$445,000 Raised for Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund

The Thoroughbred racing industry joined forces on Saturday, April 19th for the seventh annual PDJF Telethon to raise over $445,000 for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF). The event was presented by Lane's End Farm and broadcast on both FanDuel TV and America's Day at the Races on the FOX Sports family of networks.

"This event is one that we all look forward to every year," said Andrew Moore, FanDuel TV's General Manager of Racing. "This event showcases the real good that can be accomplished when so many people in racing, especially the fans, come together. Each donation, regardless of how large or small, is critically important. We are grateful to all of the industry partners that came together to make this event such a success and we are proud to be able to give back to the sport."

The event, which brings Hall of Fame jockeys, FanDuel TV's on-air talent and other prominent racing personalities together to man the phone lines, has grown each year since the inception in 2018. The popular event has broken records each year to support jockeys who have suffered serious on-track injuries. Since the inaugural telethon, there has been nearly $2.5 million raised.

"We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to making this day a success in support of the PDJF mission," said Nancy LaSala, President of PDJF. "The Telethon is a crucial fundraiser for the PDJF. Without the planning and support from our industry partners, as well as the generous donations from all participants, our ability to continue our work would be limited."

"The Jockeys' Guild would like to express its sincere appreciation to FanDuel, Keeneland, Santa Anita and NYRA for their tireless efforts in conjunction with the 7th annual PDJF Telethon on Saturday, April 19 which raised a record $445,000," said Terry Meyocks, the President and CEO of the Jockeys' Guild. "We would also like to thank those who generously donated as well as all the active, retired jockeys and PDJF recipients who took the time to answer the phones to speak with racing fans. With no guaranteed funding from the industry, this telethon is critical to the ongoing effort to raise awareness of the PDJF and its vital mission of providing monthly assistance to approximately 50 riders who have sustained catastrophic on-track injuries."

"The tremendous success of the PDJF Telethon proves just how much respect our fans have for jockeys and their riding skills," Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. "We are grateful to have been involved in this fun event that supports these athletes."

There were donations from supporters across the country including major donations and contributions from Terry Finley with West Point Thoroughbreds on behalf of Team Sandman, Susan Naylor, Gary Barber, Vince Foglia of Patricia's Hope Stable and the Breeders' Cup. In addition, FanDuel and Kentucky Downs/KY HBPA each donated $100,000.

"Santa Anita Park congratulates the PDJF on setting a new record for their annual telethon and we are honored to have played a small part in the success," said Nate Newby, Santa Anita's General Manager.  "For 90 years, our outstanding jockey colony continues to be part of our legacy. It is important to support them all, from the Hall of Famers to those starting their careers and, perhaps most importantly, those who were injured on the track and who continue to need that support."

"The success of this year's telethon is a reflection of the importance of the PDJF," said Eric Donovan, NYRA Senior Director of TV Broadcast Operations. "NYRA and FOX Sports are pleased to play a role in the telethon each year, and we thank the fans and sponsors for making it a record-breaking event."

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 $14 million to support disabled jockeys, the organization is 100% reliant on charitable donations.