Annual charity event on July 21 to support retired racehorses
Tickets Available at Event!
DEL MAR, Calif., July 19, 2019 – As the Southern California Thoroughbred racing community settles into its summer tradition of surfboards and saddles, the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA), is putting on the finishing touches for the return of the wildly successful fundraiser, Hoedown For Horses. The western-themed bash will be held on Sunday, July 21 after the races in the iconic Del Mar Thoroughbred Club paddock.
“Everyone had such a wonderful time at last year’s event, so we are really excited to bring it back and have made it even better,” said CARMA Executive Director Lucinda Lovitt Mandella. “It’s a great time for an even greater cause.”
Hoedown for Horses will have attendees kicking up their heels as they dance to live country music performed by Jake Parr, cheer on the head-to-head jockey mechanical bull riding competition, participate in a silent and live auction, feast on a barbecue buffet and soak in the good vibes of summer.
Funds raised will directly benefit CARMA’s grant fund, which helps support more than 20 nonprofits that care for retired racehorses. The money will also go towards CARMA’s one-of-kind placement program which retires, rehabilitates and rehomes Thoroughbred racehorses at the end of their career.
“This is a great cause that everyone in racing needs to support. It’s all about the love of horses,” said Billy Koch, CARMA board member and managing partner of syndicate Little Red Feather Racing. “On top of that, the Hoedown is going to be blast and it’s the perfect way to close out Opening Week of Del Mar.”
Festivities began after last race in the iconic paddock at approximately 6:30p.m. The evening will be highlighted by the jockey bull riding competition will feature Southern California jockeys, Joe Talamo, Aaron Gryder, Drayden Van Dyke, Iggy Puglisi, Mario Gutierrez, Edwin Maldonado, Rafael Bejarano and J.C. Diaz. Also eligible to compete are Noberto Arroyo, Abel Cedillo, Tiago Pereira, Reuben Fuentes, Evin Roman, Alonzo Quinonez and Martin Garcia.
A one-of-a-kind dining experience with Mike Smith at the renowned Pamplemousse Grille will be the feature live auction item. The silent auction will include highly desirable items such as Breeders’ Cup tickets, signed racing memorabilia of Triple Crown Winners American Pharoah and Justify, entertainment packages, and original artwork by Erica Nordean – just to name a few.
A delicious barbecue-styled buffet, by Premier Catering, will offer three different types of gourmet sliders including pulled pork, sirloin burgers, and buffalo fried chicken served with baked beans. There will also be a macaroni bar with all the fixings for a cheesy feast. When it’s time for CARMA supporters to whet their whistle, there will be two no-host full bars.
Hoedown for Horses is sponsored by Liberty Road Stables – Marsha Naify, Bob and Jill Baffert, Chuck Winner, Jay Em Ess Stable, Cannon Thoroughbreds, Fairview LLC, M. Auerbach LLC, Hronis Racing, The Stronach Group, Purple Shamrock Racing, Oak Tree Racing Association, Owning – Mr. & Mrs. Paul Reddam, Rancho San Miguel, Little Red Feather Cares, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners – Blue Moon, Santa Anita Park, KC Horse Transport, Schroeder Farms, Rick and Marcia Gold, Branjam Stables, David and Holly Wilson, Double L Racing Stable, Tom and Nancy Clark Foundation, Golden Gate Fields, Monarch Content Management, Angel’s Feed, Inc., Daily Racing Form, Climax Stallions, Teddy Cole Foundation, Thor-Bred Stables, Sbicca, West Coast Feed, Doug and Kathy Forde, Citrus Feed Company, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and California Thoroughbred Breeders Association.
Individual tickets are $125 and sets of 10 can be bundled for $1,000. Sponsorships and underwriting opportunities ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 are still available. ickets can be purchased at the door.