A national fundraiser for seriously injured Quarter Horse jockey Jacky Martin will be held at racetracks across the country Oct. 8, the Jockey’s Guild said.
Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse jockeys are being asked to contribute a losing mount fee to the “Jacky Martin Fund” to help with costs associated with the long-term care for the champion Quarter Horse jockey. Martin was paralyzed after a spill at Ruidoso Downs Sept. 2 when his horse, Phire Power, broke down after the finish of the sixth race.
To bring awareness to Martin, and in his honor, jockeys will be riding Oct. 8 with a boot decal with his name.
Martin was named Quarter Horse jockey of the year in 2010 and has won the All-American Futurity seven times. He is a member of the Ruidoso Hall of Fame.
The Guild said Martin’s medical care and needs will exceed the limit of the $500,000 ontrack insurance policy provided by Ruidoso Downs, which is located in New Mexico.
“It is critically important that the funds raise enough money to help with the long-term care for Jacky,” Guild national manager Terry Meyocks said. “Insurance only covers so much of the needed costs. We are asking jockeys and individuals to help Jacky carry on his life after this catastrophic event. All donations are appreciated.”
R.D. and Joan Dale Hubbard have donated $100,000 to seed the fund.
Tax deductible donations to the “Jacky Martin Fund” can be made by sending a check made out to the Ruidoso Downs Race Track Chaplaincy at P.O. Box 449, Ruidoso Downs, NM, 88346.
Martin is in rehabilitation at the TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas.
