Second Stride To Host Annual Derby Week Fundraiser at Valhalla

[Wandering Eyes]

Second Stride, one of the nation's leading equine-adoption programs, will host its 14th annual Derby week fundraiser at Valhalla Golf Club on Monday, Apr. 28 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Just 151 tickets will be sold and will require pre-purchase.

Guests will be able to meet and mingle with a veritable racing who's who including Triple Crown winning jockey Jean Cruguet, Derby winning jockey Mike Manganello, and successful jockeys Sandy Hawley and Kaoru Tsuchiya-Hawley. NBC racing celebrity and former jockey Donna Brothers will be on hand to lend insight into the big race and interview racing notables including Whit Beckman, trainer of Kentucky Derby contender Flying Mohawk and Kentucky Oaks filly Simply Joking. The evening will also feature Derby handicapping from a panel of experts and friends of Second Stride.

Official Derby and Oaks artist Tyler Robertson will be present to sign any posters sold of his limited-edition artwork. Distillers Elijah Craig and Makers Mark will be on hand to provide bourbon tastings for patrons while the heavy hors d'oeuvre menu will feature items like shrimp and grits cups, mini hot browns, beef tenderloin with Henry Bain's sauce as well as staple desserts bourbon balls and Derby pie.

The Valhalla pro shop, normally only open to members,will be open for business during the evening. Plans are also in the works for a putting contest to benefit Second Stride on the famous 18th green in front of the clubhouse.

Guests will also have chance to interact with the two Second Stride ambassador horses residing on the Valhalla property.  Interested parties will be taken by golf cart to visit 2014 Triple Crown contender General A Rod and graded stakes winner Hawaakom who came to reside seasonally at the property entrance just following the PGA Championship last year.

“An event partnership like this will give people the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and history of Valhalla while also providing needed support for the hundreds of horses we serve in the racing industry. It's a win-win for everyone,” said Second Stride founder and Executive Director Kim Smith.

As always, proceeds from the event enable the Louisville-based organization to continue to provide professional rehabilitation, retraining and placement of retired thoroughbred racehorses.

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