Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Churchill Downs and Jockeys and Jeans mutually agreed to cancel the fundraiser for Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund that had been planned at the historic track for Nov. 14.
“It's sad because the needs of former jockeys who suffered career ending injuries go on,” said Jockeys and Jeans President Barry Pearl. “But, given the need to battle this deadly disease, it is necessary.”
“Due to the nature of Jockey and Jeans and the way it brings people together from all over the country, we want to ensure that it can be held at Churchill Downs when it can be the biggest and best,” said Mike Ziegler, executive director of racing at Churchill. “We are saddened to postpone the 2020 event, but in full agreement with PDJF and Jockey and Jeans' choice.”
Pearl said the group will be contacting those who already purchased sponsorships and will keep the racing world posted on future fundraising events.
“We all know it has been a most difficult time for the nation as well as the sport we all know and love,” he said. “But I am convinced the family that is horse racing will continue to reach out to help support those who traded a set of stirrups for the foot stands on wheelchairs.”
Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund pays a $1,000 monthly stipend to some 60 former jockeys who suffered catastrophic racing injures. Some 40 are either pari- or quadriplegics, while others suffered severe brain injuries.
The event typically attracts 15 or more jockey Hall of Fame members who gather to honor the six permanently disabled former jockeys who attend. Jockeys and Jeans was founded in late 2014 by a group of former jockeys, which has raised over $1.5 million for the PDJF through six annual events and several stallion season sales.
“We are the ones who walked away intact,” said Pearl, a former jockey. “And our efforts to stand for our fallen brothers and sisters will go on thanks to the heart touching support of the racing community.”
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