Dates have been set for the sixth annual Jockeys and Jeans Great American Stallion Season Sale to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. The auction begins on Friday, Jan. 21 at 9:00 a.m. and ends Monday, Jan. 24 at 5 p.m. on Starquine.com. A preview of the seasons will be available on Thursday, Jan. 20.
This is the only Stallion Season Auction that brings together Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Stallions in one sale, and one in which all proceeds go to help former jockeys who suffered catastrophic, career ending injuries.
“This is a true opportunity to show the world that those in the Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horse industry will stand up for those who can no longer stand for themselves,” said Jockeys and Jeans President Barry Pearl. “The racing community has proved to all in or outside racing that they care not only for the horses they race, but the humans who ride them.”
Since its founding in late 2014 by a group of former jockeys, Jockeys and Jeans has raised $1.9 million for jockeys who suffered career ending racing injuries, including $340,000 in 2021. The group needs to procure and sell $100,000 in stallion seasons to pass $2 million in funds raised.
Those wishing to donate a season or seasons and sell them privately are welcome. All seasons are non-guaranteed and donors have the option of including a breed-back the following year if the buyer's mare does not get in foal on first cover.
Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund provides a monthly stipend of $1,000 to some 60 former jockeys who suffered catastrophic career ending injuries. At least 40 are either quadra- or paraplegics.
For the first time last year, the group secured Quarter Horses seasons. Chiefly though the help of legendary Quarter Horse Jockey, G.R. Carter, breeders bought seasons (semen) totaling over $35,000. The tally from Thoroughbred breeders was slightly higher.
“We thank each and every season donor and season buyer, said Pearl. “We believe, as they say in horse racing, 'What goes around comes around,' and all here hope, pray and believe their investment will pay dividends. We are tickled to see that the racing industry is on the rebound from the pandemic years and the sport we all know and love is regaining its health. Yes, there are challenges and yes there are changes, but the needs of our fallen brothers and sisters go on.”
Pearl noted that nearly all the disabled riders live on a fixed income and that dealing with the increased cost of living means hard choices and sacrifices.
“Our season sale not only offers solid stallions at a reasonable cost, but more importantly, the opportunity to make a difference in those who gave a big part of their lives to horse racing.”
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