Jockeys and Jeans, the fundraiser for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF), has announced that Gulfstream Park and 1/ST Racing will host their 10th annual fundraising event on Saturday, January 11 starting at noon.
Gulfstream, which hosted the 2016 Jockeys and Jeans event, will become the first facility to host the event twice.
Stephen Screnci, President of Racing and Business Development at 1/ST Racing, said: “Gulfstream Park and 1/ST are delighted to host Jockeys and Jeans in our Championship and we are proud to work together to promote and enhance the welfare and safety of jockeys and riders during and after their careers.”
To date, Jockeys and Jeans has raised $3.4 million for PDJF through fundraising efforts including an annual stud sale. For the first time, there will be an autograph session for the local horsemanship community before the races and an autograph session for Hall of Fame attendees afterward. This year’s event will also honor the memory of Hall of Fame members Walter Blum and Bobby Ussery. The event will be held in the track’s spacious Flamingo Room.
Early Bird tickets cost $100 and each attendee will enjoy a buffet lunch, a signed poster of the Hall of Fame and other legendary riders in attendance, and a rare opportunity to mingle with those famous riders. Tickets are available at This.
“The event date is prime time for the track’s Winter Championship Season, which includes Pegasus World Cup Day and the Florida Derby,” said Dr. Eddie Donnally, Interim President of Jockeys and Jeans. “The track is the winter home of some of the most talented Hall of Famers and arguably the most talented equestrian colony in the country. We hope to attract at least 15 Hall of Famers and retired legends to honor some of their fallen brothers and sisters. The committee and I are confident that this will be a successful and well-attended fundraising event.”
Jockeys and Jeans will soon announce the recipient of its annual Personality of the Year Award, traditionally a household name in the horse racing industry, others will attend the event and a horse racing celebrity will be the event’s Presenter.
“Last year at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, we raised a record $425,000 for PDJF, and that was a big hurdle to clear,” Donnally said. “But we have assurances from officials at Gulfstream Park that they will do their best to promote the event. Our volunteer committee members know that the racing community understands the urgent need and will once again respond to our call to support the 60 racers who have suffered career-ending injuries, including approximately 40 who are no longer racing and are in wheelchairs.”
“The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund greatly appreciates all the support from retired and active jockeys to support events like Jockeys and Jeans, as well as their fellow jockeys,” said Nancy LaSala, PDJF President. “A special thank you to Belinda Stronach, (1/ST President and CEO), as well as Chairman Aidan Butler and the entire team for hosting this very special annual event.”
This press release has not been edited by BloodHorse. If you have any questions, please contact the organization that compiled this press release.
