Kentucky Downs Events to Benefit Jockey Fund
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Retired Hall of Fame jockeys Pat Day, Laffit Pincay Jr., Eddie Maple, Chris McCarron, and Randy Romero, as well as active Hall of Fame riders Edgar Prado and Calvin Borel will be at Kentucky Downs for "Hall of Fame Day" Sept. 10.
The events at the Franklin, Ky., track—including a golf tournament, VIP dinner, and autograph session—will benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, which provides financial assistance to former jockeys who have been injured or disabled in racing accidents. The organization also works with industry and medical research groups to improve safety for racehorses and jockeys, and support research projects dedicated to reducing catastrophic injuries.
At last year's Hall of Fame Day at Kentucky Downs, more than $11,000 was raised for the PDJF.
Hall of Fame trainer Jack Van Berg will also be in attendance, signing copies of his biography, "Jack: From Grit to Glory," authored by Chris Kotulak, which was released earlier this year.
The schedule is as follows (all times CST):
Tuesday Sept. 9
Noon: Hall of Fame Golf Tournament, Kenny Perry's Country Creek Golf Course, Franklin, Ky. For entry information, contact Marti Bass at MartiBass@kentuckydowns.com.
6:30 p.m.: VIP Hall of Fame Dinner, Kentucky Downs racetrack.
This invitation-only dinner will be hosted by Kentucky Downs, and award winning turf writer Gary West will serve as the master of ceremonies. The Hall of Fame attendees will be honored and guests will have an opportunity to raise funds for the PDJF by bidding on racing memorabilia items in a silent auction. For more information, contact Michelle Vise, liveracing@kentuckydowns.com.
Wednesday Sept. 10
Noon: Autograph session with the Hall of Famers, Kentucky Downs Racetrack
Fans will be able to meet each of the Hall of Fame participants, who will sign autographs from noon-1 p.m. A minimum donation of $10 for the PDJF is requested.
1:35 p.m.: Live Racing
An afternoon of all-turf racing on the unique European-style course. Each of the Hall of Fame attendees will have a race named in their honor.
"We are thrilled to work in conjunction with the Jockeys' Guild on this Hall of Fame event," said Corey Johnsen, president of Kentucky Downs. "Jockeys are underrated athletes who literally risk their lives in their profession. It means a great deal to everyone at Kentucky Downs to support the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. We know that fans will enjoy meeting these highly regarded Hall of Fame riders and the legendary Jack Van Berg."