| Tuesday, April 07, 2026 | Contact: Dan Tordjman 212.521.5323 |
| America’s Best Racing to Host Pre-Preakness Party at Laurel Park During Historic Preakness Week | |
America’s Best Racing (ABR), the fan-development platform and national marketing initiative funded by The Jockey Club, today announced the return of its 11th annual Pre-Preakness Party on Thursday, May 14, at Laurel Park. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) and The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation have been named as the event’s primary charitable beneficiaries. The event will serve as a kickoff to the historic running of the 2026 Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park, the first time the race will be held at the venue while Pimlico Race Course undergoes construction. The Maryland Jockey Club (TMJC) will not only host the party but is also its presenting sponsor. As in past years, TAA will present a silent auction featuring premium racing memorabilia and collectibles, including signed items and halters from some of racing’s most recognizable stars. “Every ticket sold and every dollar raised at the Pre-Preakness Party makes a direct difference in the lives of off-the-track-Thoroughbreds,” said Georganne Hale, senior vice president of Racing Development of TMJC and vice president of TAA. “We're grateful to ABR, the event organizers, and to everyone who’s going to attend. We’re proud to be part of this historic Preakness week at Laurel Park.” Fans interested in the auction may now pre-register here for updates on items and will be notified once the auction is live. Additionally, the evening will spotlight several other organizations that provide vital support to racing’s human and equine communities, including the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) and the Ed Brown Society. PDJF will offer fans an opportunity to meet riders during a special jockey autograph signing (donations encouraged). A number of recognizable racing personalities from across the sport are expected to attend. “This event has always been about creating an accessible space where fans can connect with other fans and mingle with their favorite jockeys, trainers, or anyone who’s involved in making this sport so special,” said Dan Tordjman, president of TJC Media Ventures / ABR. “Hosting the party at Laurel Park during this historic year for the Preakness adds another meaningful layer to the celebration. We’re grateful for our charity partners, and we’re excited to shine a bright light on their essential contributions to the industry.” The event will run from 6–9 p.m. ET in the Sports Book Lounge at Laurel Park. Tickets are priced at $50 online at bit.ly/ABRPartyTickets and $60 at the door. Advanced purchases are encouraged because tickets could sell out prior to the event date. Additional event details and programming updates will be announced in the coming weeks. About America’s Best Racing America’s Best Racing is a multimedia fan development and awareness-building platform, funded by The Jockey Club, designed to increase the profile and visibility of North America’s best Thoroughbred racing events and is the online destination for all things related to the sport. Through expert content, human and equine interest features, award-winning video content, livestream, second-screen productions, and wide-reaching influencer campaigns, America’s Best Racing introduces the love of horse racing to the next generation of fans, turning them into lifelong fans of the sport and lifestyle. For more information visit americasbestracing.net and follow ABR on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. About Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since its inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $40.74 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently, 86 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 175 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org. About The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation is a charitable trust that provides, on a confidential basis, financial relief to needy members of the Thoroughbred industry and their families. Recipients of the Safety Net Foundation’s support represent virtually every facet of the Thoroughbred industry, from jockeys, trainers, exercise riders, and grooms to office personnel and other employees of racetracks, racing organizations, and breeding farms. Assistance can come in any number of forms, including financial aid for basic living expenses such as rent and household bills, and for medication, surgical, and hospital costs. Since 1985, The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation has provided more than $19 million in assistance. To learn more about The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation visit tjcfoundation.org. About the Ed Brown Society The Ed Brown Society is named after the noted African American horseman, Edward Dudley Brown from Lexington, who achieved great success as a jockey, trainer and owner from the latter 19th century through the time of his retirement in 1903. Brown, who won the 1870 Belmont Stakes aboard Kingfisher, trained Baden-Baden to win the 1877 Kentucky Derby and developed future Derby winners Ben Brush and Plaudit, was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 1984. For additional information about the Ed Brown Society, visit edbrownsociety.org. About the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) is an independent charitable organization that provides financial assistance to jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries. The PDJF was created in 2006 as a collaborative effort of leaders representing race tracks, jockeys, horsemen’s groups, and others within the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse industries. The PDJF provides much-needed financial support to permanently disabled jockeys who have given so much to the sport of horse racing. Currently, the PDJF supports 60 former riders who have suffered paralysis, brain injuries, or both. Since its founding, the PDJF has disbursed nearly $13.5 million dollars in aid. | |