Mattress Mack Honored as Jockeys and Jeans Person of the Year

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.

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HISA Hosting Media Roundtable at Belmont Park

On Thursday, Jun. 8, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) CEO Lisa Lazarus and Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) Executive Director Ben Mosier will host a media roundtable at Belmont Park to discuss the ongoing implementation of HISA's Racetrack Safety and Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Programs. The G1 Belmont Stakes will be the first Triple Crown race run under HISA's ADMC Program, which took effect on May 22.

The round table discussion will take place in the Belmont Room located on the second floor of the clubhouse and kicks off at 1:00 p.m.
Saturday's G1 Belmont Stakes, set to be held Jun. 10, will be the first Triple Crown race run under HISA's ADMC Program, which took effect on May 22.

Those interested in attending are requested to RSVP to either HISA Director of Communications Mandy Minger or HIWU Director of Communications & Outreach Alexa Ravit via email prior to Jun. 8.

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TAA Will Be On Site for the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will be at Belmont Park this weekend for the GI Belmont Stakes Racing Festival and will be honored with race to highlight accredited aftercare. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Race will be Race 10, on Thursday with a post time of 7:45 p.m. Following the running of the race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections, which includes a branded blanket and swag bag.

Additionally, the TAA will co-host the winning guests from one of the VIP experiences, donated by NYRA, auctioned off earlier this year in the “Off to the Races” campaign, promoting aftercare awareness. Winners from the VIP experience will enjoy the weekend of racing with a table for six, buffet meals, parking, and paddock access.

“NYRA is committed to supporting the work of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in ways that advance the shared mission of protecting, re-training and re-homing Thoroughbreds when their racing days are done,” Kevin Quinn, NYRA VP of Sales and Hospitality said. “The Belmont Stakes provides an ideal stage to expand the public's understanding of the meaningful aftercare efforts underway in New York, and we are pleased to welcome the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance back to Belmont throughout the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.”

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Amplify Mentorship Applications Open

Applications for the 2023 fall intake of the Amplify Horse Racing  Mentorship Program is currently open and will conclude June 30. The program seeks to provide a first step for youth and young adults who want to learn more about the Thoroughbred industry by matching them with experienced industry professionals who can offer career guidance. The fall session will run from August through October.

The suggested age range for mentee candidates is 15-25, with no restrictions based on academic achievement. All applicants must be residents of the United States, U.S. territories or Canada.

Potential mentors can apply at any time and will be paired with a mentee when the right match comes along.

This year, Amplify is introducing four travel awards to outstanding mentees who complete the program having demonstrated a strong work ethic and dedication to pursuing involvement in the Thoroughbred industry. Award recipients will have the opportunity to travel to Kentucky for a weekend of behind-the-scenes tours in November and will be recognized at Amplify's second annual youth and young adult Thoroughbred industry networking event Nov. 13 at the Keeneland Library.

To learn about the program visit amplifyhorseracing.org/mentorship or contact info@amplifyhorseracing.org for more information.

Amplify Horse Racing is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to amplifying Thoroughbred industry education, mentorship and career opportunities for youth and young adults.

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