After more than a 10 year absence, jockey cards are making their return to Keeneland.
The first series of 2010 jockey cards is on sale at the Keeneland gift shop and will also be sold at the Riders Up! Karaoke benefit on April 16.
“Racing needs to develop stars in various segments of the sport,” said Terry Meyocks, national manager of the Jockey’s Guild. “We are hopeful these cards will be part of that effort. The jockeys want to do their part to help grow the industry.”
Additionally, individual cards will be given away April 17 at the Breakfast with the Works program at Keeneland. Jockeys will be on hand to autograph cards from 7 to 8:30 a.m. EST.
Sponsored by Daily Racing Form, the first series consists of 61 cards, including 14 special edition Hall of Fame or Triple Crown winner cards. The first series features riders expected to be competing this spring at Keeneland and Churchill Downs, like Robby Albarado, Garrett Gomez, Julien Leparoux, and John Velazquez. Steve Cauthen, Pat Day, Angel Cordero, Jerry Bailey, and Ron Turcotte are among the jockeys included in the special edition set.
“Racing fans of all ages can enjoy collecting the cards whether they are sports card collectors or kids using them to get autographs of their all-time favorite jockeys,” said Meyocks.
The April 16 Riders Up! karaoke benefit will be held at the Keeneland Entertainment Center from 6-9 p.m. A $50 charge includes a buffet dinner, and a cash bar is available with proceeds going to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.