A fundraiser for longtime Thoroughbred industry veteran Mark “Snake” Thompson will be held at McCarthy's in downtown Lexington Saturday, July 8, it was announced Wednesday. The event starts at 7 p.m. and will feature entertainment, as well as live and silent auctions.
Thompson, a former jockeys' valet who most recently was lead show man at Thoroughbred sales, is recovering from a debilitating stroke suffered just before last year's Keeneland November sale. The fundraiser comes on the heels of a GoFundMe campaign organized by the racing industry on Thompson's behalf.
Among the auction items that will be available are halters from all three 2017 Triple Crown race winners and star Thoroughbreds like Arrogate, American Pharoah, Curlin and Nyquist. Premium seating at Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Saratoga and Paul Brown Stadium, home of the Cincinnati Bengals, were also donated.
“Snake is one of the true unsung heroes in the horse business. The way people stepped up when he first got sick and the way they've remained at his side is a testament to that,” said event coordinator Pat Costello. “He's just had a tremendous impact on the lives so many people, both personally and professionally. We're all determined to see him back at 100%.”
Auction items can still be donated through Thursday by calling Jack Brothers at 859-509-0879. Donations can also be made directly by visiting the aforementioned GoFundMe page.
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