SOS - Jockey Club Rio Grande do Sul

Help Rio Grande do Sul Racetrack Rebuild After Catastrophic Flooding

In recent weeks, unprecedented and catastrophic flooding has devastated South Brazil, particularly in the Porto Alegre region where the Rio Grande do Sul Racetrack is located. Despite the immense challenges, the dedicated team at the racetrack managed to evacuate all the racehorses to safety. However, they have suffered severe losses, including essential supplies for horse care, all the feed and hay, and their livelihoods. The racetrack is currently underwater, and it will be many months before operations can resume.

The flooding has caused immense suffering in the community. Many people have lost their homes and everything they own. Tragically, some have lost family members and friends, while countless animals have also perished.

For context, the area affected by these floods is larger than that impacted by Hurricane Katrina. The floods in Rio Grande do Sul cover 3,800 square kilometers, compared to 2,400 square kilometers during Hurricane Katrina. While 400,000 people were displaced by Katrina, the figure in Rio Grande do Sul stands at 618,000 so far. The damage from Katrina was $125 billion, and the recovery took a decade. The full extent of the damage in Rio Grande do Sul is still being assessed.

The Directors of the Jockey Club of Rio Grande do Sul are appealing to the international horseracing community and beyond for support and assistance during this immense time of difficulty. Your generous donation can help provide essential supplies, support the displaced workers, and contribute to the rebuilding of this vital community.

Please donate to help the people and racehorses of Rio Grande do Sul Racetrack rebuild and recover.

Thank you for your support.