Jockeys and Jeans

(Bensalem PA) In the most successful fundraising event for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund since its inception in 2005, revenues for the June 3 Jockeys and Jeans event at Parx Casino and Racing in Bensalem, PA totaled $252,000. This includes proceeds from a January Stallion Season Auction in Florida.

Some 300 fans and horsepersons were on hand to mingle with 14 Hall of Fame Jockeys and honor six catastrophically injured jockeys.

“All this is simply a testimony to the concern and generosity of the racing community and those who love this sport,” said Jockeys and Jeans President, Barry Pearl. “Donors, volunteers, Hall of Fame riders and fans joined hands to honor and support those men and women whose catastrophic injuries may have disabled their bodies but has not diminished their spirits. I and all on our committee are truly humbled by the response.”  

Jockeys and Jeans was formed in early 2014 by five former jockeys to raise awareness of the dangers inherent in race riding and funds for the some 60 former riders who suffered catastrophic, career ending injuries and are supported by monthly payments from the PDJF. Since its inception, the all volunteer Jockeys and Jeans group has raised for the 501 c.3 charity headed by Nancy LaSala, over $715,000.

Hall of Famers attending were Braulio Baeza, Bill Boland; Pat Day; Ramon Dominquez, Earlie Fires; Sandy Hawley; Julie Krone Chris McCarron; Don Pierce; Laffit Pincay, Jr.; John Rotz; Bobby Ussery, Jorge Velasquez and Manuel Ycaza. Honorees included Vincent Amico, Sam Boulmetis, Jr., Tony Dlugoposki, Linda Hughes, Jayme LaRocca and Sidney Underwood.

Jockeys and Jeans plans to solicit and sell donated stallion seasons this fall for the PDJF with time and place for its Select Season Sale to be announced.