LEXINGTON, Ky., Sept. 30, 2026 — Champions Give Back 2026 will return on Oct. 1 as a month-long charitable campaign supporting organisations working across the Thoroughbred racing community, with the initiative running through the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Keeneland on Oct. 30-31.
A central part of this year’s campaign will again be a $50,000 matching gift from racehorse owner and philanthropist Ken Freirich. Donations made during the campaign will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to that amount, allowing supporters to double the impact of their contributions to Breeders’ Cup Charities.
The campaign reflects the wider role of the World Championships beyond competition on the racetrack. Through its charitable programme, Breeders’ Cup Charities supports established organisations whose work falls within five core areas, with assistance directed towards horses, racing professionals and the communities connected to the sport.
Champions Give Back 2026 to support racing community
Among the organisations receiving support in 2026 are the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and Race Track Chaplaincy of America.
Fans will have several ways to contribute during the campaign. Donations can be made directly through the official charity programme, while visitors attending the World Championships at Keeneland will also have opportunities to support the initiative through purchases and special merchandise.
A portion of proceeds from official merchandise sales will benefit Breeders’ Cup Charities. The merchandise store at Keeneland will open on Oct. 2 and remain available throughout the World Championships, while supporters will also be able to purchase items online.
Special commemorative merchandise will form another part of the fundraising effort. Among the items planned is a limited-edition coin celebrating Cody’s Wish, the popular two-time Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) winner. The coin will be available during the World Championships, with proceeds directed to the charitable programme.
Owners of horses competing at the World Championships will also have the opportunity to contribute. At entry, participating owners can designate a percentage of their purse earnings to Breeders’ Cup Charities, adding another avenue for those directly involved in the meeting to support the campaign.
The fundraising effort will continue beyond the two days of racing. An online auction planned for the autumn will feature Breeders’ Cup and Thoroughbred racing memorabilia alongside a selection of unique experiences, with proceeds going towards Breeders’ Cup Charities.
The charitable programme will also benefit from the inaugural Racing Memorabilia Auction presented by Cross Gate Gallery on Dec. 3, 2026. The event will be conducted both online and live in Lexington and will feature a collection of racing memorabilia, including items associated with champion Zenyatta from the personal collection of the late Hall of Fame trainer John Shirreffs.
With the World Championships returning to Keeneland at the end of October, Champions Give Back 2026 will provide racing fans, participants and partners with multiple opportunities to contribute to the sport away from the racecourse. The campaign places particular emphasis on supporting the people, horses and organisations that form the foundation of Thoroughbred racing.
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