Josh Rubinstein presents Billy Koch with donation to support CARMAthon © Benoit Photo
CARMAthon 2025, the annual summer fundraiser hosted by the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA), brought Hollywood glamour to Del Mar Racetrack on Saturday, Aug. 16, rolling out the red carpet for retired racehorses. With its blockbuster-themed campaign CARMAthon: New Beginnings, the event raised more than $198,000 to fund essential aftercare programs for Thoroughbreds retiring from racing in California.
Broadcast live on FanDuel TV throughout the day, CARMAthon was made possible through FanDuel’s partnership. Beyond providing national coverage, FanDuel transformed CARMA’s content into exclusive video features that demonstrate the impact of aftercare and drive home the racing industry’s responsibility to support Thoroughbred aftercare.
Since its inception, CARMA has awarded more than $6.4 million in grants, helping thousands of retired racehorses through CARMA-vetted aftercare organizations. In addition, CARMA’s Placement Program has directly transitioned more than 500 Thoroughbreds into second careers and dignified retirements. Funds raised through CARMAthon help sustain more than 20 Aftercare Charity Partners annually, ensuring horses have access to retraining, medical care, and safe placement after their racing careers.
The day’s coverage showcased the mission of aftercare and drew support from across the racing community and nation. Contributions from both longtime supporters and new donors alike helped make the event a resounding success.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated, shared our message, or tuned in,” said Billy Koch, President of CARMA and Founder/Managing Partner of Little Red Feather Racing. “CARMAthon isn’t just about raising money. It is about building awareness and industry commitment to what happens to these incredible athletes after they leave the track. Aftercare should never be an afterthought.”
The list of CARMAthon donors this year included prominent names such as FanDuel TV, Bill & Margie Strauss, Bob & Jill Baffert, Del Mar, Mark Stanton, Oak Tree Foundation, Red Dragon Racing, Nick Alexander, Rick Gold, Samantha Siegel, Santa Anita Park, Tom Bachman, and many more.
CARMAthon 2025 kicked off earlier in the summer with a private Donor Appreciation Event at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe on July 16, where guests previewed the cinematic trailer and connected with CARMA’s Board of Directors.
Donations to support Thoroughbred aftercare can be made year-round at carma4horses.org.