Grace Stables, Stonestreet show support for Komen
foundation
Grace Stables and Stonestreet Stables announced Wednesday
they will make a financial contribution and have their jockeys wear
pink
this season to support the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and its
funding of breast cancer education and research. Symbolic of the stables’ commitment, their jockeys’ silks will
sport the color pink throughout the season, starting with Kentucky Oaks
Day at Churchill Downs. The pink theme coincides with special
Kentucky Oaks Day events that include a “Pink Out,” that encourages
all Oaks attendees to wear pink for the day to show their support.
Stonestreet Stables, home to reigning Horse of the Year and last year’s
Kentucky Oaks (G1) queen Rachel
Alexandra (Medaglia d’Or), is owned by horseman/vintner Jess Jackson. Stonestreet’s
jockeys’ pants which usually feature Jackson’s namesake wine brand,
Kendall-Jackson in black letters along the leg, will now bear that name
in pink letters. Grace Stables, home to Grade 1 winner Hot Dixie Chick (Dixie
Union), and owned by
Jackson’s wife, Barbara Banke, will have its riders wear a pink ribbon
on their helmets.
Additionally, Churchill Downs’ will be adorned in pink on Oaks Day,
including pink-colored bunting, flower beds, flags and jockeys’ and
pony riders’ apparel. Even Churchill Downs’ bugler will sport a pink
uniform as he calls horses to the post throughout the Oaks race card.
“Like so many families, our family has been affected by the scourge
of this disease,” Banke said. “As a breast cancer survivor I know the value of the
global research and educational programs supported by Susan G. Komen. It’s a great privilege to know that our
contribution is going to support this important work.”
Banke recently joined Susan G. Komen for the Cure as a Global
Ambassador to help raise breast cancer awareness and much-needed funds
to build on the tremendous progress made toward a world without breast
cancer. In her new volunteer role at the highest level of
Ambassadorship, Banke will be able to work with fellow Ambassadors and
Komen stakeholders to drive important initiatives and mobilize leaders
and influencers within the breast cancer movement to further Komen’s
mission to end breast cancer forever.
The Kentucky Oaks race and activities will again be showcased live by
the Bravo Network in partnership with its parent company, NBC
Universal.
Kentucky Oaks Day will once again feature a “Ladies First” theme
and a day of events to raise money and awareness for Susan G. Komen for
the Cure, which leads the global movement for breast cancer research,
education, advocacy and community support.
“We learned last year just how much of an impact Oaks Day has for
raising awareness and funds for breast cancer programs all around the
world,” said Nancy G. Brinker, founder and CEO of Susan G. Komen for
the Cure.