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| Sumita Pawar |
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Sierra Leone is set to race in the Gr.1 Kentucky Derby on 4th May as one of the favorites, but his purpose for racing is more significant than fame, glory, or money. Sierra Leone, the 3YO son of Gun Runner, runs for the roses in support of the Backside Learning Center, a human service and education nonprofit organization that provides support and resources to more than 1,000 people that live and work at both Churchill Downs and its nearby training center.
Brook Smith, a part owner of Sierra Leone, said, "It's their life. It's a job of passion, and there's not many of those left." Smith is an advocate of nonprofits and was searching for a racing-themed organization to associate with his wine company when he discovered the BLC, close to his home in Oldham County, Ky.
The BLC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the backside workers by providing English classes, prenatal care, mental health support, youth development, and many other services. They are the place where workers on the backstretch go to pick up their mail, receive directions, print a form, or any task that may pop up in which they need help. With added financial support from owners like Smith, the BLC can continue to grow and strengthen their staff to offer more services.
Smith and the BLC came up with the "Purses for a Purpose" program, where owners can enroll their horses and help raise money for the BLC. Smith donates 10% of all his purses to the BLC, including those earned by Sierra Leone. To offer youth programming, a key initiative for the BLC, they rent space at the Beechmont Baptist Church about a mile south of the track.
Smith is more excited about the mission the horse represents than being able to call himself a Kentucky Derby-winning owner. He said, "If it were to happen, the first thing I'm going to do is look at the faces of the people around me and the faces of the folks around the barn." The BLC and the backstretch workers are the most crucial pieces of the horse racing puzzle, and Smith's support and awareness bring recognition to their significant role.