For the third consecutive year, tracks and racing venues will participate in a Kentucky Derby Day Silent Auction to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund (PDJF) on May 6.
Proceeds from the collaborative effort by the Thoroughbred Racing Associations (TRA), PDJF, JockeyTalk360, and the Jockeys’ Guild will provide aid for permanently disabled jockeys’ health care and living expenses.
Each track will hold a silent auction with three beautifully framed photos, including Arrogate winning the 2016 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) (autographed by jockey Mike Smith), “3 for the Ages” of Triple Crown winners Secretariat, Seattle Slew and Affirmed (signed by jockeys Ron Turcotte, Jean Cruget, and Steve Cauthen), and Secretariat “Flying” to victory in the 1973 Kentucky Derby (G1) (signed by jockey Ron Turcotte). Fans who contribute to PDJF during the auction will be offered a racing souvenir such as a gold-plated replica Secretariat horse shoe, classic photos from the Tony Leonard Collection, or Kentucky Derby lapel pins.
“The Derby Day Silent Auction continues to build momentum in its third year as an important fundraiser for the PDJF,” said PDJF President Nancy Lasala. “It gives horse racing fans an opportunity to collect priceless memorabilia while supporting a worthwhile cause. We would like to thank the Tony Leonard Collection, Reed Palmer Photography, Skip Dickstein, Penny Chenery, Secretariat.com, Mike Smith, Ron Turcotte, Jean Cruget, Steve Cauthen and all the tracks. Without their generous support, this would not be possible.”
Auctions will be held at the following locations: Arlington Park, Belmont Park, Churchill Downs, Ellis Park, Finger Lakes, Golden Gate Fields, Gulfstream Park, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course, Keeneland, Kentucky Downs, Laurel Park, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie, Louisiana Downs, Parx Racing, Prairie Meadows, Remington Park, Sam Houston Race Park, Santa Anita Park, Tampa Bay Downs, Turfway Park, Wyoming Horse Racing, and Zia Park.
Those who wish to contribute to the fundraising effort for disabled jockeys may do so by sending checks payable to: PDJF, P.O. Box 803, Elmhurst, IL 60126 or visit www.pdjf.org. PDJF is a 501(c)(3) public charity providing financial assistance to 60 former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries. Since its founding in 2006, the fund has disbursed approximately $8 million to permanently disabled jockeys, most of whom have sustained paralysis or brain injuries.
Through the years, the TRA has played a leading role in the establishment of many programs beneficial to the racing industry. In 2017, the TRA has 42 member associations conducting racing at 40 racetracks in the United States and Canada. Visit www.tra-online.com for more information about the TRA.
