In recognition and unqualified support of U.S. service members, the Breeders’
Cup, in partnership with the USO, will host more than 350 American troops and
their families for a day of championship Thoroughbred racing on Saturday at
Santa Anita, as part of the 2009 Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
The day at the races will be sponsored by West Point Thoroughbreds, a
worldwide leader in Thoroughbred partnerships started in 1991 by Terry Finley, a
former U.S. Army captain and West Point graduate.
The Breeders’ Cup and Oak Tree Racing Association are saluting both American
soldiers and local Southern California firefighters this year under the banner
of “Heroes and Horses.”
As a part of Friday’s and Saturday’s festivities, the USO has also helped to
secure rising country music stars Carter’s Chord, accompanied by a military
color guard, to perform the national anthem. Carter’s Chord is composed of
Becky, Emily and Joanna Robertson. These talented and beautiful sisters hail
from Nashville, where they have just released their self-titled album
co-produced by Toby Keith and their Grammy-winning father, Barny Robertson.
The USO will have a dedicated hospitality area in the racetrack infield for
more than 350 service members from the Southern California area and their
families to enjoy the exciting day of events. A Mobile USO unit also will be
onsite. Designed to support troops serving in remote and isolated areas
throughout the U.S., these vehicles offer a comfortable place where service
members can relax and connect online with family and friends during their
downtime. When not in service at military facilities, the Mobile USO’s are
deployed to community events around the country to raise public awareness and
build support for our troops and their families.
“We thank the Breeders’ Cup for helping us provide this experience for our
troops,” said Sloan Gibson, USO president. “Through their generosity, the USO is
able to provide a unique day of fun to the brave men and women of our military
and their families.”
“We are honored to partner with the USO to provide a very special day of
entertainment for the men and women who serve our country,” Breeders’ Cup
President and CEO Greg Avioli said.
“As a former serviceman and a Thoroughbred owner, I am extremely proud to
support Breeders’ Cup and the USO together in providing our men and women of the
armed forces with a terrific day at one of the world’s greatest sporting
events,” Finley said.
The USO joins The V Foundation for Cancer Research and the Thoroughbred
Charities of America as beneficiaries of the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Charities
program. Breeders’ Cup Charities was formed in 2008 to partner with and raise
funds and awareness for broad-based charitable organizations. Earlier this year,
Churchill Downs hosted the USO and service members and their families at the
2009 Kentucky Derby (G1).