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Paralyzed Former Jockey Rides for Charity

Former jockey Jacob Pritchard-Webb, paralysed during a fall at Auteuil in June of 2020, will embark on 140-mile hand bike ride to benefit a pair of charities that helped him through his rehabilitation. The three-day ride, which begins July 7, will begin at Cheltenham before concluding at Newmarket.

The 25-year-old hopes to raise £25,000 each for the Injured Jockeys Fund and the Matt Hampson Foundation. As part of his training for the event, Pritchard Webb was joined on a cycle around the Cotswolds Sunday afternoon by Harry Potter star James Phelps, who played Fred Weasley in the movie franchise.

“Like all good things, it came about over a beer! We met each other at Mike Tindall's golf day earlier in the year and we got speaking about Jacob's challenge. I'm a big cyclist myself and it sounded a lot of fun,” said Phelps, who will be.

When asked about Jacob's challenge, which will culminate on Darley July Cup Day at Newmarket July 9th, Phelps added: “I think he's an absolute lunatic personally! It would be a challenge for an able-bodied person on a normal bike, so to do it on a hand-bike is even more impressive.

Pritchard Webb will be joined by a host of star names from the racing world on his charity bike ride, including 20-time champion Jump jockey Sir AP McCoy, and he revealed that Sunday's ride was his final piece of work before undertaking his challenge.

Pritchard Webb added, “Anyone can join us if they want to, it's an open invite. Sean Boyce [a presenter on Sky Racing] is joining us on the second day and it's the more the merrier. If you'd like to join in, feel free to drop me a tweet and I'll let you know the route and you can meet us there.”

To make a donation, visit: https://www.sponsorme.co.uk/jacobwebb/the-cross-countys-cycle-challenge.aspx

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Folds of Honor Poker Tourney Set for May 29

Santa Anita will play host to a charity poker tournament following the live racing program this Sunday, May 29, at 5:45 p.m. PT to benefit the 'Folds of Honor' foundation. Folds of Honor seeks to support the families of fallen or disabled American military veterans and dependents adversely affected by war.

For the tournament, which will take place near the top of the stretch in the Baldwin Terrace Conference Room on the second floor of the grandstand, players will make a $300 donation and will be treated to a full night of No-Limit Texas Hold 'Em and a day at the races in Santa Anita's Stretch Run suites.

A similar Folds of Honor tournament this past October raised more than $50,000.

“We had great participation from horsemen and fans this past October and we're hoping to do even better this Saturday,” said Santa Anita Vice President and General Manager Nate Newby. “Memorial Day weekend is a time for reverence for millions of veterans and we're proud to be able to honor them and their families. This is a tremendous cause and we're honored to have Folds of Honor back here at Santa Anita.”

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Vaccarezza Organizes Fundraiser for Tornado Victims

A fundraising event to help benefit the families affected by last weekend's devastating Western Kentucky tornado will take place at Frank & Dino's restaurant in Lexington on Sunday, Jan. 2. Complimentary food and drinks will be served between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the popular Italian eatery.

WLKY reported Thursday that 16 people, down from a high of 122, are still missing and that the death toll has risen to 76 Kentuckians. More than 1,000 homes and buildings have been destroyed and there are approximately still 3,000 power outages. Surveyors with the National Weather Service have reported that the twister had wind speeds up to 190 miles per hour.

“Every time there's an issue or something happens, we try to do something for the community,” said owner/breeder/trainer and Frank & Dino's managing partner Carlo Vaccarezza.

“I'm closing the restaurant from noon to 8 p.m. and there will be free food and free alcohol. When people come, hopefully they donate. We have people that are very committed that are going to come over and really support the cause. [Kentucky Congressman] Andy Barr–I've spoken to him a couple of times–and the governor's office are really behind this cause. All the money that we collect, we'll write a check and it will help families that were devastated by this horrible situation.”

Vaccarezza, whose two sons Mike and Nick survived a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida in 2018, raised approximately $180,000 for the families of the victims during a fundraiser also held at his family restaurant.

Donations can also be sent to Frank & Dino's, 271 W. Short Street, Lexington, Ky., 40507.

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Backside Learning Center Fundraiser, Online Auction Set For Nov. 19

The Backside Learning Center (BLC), an organization dedicated to building community and enriching the lives of equine workers and families at Churchill Downs, will hold its largest annual fundraiser, Benefit for the Backside: A Day at the Races, Friday, Nov. 19 at Churchill Downs.

This is a sold-out event. However, the BLC is hosting an online, silent auction consisting of many unique horseracing and other hard to find items and experiences including a year-long membership to Louisville Thoroughbred Society, a private tour of Spendthrift Farm, AirBnB experiences, top-shelf bourbon packages and much more. In addition, The BLC will conduct a “Thurby Suite for 40” raffle drawing including food and drink (a $9,000 value.)

“We are thrilled to have our event back in person this year, and to be able to share all of the wonderful work and growth that has taken place over the last two years,” said Executive Director Sherry Stanley. “It will be emotional to be able to finally thank so many people who have allowed us to fulfill our mission of standing beside this amazing community through such a tough time.”

You can still participate in this event by joining the online auction, purchasing a raffle ticket for a Thurby Suite for 40, or donating by visiting the following website: www.benefitforthebackside.com.

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