(Edited press release)
The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund announced June 25 that the William Stamps Farish Fund has pledged $1 million to the PDJF, which supports some 60 former riders who are permanently disabled as the result of on-track catastrophic injuries. The gift will be annualized in four equal contributions beginning in 2009.
“Advanced medical technologies, better training and improved racetrack safety measures have made horse racing much safer for riders but no sport is ever risk-free,” said Will Farish, president of the Houston, Texas-based William Stamps Farish Fund and owner of Lane’s End Farm in Versailles, Ky. “It is my hope that members of the racing community will join me in supporting the PDJF, not only to help meet the day-to-day needs of our disabled athletes but to build an endowment that will provide a permanent funding source for their long-term care.”
Racetracks, corporate sponsors, horse owners, jockeys, horsemen’s groups as well as industry businesses and organizations have contributed to the PDJF since its inception. More than $2 million has been disbursed to disabled jockeys since 2006.
“We are deeply grateful to Mr. Farish for his commitment to the PDJF and the disabled athletes it supports,” said Nancy LaSala, executive director of the PDJF. “Thanks to his generosity and leadership the PDJF can now focus more attention on building the endowment that will ensure that financial assistance for our disabled riders will always be available.”
The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. Contributions to the PDJF may be directed to: PDJF, P.O. Box 803, Elmhurst, IL 60126. All contributions are tax-deductible. For inquires contact Nancy LaSala at (630) 595-7660.