(Edited press release)
A Kentucky Derby Day promotion facilitated by NetJets, the Jockeys’ Guild, Churchill Downs, and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association has raised $500,000 to benefit the NTRA Charities - Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Jockey John Velazquez will present the gift to representatives of the fund the morning of May 16 at Pimlico Race Course.
NetJets contributed $200,000 to the donation on behalf of the 20 jockeys participating in Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and made an additional contribution of $100,000. Richard T. Santulli, chairman and CEO of NetJets, made a personal donation of $100,000, as did Bill Casner, owner of WinStar Farm and chairman of TOBA. NetJets will also sponsor the riders competing in the May 17 Preakness Stakes (gr. I).
“NetJets is truly honored to join with the Derby jockeys and Bill Casner to make this donation to the NTRA Charities - Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund,” said Santulli. “Through our sponsorship of the Kentucky Derby and now the Preakness, we hope to build awareness of the many worthy charities within the Thoroughbred industry, and help raise additional money to benefit these great causes. The fund is a lifesaver to riders injured during the course of their careers.”
“This is the single largest donation in the history of the fund, and we greatly appreciate the contributions of NetJets, the Kentucky Derby jockeys, and the personal gifts of Richard Santulli and Bill Casner,” said Alex Waldrop, president and CEO of the NTRA. “Their generosity and dedication is making a difference in the lives of disabled riders.”
Preakness jockeys will donate their NetJets sponsorship money to The Jockey Club Foundation, a charitable trust that provides financial assistance to needy members of the Thoroughbred industry and their families, and the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, which is committed to the advancement of research to enhance the health and soundness of horses of all breeds.
For more information or to make a contribution to the NTRA Charities – Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, or The Jockey Club Foundation, please visit www.ntracharities.org.
