From the Second Stride Media Team / Jennie Rees:

Something for Everyone

Second Stride Unveils Derby Season Fundraising Series

(Photo: Champions Night at award-winning Valhalla Golf Club April 27 provides an exclusive Kentucky experience. Gwen Davis/Davis Innovation photo)

PROSPECT, Ky. (Tuesday, April 7, 2026) —Second Stride is inviting the community to celebrate with purpose as the excitement of Kentucky Derby season grows. For the first time, the non-profit organization will be hosting a series of three spring fundraising events designed to support retired Thoroughbred racehorses as they transition to second careers beyond the track—offering something for every interest, from an elegant Derby week evening to a relaxed day at the barn and a community golf outing.

“Derby season is when the world falls in love with the Thoroughbred,” said Kim Smith, Second Stride founder. “What many people don’t see is what comes next for these horses. As more horses enter aftercare and require longer, more individualized support, our work—and the community’s role in it—has never been more important. These events are designed so anyone can contribute to the future of these horses, whether you’ve been involved in racing for years or are just discovering it.”

Amid the pageantry and tradition, the need for aftercare continues to grow. Horses are staying in retraining programs longer, while the costs of rehabilitation, daily care and placement have steadily increased. Second Stride is hoping to channel Derby season enthusiasm into meaningful impact, ensuring the horses continue to have the opportunity for safe, successful futures.

Together, the three events offer something for everyone, each creating a unique way to connect with the horses, the people and the mission of Second Stride:

  • Champions Night at Valhalla Golf Club (Monday, April 27): An elegant, Derby Week evening at Valhalla Golf Club bringing together supporters, owners and visitors for an exclusive Kentucky experience. Festivity highlights include a Derby horse halter pull, auctions, bourbon and wine tastings and Derby talk with key racing celebrities.
  • Barn & Stable Party (Sunday, May 3): A relaxed, family-friendly event the day after the Kentucky Derby (11am-2pm) offering a behind-the-scenes look at Second Stride’s work, with opportunities to interact with the horses at Chorleywood Farm in Prospect. Attendees can meet Churchill Charlie, enjoy pony rides, food trucks, vendors and the award-winning Bourbon Revival Band.
  • Fore the Horses Golf Scramble (Monday, May 18): Hunting Creek Country Club (Prospect) plays host to this community-driven day on the course, perfect for businesses and supporters looking to combine fun and philanthropy.

The series reflects a simple idea: that the excitement of Kentucky Derby season can extend beyond the track—creating lasting impact for the horses who make it all possible.

For more information, event details or to purchase tickets, visit secondstride.org/events/.

Media contact

Kim Smith, founder and executive director

Second Stride

ksmith@secondstride.org

502-241-8440
About Second Stride
Founded in 2005 at Moserwood Farms in Kentucky’s Oldham County, Second Stride is one of the nation’s leading equine-adoption programs and a trusted partner within the thoroughbred racing industry. The 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit organization provides professional rehabilitation, retraining and placement for transitioning thoroughbred racehorses and retired or non-race candidate bloodstock horses in qualified homes so that they may reach their full potential in a productive second career. Second Stride has been accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Association (TAA) since 2014, a partner of the ASPCA Right Horse since 2021, a GuideStar Platinum 501(c)(3) organization since 2019 and is member of the Oldham County Chamber of Commerce and Kentucky Horse Council.
Children can get up close and personal with a thoroughbred at Second Stride’s Barn & Stable Party fundraiser May 3.
The 13th hole at Huntington Creek Country Club, site of Fore the Horses on May 18 (huntingtoncreekcc.com)