A Very Special Thank You to everyone who has supported the Gregson Foundation’s efforts to enhance and benefit the lives of our backstretch workers over the last 25 years! We couldn’t do it without each and every one of you!
We are so honored to have been able to salute John Harris in 2023 for his decades-long contribution to the Thoroughbred industry. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. May he Rest in Peace.
Tom Reynolds, a horse owner and long-time racing fan who had a successful career in sales and marketing in the food service industry, has been named to the board of directors of the Gregson Foundation, the organization’s president, Jenine Sahadi, announced Monday.
The Gregson Foundation, named for the late Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Eddie Gregson, provides scholarships for the children of backstretch workers in California. The 501(c)(3) charity has been in existence for nearly 25 years.
“I greatly admire what the Gregson Foundation accomplishes for the backstretch families,” Reynolds said. “I strongly believe that as a society, our biggest mission is to educate our children.”
“Tom has been a passionate and long-time supporter of the Gregson Foundation, and we are thrilled to have him join our board,” Sahadi said.
Reynolds retired after working for nearly 35 years as a sales and marketing executive for the Quaker Oats Company, Gatorade, and PepsiCo. Reynolds started the Gatorade business in Europe, ran the Gatorade business on the West Coast of the United States, and in his final role before retirement was the vice president and general manager of the Frito-Lay Foodservice division across the United States.
Reynolds has been an avid Thoroughbred racing fan since his teens. He enjoys traveling to racetracks all over the world, including an annual trip to Royal Ascot.
He also has become an active partner with Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners over the past six years.
Reynolds recently wrote and published the book, “Get Off Your Phone and Start Living: A Guide to Lifelong Connections, Friendships, and Personal Fulfillment.”
Reynolds lives in Dallas, Texas, but is frequently in California, most notably during the summer season at Del Mar.
Year 2025 scholarship applications were reviewed by the Edwin J. Gregson Foundation Scholarship Committee on August 26, 2025.
A total of five (5) new scholarship grant applications were approved, for a combined grant total of $43,000. In addition, there were fourteen (14) past recipient applications approved, with grants totaling $148,500. The overall grant total for year 2025: $191,500.
Below are the new scholarship program grant recipients of Year 2025.
Avan B.
Erik P.
Nicole L.
Carlos H.
Samantha D.
The Gregson Foundation is dedicated to supporting the hardworking individuals in California’s thoroughbred horse racing industry. Our mission is to provide essential resources and assistance to backstretch workers and their families. Through scholarships, guidance, and community support, we aim to uplift their lives and secure a brighter future.
We offer financial aid and scholarships to help families achieve their educational goals and improve their quality of life.
Our outreach programs aim to raise awareness and bring resources to the community, fostering a strong support network.