Now in its seventh year, the virtual fundraiser CARMAthon supports CARMA’s mission of helping California-raced Thoroughbreds transition into successful second careers and lifelong homes. This year’s goal was to raise $175,000 to help fund CARMA’s programs and grants that benefit retired racehorses.
Supporters followed inspiring stories of retired Thoroughbreds throughout the week on CARMA’s social media channels, culminating in live CARMAthon University coverage on FanDuel TV during the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club broadcast on Saturday, August 8. Throughout the day, interviews, graduate stories, and features highlighted the many paths Thoroughbreds can take after racing, and the organizations and individuals who make those next chapters possible.
With the support of donors from across the racing community, CARMAthon 2026 raised $178,000 for Thoroughbred aftercare. A highlight of the day came at 4 p.m., when longtime CARMA supporters Holly and David Wilson offered a generous $18,000 matching challenge in honor of their colt Kennyten, matching his earnings from that day’s Best Pal Stakes (G3) at Del Mar. The challenge brought the excitement of the racetrack directly into CARMAthon, inspiring supporters to make their gifts go twice as far.
Funds raised through CARMAthon will directly support CARMA’s Placement Program, and grants to more than 20 aftercare charity partners that provide retraining, rehabilitation, medical care, and placement for retired racehorses.
FanDuel TV once again played a pivotal role in CARMAthon, bringing CARMA’s aftercare stories to a national racing audience throughout its live Del Mar coverage. The partnership helped introduce viewers to retired racehorses thriving in new careers and highlighted the work being done to support Thoroughbreds beyond the racetrack.
Since its inception, CARMA has awarded more than $6.8 million in grants to support Thoroughbred aftercare. CARMA’s Placement Program has also directly helped more than 525 Thoroughbreds transition from racing into second careers and retirement.
The day’s coverage brought together owners, trainers, breeders, racing fans, aftercare organizations, and supporters from across the country around a shared commitment to the horses at the heart of the sport.
“CARMAthon is about showing up for our horses and making sure they have the support they need for whatever comes next,” said Billy Koch, President of CARMA and Founder and Managing Partner of Little Red Feather Racing. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated, shared our message, or tuned in this year, and especially to David and Holly Wilson for stepping up with their generous matching gift. It takes the entire racing community coming together to make this work possible and to ensure the finish line truly is just the beginning.”
The list of CARMAthon donors this year included prominent names such as FanDuel TV, Nick Alexander, Tom Bachman, Bob & Jill Baffert, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Joel & Cathy Eichenberger, Rick Gold, Shannon McAnally Griffin, LRF Cares, James & Sheila Ough, Oak Tree Foundation, Santa Anita Park, Samantha Siegel, Mark Stanton, Karl Watson, David & Holly Wilson and many more.