Fans Can Vote for Mike Venezia Award Winner

The New York Racing Association will provide racing fans with the opportunity to vote for the Mike Venezia Memorial Award online at www.nyra.com/veneziaaward through Saturday, August 30.

Created in 1989, the Mike Venezia Memorial Award is given to jockeys who exemplify extraordinary sportsmanship and citizenship. It is named in honor of Mike Venezia, who died as the result of injuries he suffered in a spill in 1988 at Belmont Park.

Representatives from the Jockey's Guild and the New York Racing Association have nominated a trio of exemplary individuals to be considered for this year's award. Each is an accomplished athlete whose aptitude on the track is rivaled only by the respect they garner off it.

Fans will be able to choose from outstanding jockeys Javier Castellano, Cornelio Velasquez, and John Velazquez to decide the 19th recipient of the Venezia Award. The winner will be announced and presented with the award in the winner's circle on August 30 at Saratoga.