Proceeds from admissions on closing day at Saratoga Race Course Sept. 2, will be donated in the name of Ramon Dominguez to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, it was announced by Chris Kay, CEO and president of the New York Racing Association.
"Simply by coming out to Saratoga Race Course on Monday, fans can support a wonderful cause," said Kay in an Aug. 29 statement. "I was so taken by the fans' ovations and outpouring of emotion for Ramon during our tribute to him last Sunday, and I look forward to a closing day that will strike much the same note with all in attendance."
Dominguez, 36, retired in June after suffering a traumatic brain injury in a spill Jan. 18 at Aqueduct Racetrack. On Aug. 25, he was honored in a special ceremony at Saratoga in which he was presented with the re-instituted Mike Venezia Award and the trophy from his third straight Eclipse Award. A $15,000 donation to the PDJF was made in Dominguez's name on behalf of NYRA.
Also on Monday, fans can attend a jockey autograph session from noon to 12:30 p.m. on the Jockeys Silks Porch, where additional donations to the PDJF can be made via cash or check. The table will remain open throughout the afternoon with members of the Saratoga jockey colony in attendance when they are not riding.
Saratoga's 40-day meet concludes on Labor Day with the 109th running of the $300,000 Hopeful (gr. I) for 2-year-olds, and the $150,000 Glens Falls (gr. IIIT) for turf fillies and mares.
