Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) will host Bid on the Bluegrass, an online auction of unique, Kentucky-themed items and experiences, including memorabilia associated with many 2021 Kentucky Derby starters. Bid on the Bluegrass is set to open on Thursday, April 29, at 9 a.m., and will conclude on Saturday, May 1, at 9 p.m. ET. All proceeds will benefit TCA.

“This online auction will feature a wide array of items with a Kentucky focus,” said Erin Crady, executive director of TCA. “We have bourbon-themed items, racing memorabilia, one-of-a-kind experiences, farm tours, and so much more. We are very grateful to all of our item donors for making this auction possible.”

Featured auction items include memorabilia from Derby starters Essential Quality, Midnight Bourbon, Hot Rod Charlie, Like the King, Hidden Stash, Rock Your World, Medina Spirit, Helium, Super Stock, O Besos, Sainthood, and Mandaloun. Other racing memorabilia includes two framed shoes worn by Alydar, a print of Secretariat signed by Penny Tweedy, and a framed print of Seattle Slew winning the Derby by Fred Stone. Unique experiences include:

• An exclusive meet-and-greet with American Pharoah and Justify at Coolmore America, with halters for each horse, followed by a bourbon tasting;
• A VIP meet-and-greet with Rachel Alexandra and a farm tour at Stonestreet Farm;
• A private tour at Claiborne Farm;
• A catered farm tour with a Pinhook Bourbon tasting at Margaux Farm; and
• The opportunity to join race caller Kurt Becker in the announcer’s booth for one race during Keeneland’s October 2021 race meet.

The auction also features bourbon-related items, including 12 bottles of Bulleit Distilling Company spirits signed by Tom Bulleit, a Four Roses Bourbon gift basket, a Buffalo Trace Distillery gift basket, and a Town Branch Distilling barrel head.

A list of items can be found here. New items will be added daily until the start of the auction.

Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) was formed in 1990 to raise and distribute funds to charities in the Thoroughbred industry that provide a better life for Thoroughbreds, both during and after their racing careers, by supporting qualified repurposing and retirement organizations and by helping the people who care for them. In 2020 TCA granted more than $1 million to 70 approved charities working within Thoroughbred retraining, rehoming, and retirement; backstretch and farm worker services, research, and equine-assisted therapy. During the past three decades, TCA has granted over $24 million to more than 200 charities that successfully meet the criteria set forth in its annual grant application. The organization administers the Horses First Fund, founded by LNJ Foxwoods in 2016, to assist Thoroughbreds in need of emergency aid. TCA manages Cómo, a mobile app founded by Godolphin, that connects racing industry employees to the vital services they need through a network of racetrack chaplains and Thoroughbred industry organizations. TCA is the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA).