Mareworthy’s First Breeders' Cup: Grateful for Westlake Racing Stable’s Unwavering Support
Mareworthy’s first Breeders’ Cup was an extraordinary weekend filled with connection, celebration, and gratitude, thanks to the incredible generosity of Dianne and Louis Masry of Westlake Racing Stable. As Vee’s last racing connections, Dianne and Louis played a pivotal role in her rescue, providing the crucial donation that allowed Mareworthy to bring Vee out of a kill pen and into the safety of our sanctuary last summer. Their commitment to ensuring a better future for retired broodmares has been unwavering ever since.
Earlier this year, the Masrys visited our farm in Kentucky to spend time with Vee before she gave birth to her filly, Lass. This heartfelt visit (captured in the included photo) highlighted their deep connection to Vee and their dedication to Mareworthy’s mission of providing safety and dignity to mares like her.
A Memorable Fundraiser at Solana Beach
The weekend began on October 31st with a stunning fundraiser hosted by Dianne and Louis at their beautiful home in Solana Beach. Guests were treated to an extraordinary evening, complete with an on-site sushi chef preparing fresh delicacies, a fully stocked bar, and live music that created a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Samantha Bonpensiero Photography captured the event, preserving the joyful spirit and meaningful connections of the night.
The guest list was as remarkable as the evening itself, including representatives from Stronach Group, 1/ST Racing, and owners of horses running in the Breeders’ Cup races. Adding to the significance of the evening, Vee’s last race trainer, Bob Hess Jr., joined the celebration alongside her final jockey, Aaron Gryder. With both Bob and Aaron in attendance, as well as Dianne and Louis, all of Vee’s racing connections—except for her breeders—came together to support Mareworthy. This meaningful reunion demonstrated the deep bond that Vee’s story has created and underscored the power of collective compassion in making a difference for mares like her.
One of the most heartfelt moments of the evening was when Dianne, Louis, and Mareworthy co-founder Kyle Rothfus shared the story of how the Masrys became involved with Mareworthy. Aaron Gryder first told them about Mareworthy’s urgent effort to rescue Vee, and their immediate generosity made it possible to save her life. This story resonated deeply with the gathered guests, inspiring further support for Mareworthy’s mission.
Special Access at Del Mar Racetrack
The Breeders’ Cup festivities continued on Friday and Saturday, where the Masrys welcomed Mareworthy co-founders Kyle Rothfus and Sean Smith to enjoy the races from the Westlake Racing Stable box seats. The Masrys also arranged special access passes for Kyle and Sean, allowing them to mingle in exclusive areas for owners and trainers. These moments created invaluable opportunities to connect with influential members of the racing industry and raise awareness about the challenges faced by retired broodmares.
Throughout the weekend, guests were spotted proudly wearing Mareworthy lapel pins, custom-designed by Whoa Promos. Seeing these pins displayed throughout the Breeders’ Cup was a touching reminder of the growing community supporting Mareworthy’s mission.
Dinner at Pamplemousse Grille
After Friday’s thrilling races, the celebration continued at the iconic Pamplemousse Grille, a favorite post-race gathering spot for high-profile individuals in the racing industry. Dianne and Louis went above and beyond by arranging for Mareworthy’s banner to be prominently displayed outside the restaurant entrance. This thoughtful gesture ensured that Mareworthy’s mission was visible to all in attendance, further raising awareness among key industry leaders.
A Weekend of Gratitude and Impact
Reflecting on the weekend, Kyle shared, “Dianne and Louis Masry have been incredible supporters of Mareworthy from the very beginning. Their donation was the key to saving Vee, and their continued generosity and advocacy have transformed lives. From hosting these unforgettable events to elevating Mareworthy’s visibility at the Breeders’ Cup, they have been true champions for the mares we serve. Every connection made and every donation received this weekend brings us closer to ensuring retired broodmares receive the care and protection they deserve.”
Supporting Mareworthy’s Core Programs
The funds raised and connections made during the weekend will directly support Mareworthy’s three core programs:
Education – Raising awareness and inspiring change within and beyond the racing industry about the unique needs of retired broodmares.
Sanctuary – Providing safe, peaceful homes for mares in need.
Placement & Monitoring – Helping mares find loving homes and ensuring their continued welfare when sanctuary space is unavailable.
Looking Ahead
The weekend concluded with Saturday’s second day of Breeders’ Cup races, where Kyle and Sean once again enjoyed the action from the Westlake Racing Stable box seats. As they reflected on the journey that brought Mareworthy to this moment, the overwhelming sense of gratitude for Dianne, Louis, and everyone who supported Mareworthy during this incredible weekend was undeniable.
For those who couldn’t attend but wish to support Mareworthy, please visit www.mareworthy.com to learn more about our programs or make a donation.
