Rachel Alexandra's winnings to 'Komen Race for Cure'

[Kasept]

RACHEL ALEXANDRA TO “RACE FOR A CURE”
Thoroughbred’s owners donate $20,000 to start new fund

LEXINGTON, KY—Rachel Alexandra, who last month became the first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness, will “race for a cure” in the remainder of her 2009 campaign. A $20,000 donation to a breast cancer nonprofit, the Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure, from the Jackson Family Fund at the Blue Grass Community Foundation, will be the inaugural contribution.

Rachel Alexandra’s co-owners, Jess Jackson, founder of Kendall-Jackson Wines, and his wife Barbara Banke, originally created a fund to share the winnings of their 2007 and 2008 Horse of the Year Curlin with the Lexington-based Blue Grass Community Foundation, and plan to continue sharing their success with charitable, worthy causes.

“Rachel Alexandra is a magnificent horse. In her honor, we are making a gift to the Susan B. Komen Race for a Cure" said Barbara Banke, co-owner of Rachel Alexandra.

Rachel Alexandra, who won this year’s Kentucky Oaks by 20 lengths prior to her historic Preakness win, has won eight of 11 career starts and is in training for her next race [the Grade 1, 1 1/8-mile Mother Goose Stakes at Belmont Park on Saturday, June 27]. Each new success on the track by Rachel Alexandra will help replenish the charitable fund.

“This exceptional fund is one more example of how generous people can help direct their money to charities that make a difference,” said Allison Lankford, Director of Philanthropic Services, Blue Grass Community Foundation. “What a wonderful way for Barbara and Jess and their fabulous horse Rachel Alexandra to benefit so many.”