Louisiana Derby Week activities kicked off March 22 at Fair Grounds in New Orleans. Following the annual Louisiana Derby (gr. II) post position draw, the Bill Hartack Charitable Foundation announced that two-time Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner and Louisiana native Calvin Borel will receive the 2010 Bill Hartack Memorial Award at the Foundation's reception and award ceremony March 25.
Co-hosted by the Fair Grounds, the reception will take place from 7-9 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Fair Grounds Clubhouse. Several renowned jockeys and previous winners of the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award will be in attendance to celebrate Borel’s honor, including Robby Albarado, Ray Sibille, and Mark Guidry. A silent auction featuring a collection of sports memorabilia, including several horse racing items signed by Borel, will help support the Foundation's philanthropic efforts.
Tickets are $100 per person and tables of eight are available of $1,200. Proceeds from the event and silent auction will benefit The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, which provides financial assistance to former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries.
"Calvin is one of the most highly admired jockeys in today's racing industry," said Michael Stidham, Fair Grounds-based trainer and founding member of the Bill Hartack Charitable Foundation, in a release. "He is an extremely focused individual whose tireless work ethic has made him one of the best horsemen in recent history. We are proud to honor one of Louisiana's own with this year's Bill Hartack Memorial Award."
