LEXINGTON, Ky. (October 6, 2025) – Griffin Johnson and Zoe Cadman will jointly preside over Thoroughbred Charities of America’s Celebration at the Breeders’ Cup, an event presented by Churchill Downs Incorporated, scheduled for Friday, Oct. 31 at the Del Mar Hilton in Del Mar, Calif. Attendees can anticipate an evening filled with delectable culinary offerings, skillfully prepared cocktails, live musical performances, and an opportunity to participate in bidding for exceptional items, all in the spirit of supporting TCA. Tickets are available here.
Griffin Johnson is an American digital content creator, a social media personality, an actor, and a vocalist with a following of over 14 million individuals. His rise to prominence in popular culture stemmed from his engaging social media video content. Johnson held the distinction of being a founding member and resident of the Sway House, a lavish Bel Air residence and a central gathering point for well-known TikTok creators. In addition, he serves as a co-founder and operational partner at the venture capital firm Animal Capital. During 2024, Johnson embarked on an exploration into the realm of horse racing through the America’s Best Racing’s “A Stake in Stardom” initiative. Through this initiative, designed to draw fresh audiences to horse racing by involving influencers in horse ownership, Johnson secured a position as a minority owner with West Point Thoroughbreds.
“I am enthusiastic about collaborating with Thoroughbred Charities of America,” Johnson conveyed. “I have consistently found fulfillment in giving back, and this presents an ideal chance to contribute to a sport that has captured my affection.”
Zoe Cadman serves as a host and analyst for XBTV, Santa Anita Park, and 1/ST Racing. Having been born in South Africa and brought up in England, Zoe made her way to America and gained experience working under the guidance of trainers Michael Dickinson, Christopher Speckert, and Mike Stidham before securing her jockey’s license in 2000. She distinguished herself as the pioneering female rider in Chicago history to clinch a meet riding title when she triumphed in the spring 2001 Hawthorne competition. In 2008, Zoe made the transition to Santa Anita to contribute to HRTV until 2015, after which she embraced her current role in broadcasting with XBTV, Santa Anita Park, and 1/ST Racing.
“I am keenly anticipating TCA’s Celebration at the Breeders’ Cup,” Cadman stated. “It offers an exceptional setting to commence the Breeders’ Cup weekend, complete with excellent cuisine, beverages, and contributions to a truly deserving cause. It is with great pleasure that I will be co-hosting alongside Griffin Johnson, a rising luminary in our sport.”
Live auction items available at the Celebration will include a Del Mar Racing experience, a private box at the Whitney Stakes in Saratoga, a private box at the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland, an accommodation at the Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa, tickets to the 2026 Breeders’ Cup, a two-night stay at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, and other notable offerings. For those unable to attend in person, remote bidding via telephone will be facilitated. Kindly direct inquiries regarding telephone bidding to Erin Halliwell at ehalliwell@tca.org. A preview of the auction items is accessible here.
The Celebration at the Breeders’ Cup is generously supported by Churchill Downs Incorporated. Additional sponsors encompass Rocket Ship Racing, Haymarket Farm, DJ Stable, New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Always Dream Foundation, Candy Meadows Farm, Little Red Feather Cares, Machmer Hall, Herringswell Stables, Tito’s Vodka, Maker’s Mark, Teremana Tequila, and Jackson Family Wines. Media partners include BloodHorse, TDN, Paulick Report, and the Horse Racing Radio Network.
Concerning Thoroughbred Charities of America
Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) came into existence in 1990 with the purpose of accumulating and allocating funds to charitable organizations within the Thoroughbred sector. These organizations are dedicated to enhancing the well-being of Thoroughbreds, both during their racing careers and in their post-racing lives. This is achieved through the provision of assistance to reputable repurposing and retirement entities, as well as by offering support to the individuals who provide care for these horses. This year, TCA has committed over $1 million in grants to 98 recognized charities actively engaged in Thoroughbred retraining, rehoming, and retirement initiatives, as well as backstretch and farm worker services, research endeavors, and equine-assisted therapy programs. Over the past 35 years, TCA has awarded more than $28 million to a network of over 200 charities that effectively meet the established criteria outlined in its annual grant application. Additionally, TCA manages the Horses First Fund, established by LNJ Foxwoods in 2016, to offer aid to Thoroughbreds facing emergency situations. TCA functions as the philanthropic extension of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA).
