A fundraising event held Saturday evening at McCarthy's Pub in downtown Lexington, Kentucky, to support beloved Central Kentucky horseman Mark 'Snake' Thompson raised over $140,000, reported Jack Brothers, one of the event's organizers.
“The turnout was absolutely remarkable,” said Brothers, who estimates that a live auction raised $120,000, with “probably another $20,000” raised through a silent auction. “McCarthy's is pretty spread-out, but I would have to think we had 200 people here. Our thanks go to all the farms and individuals who donated. It was really a terrific outpouring from the horse community. People came ready to spend and support the effort. Pretty much everyone in town for the [Fasig-Tipton Kentucky] sale were here, and if they didn't buy, they were the underbidders. We appreciate all the support.”
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. The campaign has raised over $75,000 over the past eight months.
Among the auction items available were 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.
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