Jockeys and Jeans, a fundraiser for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund, will host its third annual fundraiser at Gulfstream Park on Sunday, February 28, 2016 beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Tickets are $50, but discounted to $25 for former and current jockeys. Admission includes lunch buffet, an extraordinary jockey meet and greet, and an opportunity to bid on some of Thoroughbred racing’s most treasured memorabilia, as well as stallion seasons. Tickets are still on sale but seating is limited.
Call (954) 457-6201 Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., or buy online at www.GulfstreamPark.com
The February 28 “Jockeys and Jeans” event will feature an appearance by retired jockey all-stars John Rotz and Manuel Ycaza, who will provide a recap of the famous 1962 Preakness Stakes in which Rotz eked out a victory aboard Greek Money, defeating Ridan and Ycaza who leaned into Rotz near the finish line and then unsuccessfully claimed foul. It marks the first time the two have appeared together at a charity event and attendees will have the rare opportunity to have both autograph the famous head-on photo of the race.
Sponsored by Fasig-Tipton, the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and others, “Jockeys & Jeans” will benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, which provides financial support to some 71 former jockeys who suffered career ending racing accidents. Some 40 are confined to wheelchairs.
Among the injured jockeys expected to be honored at this year’s event are Mike Straight, Ann Von Rosen, Jack Fires, Ted Leggett, Randy Romero, Gary Donahue, Rene Douglas and Roger Blanco.
Currently at least 13 Hall of Fame riders are scheduled to be on hand to mingle at the February 28 Gulfstream event and honor their fallen brothers and sisters, making it the largest gathering of Hall of Fame riders outside the annual induction ceremony at Saratoga Springs, NY. Invited riders include Bill Boland, Walter Blum. Angel Cordero Jr., Pat Day, Sandy Hawley, Laffit Pincay, Jr, Edgar Prado, Jose Santos, Randy Romero, John Rotz, Jacinto Vasquez, Jorge Velasquez and Manuel Ycaza.
Jockeys and Jeans is a stand-alone organization was founded by a group of former jockeys to raise awareness about the dangers of race riding, as well as raise money to aid severely injured riders who are permanently disabled.