Santa Anita Park's inaugural “Folds of Honor” Charity Poker Tournament, held Saturday night following the races in the Arcadia, Calif., track's Player's Lounge, located above Clockers' Corner, was deemed a rousing success as more than $50,000 was raised to help provide scholarships to spouses and children of disabled or fallen American military veterans.
A large contingent of Santa Anita fans, jockeys, agents, owners, trainers, employees, and other racing industry personalities helped to make the event a success.
“We were very gratified with the turn-out and the support we were able to provide to Folds of Honor,” said Santa Anita Senior Vice President and General Manager Nate Newby. “One hundred percent of the money won went to the Folds of Honor Foundation. This is a tremendous cause and I think everyone senses we have an obligation to help the families of those who have given so much in the defense of our freedom. We look forward to expanding this event and hosting it again next year.”
Among those Santa Anita-based jockeys that participated last night were Joe Bravo, Abel Cedillo, Kyle Frey, Ricky Gonzalez, Juan Hernandez, Edwin Maldonado, Tiago Pereira, and Jessica Pyfer. Trainers included Vladimir Cerin, Ryan Hanson, Doug O'Neill, and Jonathan Wong.
Frank Mirahmadi, the Voice of Santa Anita, and TVG's Dave Weaver, who credited “beginner's luck” in making a winning “all-in” bet with Queen-Nine, off-suit, headed an enthusiastic group of Santa Anita employees and Thoroughbred owners.
The Folds of Honor Foundation, which has awarded more than 35,000 educational scholarships, was represented by retired United States Marine Corps Sergeant and P.O.W. Rocky Stickmann, who was one of 65 Americans taken hostage by Iranian extremists at the U.S. embassy in Teheran on Nov. 4, 1979. Stickman and his fellow Americans were held captive for 444 days until their release on the first day of Ronald Reagan's presidency on Jan. 20, 1981.
Santa Anita's current Autumn Meet will draw to a close next Sunday, Oct. 31, with first post time on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. For additional information, please visit santaanita.com or call (626) 574-7223.
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