The V Foundation for Cancer Research, one of the nation’s leading cancer research funding organizations, and majority owners Perry & Denise Martin and Taylor Made Stallions are pleased to announce that California Chrome, LLC will launch a new partnership in the fight against cancer and run in support of The V Foundation throughout the remainder of his scheduled racing career. He is currently pointed towards the $200,000 San Diego Handicap (G2) on July 23, and the $1 million Pacific Classic (G1) on August 20, which will both be held at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club racetrack in Del Mar, California.
In addition to a portion of California Chrome’s future race earnings to support The V Foundation, the California Chrome team will also hold other special events to raise charitable donations for The V Foundation. The first such event will be following the San Diego Handicap and will auction California Chrome’s blinkers, Jockey Victor Espinoza’s silks worn in the race as well as a co-branded Chrome and V Foundation saddle blanket worn during the horse’s final workout at Del Mar. One hundred percent of the proceeds of the auction will be donated to The V Foundation.
“When we selected a charity, we were looking for a charity that has the same values as Taylor Made Stallions,” said Duncan Taylor, President & CEO at Taylor Made. “When someone recommended The V Foundation, I went back and listened to Jim Valvano’s ESPY’s speech while he was fighting for his life against cancer. The wisdom from his speech perfectly matched what our company’s founders and parents Joe and Mary Emily Taylor instilled in our family growing up – family, faith and your daily work. Do it with enthusiasm and bring hope to others. I encourage everyone to listen to Jimmy V’s speech, and give and do what you can to beat this dreaded disease and make the world a better place. We feel blessed to be associated with The V Foundation, which distributes 100% of all charitable donations to actual research. Our entire California Chrome team is proud of the association, and we believe that this relationship is groundbreaking in horse racing.”
California Chrome, North America’s all-time leading money-winner and top-ranked Thoroughbred in the country, partners with The V Foundation in advance of his highly anticipated North American return in the San Diego Handicap, following his win in the $10 million Dubai World Cup (G1) earlier this year in the United Arab Emirates. The California Chrome team and Susan Braun, CEO of The V Foundation, will formally announce the new partnership and debut the co-branded saddle blanket on Saturday, July 16 at 9:30 a.m. during Donuts Day at the main track at Del Mar with world-renowned track announcer Trevor Denman.
“The unique partnership with Taylor Made, California Chrome and The V Foundation opens the door to new ways to fight cancer,” said Braun. “The generosity of the owners is extraordinary, and it brings needed funds to cutting-edge cancer research.”
In addition to the San Diego Handicap and Pacific Classic, California Chrome is also expected to race in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on November 5, 2016, near Los Angeles, California, and finally, the newly announced $12 million Pegasus World Cup on January 27, 2017, at Gulfstream Park outside of Miami, Florida. The new partnership reflects Taylor Made Stallions’ team culture and commitment to charitable causes, joining forces with a foundation awarded for sound fiscal management and transparency. Taylor Made Stallions encourages California Chrome fans, commonly referred to as “Chromies”, to join in The V Foundation’s fight against cancer by visiting a special donation page: www.jimmyv.org/californiachrome.
Named for the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator, The V Foundation funds research into all types of cancer at institutions across the country. Since its inception in 1993, The V Foundation has awarded more than $150 million in cancer research grants, funding cutting-edge cancer research projects through a competitive awards process vetted by a Scientific Advisory Committee. The V Foundation proudly awards 100 percent of direct donations to cancer research and related programs.
For more information about The V Foundation, please visit www.jimmyv.org. For more information about California Chrome, please visit www.thechampisback.com.
