2021 Edition of ‘Champions Talk’ Set to Premiere on August 11th

by Eleanor Poppe

The 2021 edition of “Champions Talk,” a lively roundtable discussion featuring former jockeys Ángel Cordero Jr., Chris McCarron, Richard Migliore and Jorge Velásquez, will make its premiere on Wednesday, August 11 at 7 p.m. EDT on the New York Race Track Chaplaincy’s YouTube channel and Facebook live @race.ny.

The discussion, moderated by longtime NYRA announcer Tom Durkin, includes a wide range of serious reflections and humorous anecdotes about the riding careers of the four jockeys. Together, they won more than 25,000 races.

The conversation was recorded at the Fasig-Tipton sales pavilion in Saratoga Springs, NY in late July with approximately 150 racing fans in attendance and was followed by a reception afterward.

Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. was honored during the program for his ongoing support of the NY chaplaincy and its various programs, particularly its food pantry.

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who attended, contributed, or participated in this unique event,” said Humberto Chavez, the NYRTCA executive director and lead chaplain. “They all helped raise much-needed funds that will improve the quality of life for our backstretch community.”

The event, a fund-raiser for the New York Race Track Chaplaincy, was produced by the Patty Wolfe Media Group.

In addition to the NY Chaplaincy YouTube channel and Facebook, the 2021 edition of Champions Talk will be able to be viewed on the Thoroughbred Daily News’ YouTube channel, TVG and Capital OTB (Albany, NY).  

Photos of the event may be viewed on the NY Chaplaincy’s Facebook Page.

Anyone wishing to make a contribution can visit the NY Chaplaincy website at www.rtcany.org. Additional information is available by contacting Eleanor Poppe of the chaplaincy staff at [email protected].

The New York Race Track Chaplaincy ministers to the heart and soul of the backstretch community with children’s enrichment, social service, recreational, and educational programs, as well as non-denominational religious services.