Breeders’ Cup announced yesterday that it, along with MOC Insurance Services, will bring fourteen-year-old Irish singer-songwriter Mark Boylan to Louisville to attend this year’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships. The Breeders’ Cup will be held at Churchill Downs November 4 and 5.
Only two weeks ago the young race fan from Banagher (pop. 1,636), County Offaly in Ireland posted a video and song on YouTube in which he tells of his passion for horse racing and the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. In “Stateside,” Boylan pays a heartfelt tribute to the Breeders’ Cup.
It didn’t take long before horse racing fans were spreading the news and the video on Twitter, suggesting someone bring the young talent to Churchill Downs for the event.
"When we first heard the song 'Stateside', we were blown away," said Peter Rotondo, Vice President of Media and Entertainment for Breeders' Cup. "Mark is such a talented kid and we thought he'd be a great addition to Championship weekend festivities."
Boylan, along with his parents and six-year-old sister, will receive an all-expenses paid trip to Louisville to attend the two-day Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Boylan will perform his song at the event, but plans for the performance have not yet been finalized.
Boylan announced on his Facebook page yesterday that he was heading to the recording studio to record “Stateside” which will soon be available for download. All proceeds from the sale of the song will go to the Permanently Disabled Jockey’s Fund.
“To say I'm excited about going to the heart of US thoroughbred country, to storied Churchill Downs for the Breeders' Cup is an understatement,” Boylan said. “It's obviously a huge thrill to be going across the pond for the first time. I'm really looking forward to experiencing world-class racing and hope my song will play a part in the excitement of this year’s event.”
Photo: Courtesy Breeders' Cup
