Dr. Eddie Donnally, Interim Jockeys and Jeans President and a founding member, announced his retirement at a recent Jockeys and Jeans Committee Meeting. He nominated Dr. Kenny Katz as the new President, and the New York native was unanimously elected.
Katz, a long-time committee member, has been a podiatrist on Long Island for 38 years, and holds a marketing and statistics degree from Adelphi University. He initiated the four Jockey Bobble Head fundraisers at Gulfstream Park, and his autographed Kentucky Derby and Hall of Fame posters have generated significant donations to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.
"When you have committee members like we have and then recruit two more wonderful assets, it's easy to see why we raised almost $4 Million dollars for PDJF," Katz said. "I have worked on some level with members from four major sports; horse racing, tennis, boxing and soccer. The horse racing community, including jockeys and trainers, are far and away the most considerate, caring and sensitive athletes and human beings out there. It has been a pleasure and privilege to meet and befriend many of these people and an honor to work with those dedicated and devoted committee members."
Donnally, along with fellow former jockeys Barry Pearl, Darrell Brown, Mike Manganello and Barbra Jo Rubin, formed the all-volunteer organization in late 2014. Donnally served as President for a short time year before nominating Barry Pearl, who served as President until he resigned in June 2023 and is now a consultant for the group. Donnally was Vice President during those years and became Interim President when Pearl retired.
"As the President of Jockeys and Jeans for nine years, I was happy to have such wonderful and dedicated folks as Eddie and Kenny," said Pearl. "I appreciate all that Eddie has done and I know Kenny will lead this much needed organization into the future."
Through an annual charity event as well as an annual stallion season sale, the group has raised $3.85 Million for the PDJF. The charity pays a $1,500 stipend to 55 permanently disabled jockeys. From February of 2024 until February of 2025 Jockeys and Jeans raised a single year record of $458,000.
Donnally, 81, is an ordained protestant minister with a Doctorate of Ministry, and works three days each week as a Chaplain at Ochsner Health Care in New Orleans. When he resigned as president, the Jockeys and Jeans committee elected Donnally an Ambassador, joining recent Ambassadors Jockey Hall of Fame Member Sandy Hawley, and Craig Bandoroff, a former jockey and owner of Central Kentucky's Denali Stud.
"Barry Pearl was a tough act to follow," Donnally said. "But with Kenny Katz at the helm, I am confident Jockeys and Jeans will continue to herald the overcoming spirits of those jockeys who suffered career ending injuries and raise funds for their day-to-day needs. As an Ambassador I will continue to advocate for those same men and women."
