Coglianese /NYRA Photo Photo

NYRA to host Permanently Disabled Jockeys' Fund Awareness Day at Saratoga Race Course

by Pat McKenna

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will unite with racetracks across the country as part of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys' Fund (PDJF) Day Across America at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, July 28.

The day's events will include a special meet and greet with top riders from the Saratoga jockey colony on the Jockey Silks Room Porch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Autographs and photos will be available with a $5 suggested donation to benefit PDJF.

Fans will also have the opportunity to play arcade games against the jockeys with a $5 suggested donation to benefit the organization. The event will be held on the Jockey Silks Room Porch from 1 to 3 p.m. Fans can win premium Saratoga prizes if they beat the jockeys at this horse-themed activity.

The Community Outreach Booth will host PDJF in honor of the day-long celebration at Saratoga Race Course. Fans are encouraged to visit the booth, which is located on the Jockey Silks Room Porch, to learn more about the not-for-profit organization's mission to provide financial assistance to former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries.

Saturday will feature a blockbuster day of racing, highlighted by the traditional local prep race for the Travers - the Grade 2, $600,000 Jim Dandy. The field features a talented group of 3-year-olds, highlighted by Wood Memorial winner and Belmont Stakes fourth-place finisher Vino Rosso for trainer Todd Pletcher.The day's card will also include the Grade 1, $350,000 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap, the Grade 2, $250,000 Bowling Green, and the Grade 3, $200,000 Amsterdam.

Jim Dandy Day offers fans the opportunity to see potential contenders for the meet's marquee race: the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers on Saturday, August 25. General admission tickets for Travers Day are currently available. Fans who purchase Travers Day grandstand and clubhouse admission in advance will save $5. Advance grandstand admission tickets are $10. Pending availability, grandstand admission on Travers Day will be $15. A limited number of clubhouse admission tickets are available for $25. Clubhouse upgrades will not be available on Travers Day.

Travers Day grandstand and clubhouse admission tickets may be purchased in advance online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the NYRA Box Office at Saratoga Race Course.

Saturday will also feature the second edition of Fashion Saturdays, a weekly event designed to showcase the tradition of style in thoroughbred racing. Guests are invited to shop women's and men's apparel and accessories from local retailers, as well as a selection of home décor, spa care and jewelry items at the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fashion Saturdays is sponsored by: Bumble B Boutique, Caroline and Main, Complexions Day Spa, EMBRACE THE RACE®, Lifestyles, Miss Scarlett Boutique, The National and TOGA Heritage.

The 40-day meet, which includes 69 stakes worth $18.8 million in purses, runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 3. For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com. 

ABOUT THE PDJF:

The Permanently Disabled Jockeys' Fund mission is to promote awareness of the needs of permanently disabled jockeys through public advocacy; to provide financial support to permanently disabled jockeys to help defray everyday expenses associated with living with a catastrophic injury; to provide financial support and assistance in obtaining medical coverage for permanently disabled jockeys; and to promote medical research dedicated to reducing catastrophic injuries within the horse racing industry.