LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Sierra Leone’s Breeders’ Cup Classic win is making an impact on Churchill Downs’ backside community.  

After gaining more than $3.6 million for his win in the $7 million classic, Churchill Downs’ Backside Learning Center (BLC) will be receiving nearly $60,000, thanks to part-owner Brook Smith. The Backside Learning Center said the money will go toward programming and resources supporting backside workers and their families.

Smith, part-owner of Sierra Leone and founder of Rocket Ship Racing, LLC, helped spearhead the “Purses for a Purpose” initiative that connects horse owners with BLC’s efforts. He donated a portion of Sierra Leone’s purse earnings from the Kentucky Derby after finishing second to Mystik Dan in a photo finish.

“Sierra Leone won the most prestigious race in the world last Saturday,” Smith said. “He won not just because of his unbelievable running style, not for his breeders/owners/connections, but more importantly, he won for the backside community at Churchill Downs. His victory is for all the families that make this incredible sport possible.” 

The BLC added in addition to Smith’s donation, executive director Sherry Stanley accepted the Joe Palmer Award for her service to the racing industry earlier in the week at the National Turf Writers’ and Broadcasters Awards dinner.

“We are so excited to be recognized and believe we are a model to be duplicated across industries — a support system based in the heart of the workplace,” Stanley said. “By helping to address the many challenges faced by workers and their families, we are strengthening communities and the entire horse racing industry. Joe Palmer saw horse racing as a microcosm of humanity, with all its paradoxes, which is such an accurate observation.”

The BLC is hosting its annual benefit Nov. 22 at noon at Churchill Downs’ First Turn Club. Check out the event page to register and learn more information.