LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Have you ever wanted to own a piece of horse racing history while supporting a nonprofit in the process? Here's how you can do it.
Down Syndrome of Louisville (DSL) is raffling off Brian Hernandez's Kentucky Oaks 150 jockey pants. His horse, Thorpedo Anna, won the race.
Hernandez and his wife, Jamie, attended the DSL Gallop Gala in April, and the nonprofit said he felt compelled to make a difference for those with Down Syndrome. The couple reached out DSL and offered to feature their logo on the jockey's pants.
"He said he felt inspired and said he really wanted to do something for our members, that they brought such joy to him that evening," Executive Director Julie Torzewski said. "So he called and said he would like to put our logo on his pants that he was wearing in the Oaks. Of course we thought that was really exciting. It's a historic Oaks and Derby anyway and just would get us some notoriety. I had no idea what the weekend would bring."
Hernandez will also autograph the pants.
"We opted for a raffle, aiming to appeal not only to DSL families but also to racing enthusiasts and supporters of Brian Hernandez," Torzewski said. "We have a compelling narrative of Down syndrome to share, one filled with inspiration, and Brian Hernandez's generosity is instrumental in amplifying that message."
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Proceeds from the raffle will help support the mission of Down Syndrome of Louisville.
Raffle tickets are $50 and can be bought here. The winner will be announced during the nonprofit's Pro-Celebrity Golf Tournament on June 3.
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