The Jockey Club Foundation, which assists needy individuals throughout the Thoroughbred racing industry, has made a $100,000 contribution to the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts being spearheaded by two industry organizations.

A check for $75,000 was sent to the National Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association’s Hurricane Katrina Relief fund to help Thoroughbred industry personnel affected by the hurricane, and a check for $25,000 was sent to the Churchill Downs Foundation to assist employees of CDI’s Fair Grounds racetrack in New Orleans.

“We wanted to lend a helping hand to horsemen, backstretch employees, and racetrack employees who have been affected, and we realized that the National HBPA and the Churchill Downs Foundation were closely monitoring the situation and would know how the funds could be best utilized,” explained Nancy C. Kelly, the executive director of the foundation.

Kelly has also been in contact with personnel from the Race Track Chaplaincy of America, who have representatives on the National HBPA’s Hurricane Katrina Relief fund committee