Dates Set for Eighth Annual Jockeys and Jeans Auction

The auction begins on Equiring.com with an auction preview day, Monday, Jan.8th, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. The sale starts Tuesday Jan. 9 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time and ends Thursday, Jan. 12th at 8:00 p.m. Eastern. There is also a Quarter Horse version that starts on Equiring.com on January 21. Last year it raised $70,000 while the Thoroughbred side totaled $40,000. 

But this year nine major central Kentucky Thoroughbred breeding farms and individual season owners are expected to donate seasons along with donors in Florida, New York, California, Maryland, New Jersey, Texas, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, and Louisiana.

"This season sale is truly living up to its name and as far as we can ascertain is the only one that includes stallions in this many states, and the only one that solely benefits humans, namely those 60 men and women who underwent catastrophic career ending racing injuries," said interim President, Dr. Eddie Donnally who conceived and started the sale in 2016.

The seasons are no-guarantee, and selling prices are not made public. "We've had great success with selling seasons of freshman sires and first year stallions, many of whom have become successful and now command prices far greater than our sale price," said Donnally.      

To date, stallion season sales have accounted for at least $800,000 of the $3.6 million raised for the PDJF by the group that was founded in 2014. All are volunteers and every cent of the selling prices goes to PDJF. The charity provides a monthly stipend of $1,000 to some 60 former jockeys. At least 40 are either quadra or paraplegics.

"In this age of inflation that monthly payment for many means a roof over their heads and food on their table." said Donnally. "Nearly all live on a fixed income and dealing with the increased cost of living means hard choices and sacrifices. Our sale not only offers solid stallions at a reasonable cost, but more importantly, the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those that are no longer riding racehorses but wheelchairs. Yes, there are new challenges in racing and yes there are changes, but the needs of our fallen brothers and sisters go on.

"We thank every season donor and buyer, and we believe, as they say in horse racing, 'what goes around comes around,' and all here hope, pray and believe their investment will pay dividends."

To donate a season or wish more information contact Eddie Donnally at edjockeysandjeans@gmail.com or call (818) 653-3711.