FanDuel TV, the New York Racing Association (NYRA), Keeneland and Santa Anita will team with Hall of Fame jockeys who are members of the Jockeys' Guild and other prominent racing personalities on Sunday, April 23, for the fifth annual telethon to raise money for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF). The telethon will be presented by Lane's End.
The event will be broadcast on both FanDuel TV and America's Day at the Races in collaboration with NYRA and FOX Sports as well as streamed on tvg.com. Fans can participate in the telethon by calling 1-844-884-7353 on Sunday, April 23, between 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. ET or can donate directly at https://pdjf.org/donate/
“We are proud of the way this event has grown each year and that is largely due to the collaborative efforts from the Guild and our partners at Santa Anita, Keeneland, NYRA and FOX Sports,” said FanDuel's Mike Joyce, who also serves on the Board of Directors of the PDJF. “Every single day, jockeys assume incredible risk. This event raises important funding and showcases the work that the PDJF does to support these athletes.”
In 2022, the popular event again saw record-breaking donations and raised $418,300 to support jockeys who have suffered serious on-track injuries. The event has raised in excess of $1.2 million in support of the PDJF since the inaugural telethon in 2018. Fan favorite jockeys of today and years past will be on hand live at call centers in California from Santa Anita and at Keeneland in Kentucky from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET as their schedule permits. Throughout the day, FanDuel TV and America's Day At The Races will be connecting with personalities and horsemen who have been involved with the PDJF's work.
“The Jockeys' Guild is most appreciative of the on-going support of Fanduel TV, Keeneland, NYRA and Santa Anita in helping to raise vital funds for the PDJF,” said Jockeys' Guild president and CEO Terry Meyocks. “This telethon not only raises awareness of the charity but helps the racing public understand its mission of providing much-needed monthly financial assistance to the approximately 60 riders who have sustained catastrophic on-track injuries such as paralysis, brain injuries or both. With no guaranteed funding from the racing industry, this telethon is the major yearly fundraiser for the organization.”
Among the jockeys participating in the event are Hall of Fame riders Sandy Hawley, Chris McCarron, Mike Smith and John Velazquez alongside Quarter Horse champion riders G.R. Carter and Cody Jensen.
“On behalf of the PDJF Board and our recipients, we are very grateful for the support of FanDuel TV management and staff as well as NYRA and our telethon host tracks Keeneland and Santa Anita for their continued support of this annual telethon,” Nancy LaSala, PDJF Board President.
Callers who donate via the telethon will be entered in a drawing to win assorted autographed memorabilia through a sweepstakes which will take place each hour of the telethon.
“NYRA is thrilled to be able to support the PDJF by once again broadcasting this year's telethon to a national audience on America's Day at the Races,” said Eric Donovan, NYRA senior director of TV Broadcast Operations. “The PDJF exists to improve the lives of jockeys who have dedicated so much to the sport, and we encourage racing fans to tune in on April 23 and consider a donation to the PDJF.”
“On behalf of everyone at Santa Anita Park, it is a privilege to host the PDJF telethon once again,” said Nate Newby, general manager at Santa Anita. “The Santa Anita jockey colony is among the finest in the world and it is an honor to work with these men and women every day. We are pleased to be able to support them and the PDJF through this worthwhile event that shines a spotlight on the need to assist those who have dedicated their lives to the sport.”
“Keeneland is honored to once again support the PDJF and to assist with its important fundraising efforts via the telethon,” Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “Our sport owes its thanks to these skilled athletes, and Keeneland is pleased to join with our partners, horsemen and fans in showing our appreciation for their commitment to racing.”
The PDJF is a registered 501(c)3 charity that provides financial assistance to former jockeys who have suffered on-track injuries. Since its foundation in 2006, PDJF has disbursed over $11 million to support disabled jockeys, the organization is 100% reliant on charitable donations.
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