Tag: People

Golden Gate Fields track announcer Matt Dinerman has been tabbed the race caller for the 2022 Wine Country Racing Meet at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, Calif. Dinerman replaces Michael Wrona, who is fulfilling his race calling duties at Los Alamitos.

This year, racing returns to the Sonoma County Fairgrounds for the first time since 2019. The 30-year-old Dinerman called the 2020 and 2021 Wine Country Racing meets when those dates were held at Golden Gate during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I'm really looking forward to calling the races and working with everyone at Santa Rosa,” said Dinerman. “It's going to be a blast! Michael Wrona does an exemplary job. He sets the bar high, so I've got big shoes to fill. Whenever a track asks you to be their voice, it's very flattering.”

Dinerman has attended the races at Santa Rosa in past years and was quick to mention how much he enjoyed the experience.

“Santa Rosa is a fun destination for any racing fan,” said Dinerman. “The atmosphere is very festive. There's a lot of people who come out to the races and they are always having a good time. There's a ton of good food places to go to after the races. It's just a really fun time.”

Along with calling races, Dinerman is scheduled to co-host the daily pre-race seminar with racing expert Michael Patricks.

Santa Rosa begins their 2022 race meet on Thursday, August 4 and runs through Sunday, August 14. Live racing will be conducted on a Thursday through Sunday basis both weeks. First post on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday is 1:45 PM while Friday race programs kick off at a slightly later post of 2:15 PM.

The post Matt Dinerman To Announce California’s Sonoma County Fair Meet appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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The Jockeys' Guild, Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) and National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), in conjunction with racetracks across the United States, have announced that riders competing on Saturday, July 30 (or another mutually agreed upon date that week at racetracks not racing that day) will pay tribute to National Disability Independence Day and to raise awareness and funds for the PDJF. Last year's event raised more than $50,000 at racetracks across the country.

Jockeys at some 20 racetracks are expected to participate in various activities to support the PDJF while also saluting National Disability Independence Day, which marks the 32nd anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Passed by Congress in 1990 and signed into law by President George H.W. Bush, the ADA banned discrimination based on disability in all parts of public life while improving the quality of life immeasurably for millions of people with disabilities.

Most racetracks will host activities on Saturday, July 30 although some racetracks that do not race on that day will be participating on another date during the week. Fans should check with their local racetrack for exact dates and events. Throughout the day, fans and industry participants will be encouraged to contribute to the PDJF at PDJF.org. The PDJF is a 501(c)(3) public charity that provides financial assistance to approximately 60 former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries.

“The PDJF welcomes teaming up with the Jockeys' Guild and NTRA to honor the passage of this very important piece of legislation that has changed the lives for all Americans living with a disability,” said Nancy LaSala, Board President of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. “The lives of PDJF recipients are improved as a result and for this we are very grateful.”

Racetracks and jockey colonies set to participate in the promotion include: Arizona Downs; Colonial Downs; Del Mar Thoroughbred Club; Delta Downs, Indiana Grand Racing and Casino, Monmouth Park, Prairie Meadows, and Saratoga Race Course. A complete listing of participating outlets will be released prior to the event date(s).

“We thank the many jockeys from around the country for supporting this effort to heighten awareness of the Americans with Disabilities Act and assist in raising funds for the PDJF,” said Terry Meyocks, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Jockeys' Guild and a member of the Board of Directors of the PDJF. “We also are immensely grateful to everyone who contributes financially to the PDJF.”

About the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund

The Permanently Disabled Jockeys' Fund (PDJF) is a 501(c)(3) charity that currently provides financial assistance to approximately 60 former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries. Founded in 2006 by leaders in the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse industries, the PDJF has disbursed over $12 million to permanently disabled jockeys, most of whom have sustained paralysis or traumatic brain injuries. For more information and to donate, please visit www.pdjf.org.

The post Jockeys Will Pay Tribute To National Disability Independence Day With July 30 PDJF Fundraising Efforts appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Jockey Andrea Mezzatesta would have preferred it didn't take 17 mounts to earn his first win in the United States, but the 28-year-old native of Milan, Italy, said the extended wait only made the milestone that much more enjoyable.

Mezzatesta scored an upset with the Kelly Breen-trained Morethanicanhandle ($34.40) in Sunday's seventh race at Monmouth Park to break through in his first summer of riding in the United States.

“I am very happy,” said Mezzatesta, the son of legendary Italian jockey Vincenzino Mezzatesta. “It seems like it has been a long time since I had a winner. It's a good feeling to finally get the first one.”

Mezzatesta, who won 365 races in Europe and Asia, came to the United States at the urging of close friend and fellow jockey Umberto Rispoli. He rode a winner in his last race in Italy on May 30, flew to the United States the next day, and secured his first U.S. mount on June 3 at Monmouth Park.

“I was trying to be patient, but you want to get that first win,” Mezzatesta said.

Mezzatesta said he will be riding at Monmouth Park for the duration of the meet. All 16 of his previous mounts in the U.S. have been at the Jersey Shore oval. He had a second and three thirds prior to his win.

The post Jockey Mezzatesta Notches First U.S. Win At Monmouth appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Josh Rubinstein has been selected by the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) as recipient of the 2021 Ed Friendly Industry Service Award, which is presented annually to recognize outstanding contributions and service in the Thoroughbred racing industry.

Originally known as the TOC Chairman's Award, it was renamed for the legendary television producer, Thoroughbred owner, and TOC founding member following his death in 2007. Among former awardees are some of the most prominent names in Southern California racing, including Mace Siegel, John Harris, Bob and Beverly Lewis, Jerry and Ann Moss, and Clement Hirsch.

Rubinstein is president and chief operating officer of Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (DMTC), a position he has held since 2018. He has been with DMTC for 35 years and has held positions in communications, sales and marketing before being named executive vice president in 2013. He is currently on the board of directors of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, the Thoroughbred Racing Association, the California Thoroughbred Horsemen's Foundation, and Southern California Off-Track Wagering Inc.

Rubinstein is being honored for his many years of service to the California Thoroughbred racing industry and for his continuing role in helping Del Mar to forge a superior working relationship with TOC and the other California racetracks. This relationship has been invaluable in helping us negotiate the challenges of the last few years and those we face as we move forward.

“Josh is a great ambassador for California racing,” said TOC Chairman, Gary Fenton. “He and the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club are true partners with TOC in every sense. With the challenges we faced recently, Josh rose to the occasion and helped steer California racing to the forefront of national medication and safety changes. His name belongs on the great list of recipients of this award.”

Rubinstein will be recognized at TOC's Southern California Annual Meeting at Del Mar on August 13.

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