Eddie Donnelly | Horse Racing Free Tips

Following the retirement of President Barry Pearl this summer, the Jockey and Jeans committee has elected new officers. Vice President Dr. Eddie Donnally, one of five former jockeys who founded the group, has been named interim president.

“I served as president the first year and it became obvious [Barry] Pearl possessed far superior organizational and sales skills than I,” said Donnally, “so I suggested the committee make him president. Calling him was easily one of the best decisions of my life and we can't thank him enough for his nine years of leadership and the thousands of hours he donated.”

Donnally, 80, holds a Doctorate in Ministry, is a former Eclipse Award-winning racing writer for the Dallas Morning News, is the author of three books, and serves part-time as a hospital chaplain in New Orleans.

In other updates, Maureen Brown has been named Vice President of Operations and will assist with the day-to-day tasks, while Kenny Katz will become the Head of Relationships with Hall of Fame Riders.

The all-volunteer group made Corey Johnsen its newest ambassador. He will join Brian Elmore, Executive Director of the Indiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, and Joe Morris, Vice President of Racing for Caesars Entertainment, as the three non-jockey ambassadors. Randy Sampson, CEO and Board Chairman of Canterbury Park, serves as a committee member.

The post New Officers for Jockeys and Jeans appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Jockeys and Jeans this year will hold its annual fundraiser at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on Saturday, Jun. 24, and will honor Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale as its Person of the Year.

McIngvale is the owner of three Gallery Furniture stores in Houston and is internationally known for his business acumen, philanthropy, community involvement and success as a Thoroughbred owner and breeder as well a major bettor. The event will reunite McIngvale with Hall of Fame jockey Edgar Prado–one of 16 Hall of Fame members set to attend the event–who was was aboard Runhappy (Super Saver) for his win in the 2015 GI Breeders' Cup Sprint.

“Jockeys risk their lives every day they race,” McIngvale said. “And I think they need to be appreciated for the skills they bring to the sport. They make split-second decisions and are judged for those decisions. I think they deserve better medical care and should have a pension to help them after they retire like NFL players. I think they are racing's superstars.”

To date, the all-volunteer Jockeys and Jeans has raised more than $2.6 million for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF), which pays a monthly stipend of $1,000 to 60 jockeys who suffered career-ending injuries. After the fundraiser this year, the group expects to raise more than $3 million.

“Mattress Mack is truly one-of-a-kind, and I believe his acceptance speech will be something the entire racing world will be eager to hear,” Jockeys and Jeans President Barry Pearl said.” He is one of few persons who has been a successful Thoroughbred owner and breeder as well as a major bettor. He sees racing from a most unusual perspective.”

Space is limited, but tickets are still available for purchase by calling at 855-234-7469 or online at ticketmaster.com. Single tickets are $125 and VIP tickets are available for $250. Nine-person tables are $1,800 and include a seat with a Hall of Fame Jockey.
For more information contact President Barry Pearl or Eddie Donnally, Vice President and Marketing Director.

The post Mattress Mack Honored as Jockeys and Jeans Person of the Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post