America’s Best Racing, a multi-media fan development platform initiated by The Jockey Club that focuses on horse racing’s lifestyle and competition, today announced a strategic partnership with Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism advocacy and science organization. The partnership is designed to expand awareness of fund-raising activities for Autism Speaks and interest in America’s Best Racing and The Jockey Club Tour on Fox Sports 1.

The Jockey Club Tour on FOX Sports 1, a televised series of prominent Thoroughbred races from prestigious venues throughout the country, will kick off its 2015 season with the $500,000 Donn Handicap from Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Fla., and the $500,000 San Antonio Stakes from Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., on Saturday, February 7, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. PT. The complete 2015 schedule of races, dates and air times for The Jockey Club Tour on FOX Sports 1 will be announced in the near future.

It is anticipated that the San Antonio field will include the Horse of the Year and 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner California Chrome and the 2013 Eclipse Award winning 2-year-old colt and Pacific Classic winner Shared Belief, co-owned by national sports radio and television personality, Jim Rome. Rivals California Chrome and Shared Belief last met in the Breeders’ Cup Classic November 1, wherein California Chrome finished third followed by Shared Belief in fourth place.

The on-air talent for The Jockey Club Tour on Fox Sports 1 series, Greg Wolf, Richard Migliore, Andy Serling, Simon Bray and Alyssa Ali, will all wear Autism Speaks pins throughout the 2015 telecasts, and public service announcements advocating for the people affected by autism will be featured on the telecasts. Additionally, Autism Speaks and America’s Best Racing will cross-promote their respective missions across social and digital media platforms and will explore future campaigns, events and co-sponsorship opportunities. In 2008, Autism Speaks was selected by FOX Sports to be one of four charities featured in its new FOX Sports Supports on-air charitable initiative.

“We are very pleased to partner with Autism Speaks and to raise awareness and funding for autism research and family services,” said Jason Wilson, president of TJC Media Ventures, a subsidiary of The Jockey Club. “Therapeutic riding is a proven and well-regarded treatment for children with autism, and many retired Thoroughbreds find new homes on farms, ranches and foundations that provide equine therapy to autistic children. By combining forces with the world’s leading autism organization and highlighting synergistic efforts using the combined resources of our marketing, digital and social outreach, awareness for both Autism Speaks and America’s Best Racing stand to benefit.”

“We are thrilled to partner with The Jockey Club and for its commitment to the one in 68 people living with autism,” said Alec Elbert, chief strategy and development officer at Autism Speaks. “The awareness and funds that will be raised via America’s Best Racing are vital to our mission of providing a better future for those who are affected by the disorder.”

* * * * * *

About Autism
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, and repetitive behaviors. An estimated one in 68 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $525 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 60 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.

Contact: CJ Volpe, Autism Speaks, Cj.volpe@Autismspeaks.org, 646-385-8532

About America’s Best Racing
America’s Best Racing is a multi-media new fan development and awareness-building platform, initiated by The Jockey Club, designed to increase the profile and visibility of North America’s best Thoroughbred racing events, with a primary focus on the sport’s lifestyle and competition. You can follow America’s Best Racing at americasbestracing.net as well as on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, and Instagram.

Contact: Stephen B. Panus, America’s Best Racing, spanus@ntra.com, 212-521-5303