Hall of Fame jockeys, TVG's on-air talent and other prominent racing personalities will once again take to the phones on Sunday, Oct. 17 as TVG and The Jockeys Guild host the third annual telethon to raise money for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF).
The event, canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, raised $330,000 in 2019, an increase of more than $100,000 over the inaugural event in 2018. Fan favorite jockeys of today and years past will be on hand live at call centers in California and Kentucky from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET. Throughout the day, TVG will be connecting with personalities and horsemen who have been involved with the PDJF's work in support of jockeys who have suffered serious on-track injuries.
“We sincerely appreciate the support of TVG and FanDuel to help raise critical funds for the PDJF through the telethon. Many jockeys will be taking part in the telethon by answering the phones when fans call in to make a donation. This telethon will help in providing the monthly monetary assistance to riders whose lives have been forever changed by a catastrophic on-track accident,” said Jockeys' Guild President and CEO Terry Meyocks.
Mike Smith will be joined by Gary Stevens, Kent Desormeaux, Chris McCarron, Pat Day, Sandy Hawley, Laffit Pincay Jr, Alex Solis, Jean Cruguet, Mike Manganello, Shane Sellers, Darrel McHargue, Mickey Solomone and others who will be on hand to participate in the 2021 Telethon. Also on the call will be leading jockeys riding at Keeneland and Santa Anita that day.
“On behalf of the PDJF Board of Directors, we are grateful to have this opportunity as the PDJF's mission would not be possible if not for these types of fundraising efforts and the support of the racing fans,” said Nancy LaSala, PDJF President. “We want to thank TVG and FanDuel, the Jockeys Guild, horse owners, Hall of Fame jockeys, jockeys from around the country as well as our industry partners who support PDJF.”
“We are proud to work alongside the Guild to support the PDJF in its mission to provide care and resources to injured riders,” said Kevin Grigsby, TVG executive producer. “We hope that our telethon is able to continue to raise awareness for the incredible risk jockeys in the United States undertake every day.
Fans are encouraged to donate by calling 1-844-TVG-PDJF or through the PDJF website.
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.
When: Sunday, October 17th, 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: TVG, TVG.com
Who: Mike Smith, Gary Stevens, Kent Desormeaux, Chris McCarron, Pat Day, Sandy Hawley, Laffit Pincay Jr, Alex Solis, Jean Cruguet, Mike Manganello, Shane Sellers, Darrel McHargue, Mickey Solomone and more
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