Operation Open Arms children “adopt” Kentucky Derby horse
Coal Battle trainer Lonnie Briley meets with OOA kids
At Churchill Downs, a beautiful chapter unfolded for several children who have found loving families through Operation Open Arms. At Barn 42, surrounded by the magic of the Kentucky Derby, the children met trainer Lonnie Briley and were given the special opportunity to “adopt” Coal Battle, the spirited winner of the Rebel Stakes. The morning was filled with smiles, laughter, and tender moments — a vivid reminder of Operation Open Arms’ mission to offer hope, healing and a fresh start to children who need it most.
Twenty-five years ago, the dream of Operation Open Arms was born — scribbled on the back of a cocktail napkin at Cathy and Irv Bailey’s home, just after the Kentucky Derby. Inspired by a heartfelt conversation with a guest from the U.S. Justice Department about the struggles faced by children with incarcerated parents, the Baileys decided to act. With hearts wide open, they created a program that would match these children with families eager to give them the love, stability, and future they deserve. Today, Operation Open Arms continues to change lives, one child at a time, through its dedicated foster care and adoption services.
“What this does for Operation Open Arms, who takes care of children whose mothers are incarcerated, is inspire them to go the extra mile. So, as they grow up and proceed into life, they can also be competitive in the human race that they will need to be able to grow and promote themselves to look forward and step forward. You know, don’t feel sorry for yourself. Try to, you know, I can do better. I will do better and keep walking forward”, Cathy Bailey, co-founder of Operation Open Arms.
The children’s meeting with Coal Battle and Lonnie Briley was a moment full of wonder and connection, mirroring the spirit of encouragement that Operation Open Arms pours into every child’s life. This heartfelt gathering also set the stage for the upcoming Silks Bash fundraiser on Derby Eve, where the community will come together to celebrate and support this life-changing mission.
“Coal Battle trains hard every time he goes to the track, you know, and he’s not a big horse, but he’s got a lot of heart, you know, just like these children, they need to have a lot of heart to go forward with what they go through in life”, Lonnie Briley, trainer of Coal Battle.
