Whether or not it is donating to an entrepreneurial competitors he based at his alma mater, Skidmore Faculty, supporting disabled jockeys or donating to thoroughbred aftercare, Ken Freilich believes in main by instance, and finally week’s Breeders’ Cup in Del Mar, he gave the impression to be spreading his message in every single place directly.
When requested just a few days after the occasion if he had enjoyable, he replied, “It certain was. It was continuous.”
In simply over 48 hours, Freilich a) FanDuel TV interview concerning a beneficiant $500,000 donation to Breeders’ Cup Charities. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is the recipient of the donation. b) I noticed the tune “I Want,” which he wrote and govt produced, carried out by the San Diego Kids’s Choir earlier than the Breeders’ Cup. c) His music group, Random Acts of Kindness, sponsored the American Thoroughbred Charities Bash on the Breeders’ Cup to rejoice the brand new single. d) He was within the winner’s circle, handing out checks to charities for his donations. e) The trophy was offered after the Ken Muddy Stakes. and f) He unfold the gospel of aftercare whereas roaming the monitor on each championship days.
He wasn’t completed but. Simply days after the Breeders’ Cup, the Completely Disabled Jockeys Basis introduced that Mr. Freilich is certainly one of two new members of its board of administrators.
Giving again is in his DNA. Mr. Freilich, a profitable businessman and longtime enterprise proprietor, has been lively in philanthropy for many years, beginning with an entrepreneurship and marketing strategy competitors he based at Skidmore and has since donated to Skidmore. He introduced that very same ardour to the thoroughbred business.
“I attempt to use my enterprise and entrepreneurial background to offer help and help,” Freilich mentioned. “After talking with administrators and chief executives of assorted Thoroughbred charities, the frequent thread is that we want extra assets, and general we want extra funding.”
“The business and its stakeholders can do extra: horse house owners, breeders, followers, trainers, company sponsors. We have to plan our giving fastidiously. A part of my message is that we have to do extra now and plan for the longer term.”
Mr. Freilich is a long-time investor and associate in West Level Thoroughbreds. By West Level, he’s co-owner of the 2022 Horse of the 12 months Flightline, whose present runners embody Ewing, who received the G2 Saratoga Particular Stakes with out a loss, and Sandman, who received the G1 Arkansas Derby. For Freilich, horses are like household.
“And similar to with household, it is essential to deal with them, not simply throughout the race, however all through their lives,” he mentioned.
However it’s greater than a horse. Freilich believes there’s a clear want for extra help for these on the entrance strains with aftercare.
“One of many greatest causes I’m enthusiastic about that is to help those that present aftercare,” he mentioned. “Aftercare suppliers will want extra assets, employees and extra land for horses, which would require important funding. All pillars of the aftercare group have to be supported.”
Freilich mentioned the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is crucial for its certification course of.
“This is among the nice issues the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance does,” he mentioned. “Having strict protocols in place ensures horses are correctly cared for and gives a powerful consolation stage for all supporters and aftercare suppliers.”
Nevertheless, the general want stays fixed and rising.
“We really feel there’s a nice philanthropic want within the Thoroughbred business,” Freilich mentioned. “I attempt to steer by instance and encourage others to collaborate now and sooner or later.”– Written by Jay Pribman
