The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund will benefit from an annual donation tied to the Norm Barron Queen City Oaks, an Ohio-bred stakes to be run at River Downs July 17.
Barron, an attorney, Thoroughbred owner-breeder, and former chairman of the Ohio State Racing Commission died in June at age 74. His family has established an annual donation of $5,000 a year to the PDJF.
“We were honored to be selected by the Barron family for this generous donation,” PDJF executive director Nancy Lasala said. “When we hear about this type of ongoing contribution, we realize that the benefactors understand the situations these riders are in are not just about today, but tomorrow as well.
“From reading about Mr. Barron, it is obvious he took an all-encompassing view of the sport and would understand our needs. Many of the jockeys we serve were injured while in their 20s and 30s and face decades of living with a disability. The medical needs of our disabled jockeys are great, and in today’s healthcare environment, costs continue to escalate, posing still more challenges to individuals who courageously test their limits every day.”
The $75,000 Norm Barron Queen City Oaks is Ohio’s top race for state-bred 3-year-old fillies. It attracted a field of eight and is raced at 1 1/8 miles on the dirt.
Barron, a regular at River Downs near Cincinnati, is credited with conceiving the “7&7” wagering format in Ohio, and he created the concept of the Best of Ohio championship series for Ohio-bred runners.