Long-time supporter of Churchill Downs' Backside Learning Center supporter, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and owner of Rocket Ship Launch Pad Racing, Brook Smith made headlines when he claimed three horses for $100,000 each out of Saturday's fourth race at Churchill Downs. All three will be enrolled in the BLC's Purses for a Purpose program. A percentage of each horse's winnings will be donated to the program to support BLC's mission to build community and enrich the lives of backside workers and their families.
The BLC is the only organization of its kind in the country. Based at Churchill Downs, the BLC serves equine workers throughout the Louisville and Kentucky areas. The organization provides comprehensive educational programming and social services to this important community which serves as the backbone for Kentucky's Thoroughbred industry.
Smith proposed the concept “Purses for A Purpose” to the BLC about three years ago, as a mechanism for owners and trainers to directly support the organization.
“When launching RSLP Racing, beyond the excitement of doing things a bit differently–making a splash, thoughts immediately went to supporting those that make horse racing possible, the backside,” said Smith. “RSLP will give 4% of the purses of its runners to support the Backside Learning Center. At present there are eight RSLP horses and growing. It's time we all contribute to those who are making the industry great.”
“We are so fortunate to have Brook in our corner,” said Sherry Stanley, executive director of the BLC. “Since we met him about five years ago, he has brought some incredibly innovative and strategic ideas to us with the goal of helping us build sustainability. He has always recognized the critical role of this organization, which plays a key role in the success of the entire industry by supporting those who work behind the scenes and are its true unsung heroes.”
Click here for more information on how to become involved with Purses for a Purpose.
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