Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) will honor Ken Freilich with the Allaire DuPont Leadership Award and the Delaware Horsemen’s Assistance Foundation with the Ellen and Herb Moelis Industrial Achievement Award at the 36th Annual Stallion Season Live Auction and Celebration. This event, hosted by the Goodman Family, is set for Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Harper Hall in Lexington, Kentucky, starting at 5:30 p.m.
The Allaire DuPont Leadership Award is given yearly to individuals or organizations whose philanthropic efforts align closely with TCA’s mission. Previous honorees include notable figures and entities such as Brandon and Diana Perry, H. Greg Goodman, Fasig Tipton, and Madeline Auerbach. Ken Freilich, a racehorse owner, former CEO, entrepreneur, global philanthropist, and founder of a music group/label focused on kindness, is recognized for his advisory role in nonprofit leadership within philanthropy and the thoroughbred industry. He serves on the board of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) and recently made a groundbreaking multi-year leadership donation to Breeders’ Cup Charities, aimed at positively influencing the industry’s culture of giving. His philanthropic reach spans worldwide and touches local communities like Saratoga Springs. At Skidmore College, his alma mater, he initiated and funded an entrepreneurship competition and established an endowment. As a racehorse owner, Freilich has achieved significant success, including partnerships with notable horses like 2022 Horse of the Year Flightline, 2022 Belmont Stakes winner Moe Donegal, and the G1 winner Sandman. His persistent dedication to the sport, philanthropy, and aftercare organizations exemplifies the qualities celebrated by the Allaire DuPont Leadership Award.
The Ellen and Herb Moelis Industrial Achievement Award praises organizations committed to advancing TCA’s mission annually. Past recipients include groups such as Beyond the Wire, Second Stride, and Old Friends. This year, the Delaware Horsemen’s Assistance Fund (DHAF) receives the award for nearly six decades of support to Delaware Park’s backstretch workers—including stablemen, hot walkers, exercise riders, and trainers—offering vital benefits like health care, dental and vision aid, prescription assistance, counseling, scholarships, emergency aid, boutiques, and food pantries. Over 850 jockeys rely on DHAF’s services yearly, making it a crucial support system within the racing community.
The TCA Stallion Season Auction kicks off online at 9 a.m. EST on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, running through 4 p.m. EST on Friday, January 9, on salering.net, featuring over 150 available breeding seasons. While most seasons are sold online, select seasons from top stallions including Vekoma, Constitution, and Nyquist will be auctioned live on January 11. Bidders can participate in person or by phone registration. The live event will also offer non-season items like a John Deere lawn mower, a vacation condo in St. Thomas, Kentucky Oaks and Derby tickets, and equine artwork by Robert Clark. An online silent auction for memorabilia worn by famous horses like Into Mischief and Beholder will also be held.
This event is supported by partners such as The Goodman Family, Equine Athlete Veterinary Services, and Coolmore America, with sponsorship from numerous industry leaders including Equine Medical Associates, Bourbon Lane Stable Retirement Fund, and Grade One Investments.
For more details on the 36th Annual TCA Stallion Season Auction, visit tca.org or call (859) 276-4989.
Founded in 1990, TCA raises and allocates funds to charities within the Thoroughbred industry that improve the welfare of Thoroughbreds during and after their racing careers by supporting reuse, retirement, and caregiving organizations. In 2025 alone, TCA granted over $1.1 million to 98 approved charities across a variety of initiatives including retraining, aftercare, and equine-assisted therapy. Over its 30-year history, TCA has awarded more than $28 million to over 200 organizations. Additionally, TCA manages the Horse First Fund, created by LNJ Foxwoods, which offers emergency assistance to Thoroughbreds in need. TCA serves as the charitable branch of the Thoroughbred Horse Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA).
This article was first published by Paulick Report on December 29, 2025, in the Horse Care section.
Fan Take: This news highlights the vital role philanthropy and community support play in sustaining the Thoroughbred racing industry, recognizing individuals and organizations making a tangible difference. For horse racing fans, such initiatives ensure the ongoing welfare and care of both horses and industry workers, securing a brighter, more compassionate future for the sport.
