NYRA to host jockey trading-card fundraiser on Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund Awareness Day

by Pat McKenna, Mark Bardack

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will pay tribute to the distinguished jockey colony at Saratoga Race Course while also raising funds for their cause with the launch and sale of jockey trading cards on Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund (PDJF) Awareness Day, Saturday, July 29.

In recognition of the non-profit organization’s fundraising awareness day, which is observed annually at race tracks across the U.S., fans will be given the opportunity to purchase a pack of five jockey trading cards for $5, with a limit of three packs per person. Similar in design to baseball trading cards, the limited-edition cards will feature 20 of Saratoga’s active and most popular jockeys.

Many of the jockeys represented on the trading cards will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for an autograph signing on the Jockey Silks Porch. Suggested donations are encouraged to support the PDJF.

“Saturday, July 29 is Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund Day across America and a day we also recognize The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a critical piece of legislation for all Americans with disabilities,” said PDJF Board President Nancy LaSala. “On this day, the PDJF invites all race tracks conducting horse racing contests to coordinate with their local jockey colony to hold fundraisers and create awareness about how important this day is. We are grateful to NYRA for creating this collector series of trading cards and making them available to fans for a modest donation to the PDJF.”

The trading cards will feature Hall of Fame inductees Javier Castellano and John R. Velazquez. Other jockeys include Junior Alvarado; Eric Cancel; Kendrick Carmouche; Dylan Davis; Jacqueline A. Davis; Manuel Franco; Tyler Gaffalione; Florent Geroux; Julien R. Leparoux; Jose Lezcano; Katie Davis McCarthy; Trevor McCarthy; Irad Ortiz, Jr.; Jose L. Ortiz; Flavien Prat; Joel Rosario; Luis Saez; and Ricardo Santana, Jr.

There are 4,500 total packs available for purchase with all proceeds to be donated to the PDJF. Jockey cards are randomly sorted in each pack and feature the jockey’s picture and home country flag on the front and personal details and racing statistics on the back. Representatives from PDJF will be on site collecting donations and selling the jockey trading card sets inside Gate A near the Taste NY Pavilion beginning at 11 a.m. until supplies last.

The PDJF provides assistance to former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries. Since its founding in 2006, the fund has disbursed approximately $13 million to permanently disabled jockeys, most of whom have sustained paralysis or brain injuries, according to pdjf.org.

Saturday’s feature on PDJF Day is the Grade 2, $500,000 Jim Dandy, presented by DK Horse, the annual nine-furlong prep for the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers on August 26. The afternoon will also include the Grade 1, $350,000 Alfred G. Vanderbilt, a six-furlong sprint for sophomores and older horses.

Highlighted by the 154th edition of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers on August 26 and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on August 5, the 2023 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course will continue through Monday, September 4.

Racing is conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from closing week, when the meet will conclude on Labor Day. 

For more information about Saratoga Race Course visit NYRA.com.