Backside Learning Center | Horse Racing Free Tips

Brook Smith’s Splashy Claims To Support Churchill’s Backside Learning Center

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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Smith’s Unusual Claim to Benefit BLC

Owner Brook Smith, who made headlines when he claimed three horses for $100,000 each out of Saturday's fourth race at Churchill Downs, will enroll all three of those horses in Churchill's Backside Learning Center (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. All three horses are to be trained by Jeff Hiles.

Smith has operated a small stable for more than 20 years, but is building a new operation called RSLP Racing, which is slated to eventually become a partnership. He has been a long-time supporter of BLC and was the person who initiated the concept of Purses for a Purpose in order for owners and trainers to directly support the organization.

Click here for more information on how to become involved with Purses for a Purpose.

The post Smith’s Unusual Claim to Benefit BLC appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Backside Learning Center Bourbon Raffle to Fund COVID Efforts

The Backside Learning Center (BLC) will be hosting a Bourbon Bonanza Raffle on February 11. All proceeds will help fund efforts toward COVID-19 vaccine education, access and promotion for backside workers and their families at Churchill Downs.

The drawing will take place at 4 p.m. on February 11 and the deadline for entry is February 10 at 10:59 p.m. Participants will enter to win one of two, eight-bottle baskets with values ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.

The first basket, called Cupid's Collection, features Pappy Van Winkle 12-year-old Lot B, Kentucky Par, Blanton's and more. The second basket, the Valentine's Bundle, includes three variations of Wild Turkey, two types of Basil Hayden, 10-year-old Kentucky Owl Rye Whiskey and more.

Tickets are $50 for one chance to win or $200 for five chances.

Baskets will be delivered for winners within the Louisville city limits. All other winners will need to arrange pickup.

“Proceeds from the Bourbon Bonanza will help fund our extensive efforts towards COVID-19 vaccine education, access and promotion for backside workers and their families,” said the BLC's Executive Director Sherry Stanley. “It is very important to us that our clients can make informed decisions that affect the health of their families and the entire community. The BLC is a trusted source of information and support, therefore it is vital that we are well-informed and presenting up-to-the-minute information in order to protect the well-being of the entire equine community of workers and families.”

The Backside Learning Center is a non-profit organization that works to promote community and enrich the lives of equine workers and their families at Churchill Downs. Since the onset of the pandemic, the BLC has provided emergency food relief, created a digital inclusion project to overcome the challenges of virtual learning, provided computers to 20 backside families, offered virtual English classes and more.

To purchase raffle tickets, click here.

To view the event on Facebook, click here.

The post Backside Learning Center Bourbon Raffle to Fund COVID Efforts appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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From TDN Look: While the Horses are Away

It’s three days before Christmas, a time when most young Americans can be found lounging on the couch binging on Netflix and cookies, but Merlin Cano is busy on the backside of Churchill Downs.

Most of the trainers have already packed up and headed for warmer climates. A few trucks roll by carrying used straw or unused hay, remnants of the hive of activity this backstretch was just a few weeks ago. All is quiet for now, but Merlin knows there is still much to be done.

Merlin is a member of the team at the Backside Learning Center (BLC)–an organization located on the Churchill Downs backside that serves as a resource center for the equine backstretch community, providing educational programs and services and promoting community amongst the backstretch workers and their families.

At 20 years old and around a hundred pounds, Merlin loads up the BLC’s van to the brim with holiday gift baskets filled with blankets, fruits, gift cards, coats and more. She heads out to Oakdale Avenue to journey through the streets of downtown Louisville.

She knows the roads surrounding the track like the back of her hand and soon arrives at the house of Angelica Solano and her four children. The family receives new shoes for each of the children along with food for a holiday feast.

When asked what the BLC has done for her family, Solano replied, “The Backside Learning Center has helped me translate the letters and mail I receive. I’m thankful because they have supported my kids with homework and they’ve provided us with several food distributions. They’re always making sure we’re doing okay and helping us with whatever we need.”

Click to continue reading and to see the video at TDN Look.

The post From TDN Look: While the Horses are Away appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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