Jockeys and Jeans, a volunteer group dedicated to raising funds for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Foundation (PDJF), today named Caesars Entertainment Inc. Racing Vice President Joe Morris is the Official Jockeys and Jeans Ambassador. In this role, Morris will advocate for financial support for injured jockeys, know the inherent dangers of racing, and help with the rider’s recovery.
Morris joins Indiana Riders’ Protection and Benevolence Association CEO and Man of the Year for Jockeys and Jeans 2021 Brian Elmore as well as Jockeys Celebrity Ron Turcotte, Laffit Pincay Jr, Chris McCarron , Jorge Velasquez, Mike Smith and Javier Castellano as Jockeys and Jeans Ambassadors.
Barry Pearl, President of Jockeys and Jeans, said: “It is difficult to put into context what this level of engagement means for the underdogs of equestrianism. “It’s not just a response to a great human need and a desire to make a difference. It’s a recognition by leaders of another major corporation that supporting injured former drivers is important. one of the most important in the entire equestrian industry and of which Morris knows firsthand as one of the most successful operators the sport has produced.”
Morris has played a key role in Caesars Entertainment, becoming a named sponsor of the Jockeys and Jeans Fundraiser on September 11, 2021, at Monmouth Park. Caesars Entertainment will also be the main sponsor of this summer’s Jockeys and Jeans Fundraiser at Churchill Downs.
A love for horse racing developed early for Morris when he came to work on his uncle’s harness ranch in Maine at the age of 12. After graduating from the University of Maine, Morris ventured into horse racing and Gain experience across a variety of roles. From president of Thoroughbred Owners of California to chief financial officer and vice president at New Hampshire’s former Hinsdale Speedway and beyond, Morris hone his industry knowledge before taking on his current role. Currently, he is the senior vice president of racing at Caesars Entertainment.
Morris oversaw all operations at the five Caesars racecourses, which, under his leadership, set betting records.
“The importance of the safety and health of humans and equestrian athletes is paramount,” said Joe Morris Jr., Senior Vice President of Racing at Caesars Entertainment. “At Caesars, we believe everyone in our industry should actively support our fallen racers financially, and we’re honored to assume a leadership role alongside the Jockeys and Jeans. to support the PDFF and our riders with disabilities.”
Jockeys and Jeans was founded at the end of 2014. It organizes fundraising events, sells stalls every year, and to date, the group of volunteers has raised more than $2 million for the Jockeys Foundation for the Permanently Disabled. . The charity provides a monthly stipend ranging from $1,000 to 60 charioteers who are injured at the end of their racing careers, about 40 of whom are hemiplegia or quadriplegic.
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