Thursday, April 30th, 2026 | Omni Hotel Louisville
Poker for Ponies
Charity Fundraiser Benefiting Equine Aftercare
A Kentucky Derby Week Charity Poker Tournament Supporting Equine Aftercare
Poker for Ponies is a Texas Hold’em charity poker tournament held during Kentucky Derby Week. The event is presented by Racing to Rescue, a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established by Resolute Racing, and is designed to raise funds for accredited equine aftercare organizations through tournament play.
Created to unite philanthropy with meaningful impact, Poker for Ponies converts a night of competitive poker into direct financial support for organizations dedicated to the long-term welfare of horses beyond their careers.
Poker for Ponies takes place on Thursday evening during Kentucky Derby Week and is operated as a professionally run Texas Hold’em tournament.
Upon arrival, each player is randomly assigned an accredited equine aftercare charity to represent for the duration of the tournament. The charity represented by the tournament winner receives the top prize donation.
In addition, every participating charity receives an automatic $5,000 donation, ensuring that all organizations involved benefit meaningfully from the event.
Re-buy-ins are available during play, allowing participants to remain in the tournament while increasing total funds raised for equine aftercare.
SCHEDULE
Thursday, April 30th, 2026Registration Opens at 5:30 pm
Cocktail Hour starts at 6:00 pm
Tournament starts at 7:00 pm
The Omni Hotel
400 E. 2nd Street
Louisville, Ky
Olmstead Ballroom
(2nd Floor)
Join us in making a meaningful impact. Apply now to be selected as a Poker for Ponies charity partner and turn cards into critical funding for your cause.
Charity Beneficiary Applicaiton
Charitable organizations are invited to apply to be one of the officially selected beneficiary partners for Poker for Ponies. Applications will be reviewed based on mission alignment, community impact, transparency, and capacity to engage supporters in the event. A limited number of charities will be selected each year to participate as featured beneficiaries. Once selected, each charity will receive a guaranteed donation and be eligible for performance-based bonus funding generated through the tournament.
You can still support Poker for Ponies by making a direct donation.
Poker for Ponies is a charitable fundraiser benefiting Racing to Rescue, a nonprofit dedicated to providing lifesaving care and long-term protection for horses in need. Donations help support rescue efforts, veterinary care, rehabilitation, feed, safe shelter, and transportation—ensuring horses receive the time, care, and stability required for a meaningful second chance.
Every contribution—regardless of size—directly advances responsible aftercare, humane outcomes, and lifelong stewardship for horses beyond their working careers.
Your support makes an immediate and measurable impact.
Can’t Attend? Make A Donation
Who We Support & How
Poker for Ponies benefits accredited equine aftercare and rescue nonprofits that provide care and support for horses facing retirement, transition, or uncertain futures—across all disciplines and backgrounds. These organizations carry out essential work including rescue, rehabilitation, retraining, rehoming, and long-term care.
By supporting multiple organizations each year, Poker for Ponies distributes funding across a broad aftercare network rather than a single beneficiary, strengthening the overall system that protects horses in need.
Poker for Ponies is administered by Racing to Rescue, the nonprofit charitable arm founded by Resolute Racing. Racing to Rescue oversees the event to ensure transparency, integrity, and responsible distribution of funds in alignment with its charitable mission.
All proceeds from Poker for Ponies directly support accredited equine aftercare organizations, reinforcing a commitment to long-term accountability and responsible stewardship for horses beyond their working lives.
In 2025, Poker for Ponies raised over $500,000 for equine aftercare initiatives, establishing the event as a significant source of funding during Kentucky Derby Week.
Every hand played contributes directly to sustaining programs that protect and care for horses long after their careers—or circumstances—have changed.
