Indiana Jockeys Raise Awareness for PDJF

Jockeys at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino dedicated an entire weekend to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) Friday, Sept. 12 and Saturday, Sept. 13. As a result, more than $2,300 was raised for the organization that assists jockeys who have experienced career ending injuries.

 

On Friday, Sept. 12, five jockeys visited the oncology floor at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. They accompanied the McCauley family to the facility to visit with more than 15 children who are currently undergoing treatment for various forms of cancer. Marci and Mike McCauley, who are Thoroughbred owners and breeders in the state of Indiana, were accompanied by their eight-year-old daughter, Cierra, who is a cancer survivor. The McCauleys worked with the Jockey’s Guild to organize visits to various children’s hospitals across the United States during the month of September, which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. A total of 22 different jockey colonies participated in the event.

 

Jockeys at Indiana Grand that attended the visit to Riley Children’s Hospital included Ben Creed, Malcolm Franklin, Amanda Tamburello, Rodney Prescott and Octavio Vergara Jr. Each of the jockeys spent time with the patients and their families and talked about their careers as jockeys and about the horses they ride. At the conclusion of the visit, the jockeys presented the kids with goggles, which were supplied by the Jockey’s Guild. In addition, Rachel McLaughlin, Indiana Grand’s on-air racing analyst, was in attendance for the visit.

 

Awareness for PDJF continued Saturday, Sept. 13 at Indiana Grand as jockeys accepted donations from fans. Five jockeys also braved cooler temperatures in the dunk tank to raise funds for the worthwhile cause. Jockeys participating in the dunk tank included Octavio Vergara Jr., Shanley Jackson, Victor Olivo, Ben Creed and Gerardo Garrido.

 

Several jockeys also donated mount fees to PDJF. At the conclusion of the night, a total of $2,344.50 was raised. The amount continues to grow as jockeys continue to add mount fees to the total.

 

The jockeys also had a little fun during the night. They challenged Starter Steve Peterman’s gate crew to a tug of war outside the winner’s circle. The duel pitted eight gate crew members against 13 jockeys for a pound for pound bout. In the end, the jockeys were able to pull the gate crew over the line for the win.

 

Live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing continues through Saturday, Nov. 1 offering racing Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 2:05 p.m. with Friday and Saturday action beginning at 5:05 p.m. For more information, visit the website at indianagrand.com.

 

Source: Indiana Grand Communications