For Immediate Release
Contact: Mary Lee-Butte – (859) 219-0910
Wiggins, Trained Rachel Alexandra, Named
"Racino Round Up" Honorary Chair
Oct. 22 Fundraiser Benefits Blue Grass Farms Charities
LEXINGTON, KY – September 17, 2010 - Hal Wiggins, former trainer and owner of 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra, has been appointed the honorary chairperson for Blue Grass Farms Charities' annual fundraiser, it was announced today.
Fasig-Tipton Co. will host the western-themed Racino Round-Up, an event featuring dinner, music, live gaming, and live and silent auctions, at its' Lexington, Kentucky sales grounds on Oct. 22. Fasig-Tipton Chairman Walt Robertson will serve as auctioneer, while Keeneland track announcer Kurt Becker will serve as emcee.
"People have been waiting for this event to occur ever since last year when we first did a Racino-themed event," said Mary Lee-Butte, presenting sponsor and Chairperson of Blue Grass Farms Charities. "We've got live racing at Keeneland during the day and live gaming at Fasig-Tipton that night. It's a fun and lively way to spend the evening and the proceeds go to benefit a great cause."
Blue Grass Farms Charities provides emergency assistance like housing, food, medicine, bereavement aid, counseling, and educational opportunities to people who work in all facets of equine racing. The non-profit is well known for hosting a larger than life Christmas party, where as many as 375 children receive new toys, coats, gloves and clothing each year. It is led by Lee-Butte, who was the winner of the Dogwood Dominion award in 2009.
Live auction items to be offered include a trip to Miami Beach and Gulfstream Park; race fan packages from Keeneland, Breeders' Cup, and Churchill Downs; a fabulous golf escape for 8; and an assortment of halters from legendary Thoroughbred racehorses. There will also be a Calcutta for the next day's feature race at Keeneland.
Nicole Pieratt of Sallee Horse Vans is co-presenting sponsor. Other sponsors include Rood & Riddle, Brook Ledge, Darley, Juddmonte Farms, Blood-Horse Publications, Thoroughbred Times, Clothes Mentor, Tempur-Pedic, Post Printing, Crossroads Farm, Henkel-Denmark, Churchill Downs, Keeneland, and Breeders' Cup.
Tickets are $100 each for dinner and gaming; and $65 for late entry gaming only. Each guest will receive $500 in casino cash. For information on how to purchase tickets contact: Mary Lee-Butte at (859) 219-0910 or visit http://www.bgfcky.com/
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