so compatible with their own dedication to keeping horses sound and healthy."

"We are so happy Ray and Scott chose to highlight the individual organizations working tirelessly for the benefit of our equine stars," said Lucinda Mandella, Executive Director of CARMA. "Breeders' Cup or Bust is a fantastic way to bring much-needed attention to worthy causes and we are so grateful to be a partner in their efforts this year."

Paulick and Jagow won't be walking or driving to California for Breeders' Cup or Bust. They'll depart Central Kentucky by air to Northern California on Oct. 23 and begin their tour of aftercare facilities the next day at the Glen Ellen Vocational Academy in wine country. The duo will then make their way south to Golden Gate Fields, down the California coast and into the high desert for more retirement and retraining facility visits and, finally, to Southern California in time for the two-day Breeders' Cup Nov. 1-2.

All Breeders' Cup or Bust donations go directly to Breeders' Cup Charities, a 501(c)3, for distribution to this year's three recipient charities. To make a secured donation, go to www.breederscup.com/about/charities. Checks can be made out to Breeders' Cup Charities and mailed to Breeders' Cup/BC or Bust, 2525 Harrodsburg Road, 5th Floor, Lexington, KY 40504.

About Breeders' Cup

The Breeders' Cup administers the Breeders' Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing's year-end Championships. The Breeders' Cup also administers the Breeders' Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. The 2013 Breeders' Cup World Championships, consisting of 14 races and purses totaling $27 million will be held Nov. 1-2 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., and will be televised live by the NBC Sports Network. Breeders' Cup press releases appear on the Breeders' Cup Web site, www.breederscup.com. You can also follow the Breeders' Cup on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Contact: Ed Bowen
(859) 224-2851