In an effort to raise money for injured jockey Andrew Lakeman, who was paralyzed in a catastrophic spill at Belmont Park May 25, the Race Track Chaplaincy of New York has organized a charity event with a bit of a twist.
WinStar Farm co-owners Kenny and Lisa Troutt's fifth-grade son, Grant Troutt, plays for the Texas Titans, a nationally-ranked AAU basketball team. The Titans will go toe-to-toe with the likes of jockeys John Velasquez and Kent Desormeaux in a basketball game to be held at Saratoga Springs High School gymnasium in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., at 7 p.m. (EDT) Aug. 9.
Numerous prominent owners, including Stonerside Stable, Circle E Racing, Padua Stables, IEAH Stables, West Point Thoroughbreds, WinStar Farm, Dogwood Stable, Darley Stable, James Scatuorchio, Lael Stables, and Earle Mack have each donated $5,000 to have their silks represented in the event.
"The organizer of the event, the Race Track Chaplaincy of America, is committed to helping the physical and spiritual needs of the people on the backside, and Andrew definitely needs our prayers, our time, and our generosity," Elliott Walden, vice president of WinStar Farm, said in an Aug. 1 release.
All proceeds raised from the event will benefit Andrew Lakeman. Tax deductible donations can be made to the Race Track Chaplaincy of America Inc., P.O. Box 91640, Los Angeles, Calif., 90009; or to the following fund which has been established on his behalf: Andrew Lakeman, c/o Karen Murphy, 76 Phelps Road, Old Chatham, New York 12136.