“Riders Up! Battle of the East-vs-West” Jockey Karaoke Sunday
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Uniting with approximately 20 racetracks across the country to support the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) Day, riders competing at Saratoga Race Course will participate in a host of activities on Saturday, July 30 to raise awareness and funding for the PDJF.
This year, PDJF Day was selected to coincide with this week’s National Disability Independence Day, which marks the 32nd anniversary of the passage of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President George H.W. Bush in 1990, the ADA banned discrimination based on disability in all parts of public life while improving the quality of life immeasurably for millions of people with disabilities.
Last year’s event raised more than $50,000 at racetracks across the country.
Highlighting the day’s events at Saratoga will be a special meet and greet and autograph session with riders from the Saratoga jockey colony, who will sign autographs on the Jockey Silks Room Porch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fans who make a donation to the PDJF will receive a commemorative poster.
“We thank the many jockeys from Saratoga and around the country for supporting this effort to heighten awareness of the Americans with Disabilities Act and assist in raising funds for the PDJF,” said Terry Meyocks, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Jockeys’ Guild and a member of the Board of Directors of the PDJF. “We also are immensely grateful to everyone who contributes financially to the PDJF.”
Ellis Park in Henderson, Kentucky, is one of the other tracks hosting a jockey autograph session to benefit PDJF. If you are in the area stop by!
In conjunction with PDJF Day, the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund will be featured at the Community Outreach Booth on Saturday.
Founded in 2006 by leaders in the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse industries, the PDJF has disbursed over $12 million to permanently disabled jockeys, most of whom have sustained paralysis or traumatic brain injuries.
The Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund (PDJF) is a 501(c)(3) charity that currently provides financial assistance to approximately 60 former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries.
Throughout the day, fans and industry participants will be encouraged to contribute to the PDJF at PDJF.org.
“The PDJF welcomes teaming up with the Jockeys’ Guild and NTRA to honor the passage of this very important piece of legislation that has changed the lives for all Americans living with a disability,” said Nancy LaSala, Board President of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. “The lives of PDJF recipients are improved as a result and for this we are very grateful.”
“Riders Up! Battle of the East-vs-West” Jockey Karaoke contest at Vapor Night Club
Saratoga presents the third annual “Riders Up! Battle of the East-vs-West” Jockey Karaoke contest Sunday, July 31 at Vapor Night Club.
Saratoga jockeys are first out of the gate first with a post time of 8 PM. Then it’s Del Mar’s turn as their jockeys will try to outdo their east coast rivals at Belly Up Aug. 7. TVG host Mike Joyce will emcee the event with judges Del Mar Thoroughbred Club CEO, Joe Harper and TVG host Todd Schrupp.
2016 Jockey Karaoke Contest & Fundraiser promotion at Saratoga with D. Wayne Lukas, Todd Pletcher and Saratoga Jockeys
The Saratoga leg of the contest will be emceed by NYRA track announcer Tom Durkin and this year’s judges are: LRE Racing, owner Lee Einsidler, trainer Graham Motion NYRA Fox Sports host Laffit Pincay III and founder of Barstool Sports, Dave Portnoy. To purchase Saratoga tickets click here.
A must see! The 2014 thrown down at Saratoga.
Both contests will be streamed live via PDJF’s Facebook page and after the judges on each coast name their favorite performance, the public will vote for their favorite online via Facebook and Twitter.
The contest benefits the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund (PDJF).
Press release/edited
Photo courtesy of NYRA
