Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund telethon is set for Sunday

FanDuel TV, the New York Racing Association, Keeneland and Santa Anita are teaming with Hall of Fame jockeys along with some of the top active riders in the country and other prominent racing personalities Sunday for the sixth annual telethon to raise money for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.

The event will be broadcast on FanDuel TV and "America’s Day at the Races" on the Fox Sports family of networks as well as streamed on tvg.com. Fans can participate in the telethon by calling 844 884-7353 on Sunday until 6 p.m. EDT or donating directly on the PDJF website.

“Thanks to the collaborative effort across the industry from our friends at Santa Anita, Keeneland, NYRA and Fox Sports, this event has continued to grow every year and we are looking forward to another great day for an important cause,” said FanDuel TV’s Michael Joyce, who also serves on the board of directors of the PDJF. “This event raises important funding and highlights the work that the PDJF does to support these men and women both on and off of the racetrack.”

Since the inaugural event in 2018, the telethon has raised in excess of $1.5 million in support of the PDJF. Fan-favorite jockeys of today and years past will be on hand live at call centers in California from Santa Anita and at Keeneland in Kentucky until 6 p.m. EDT as their schedule permits. Throughout the day, FanDuel TV and "America's Day At The Races" will connect with personalities and horsemen who have been involved with the PDJF's work.

Active members of the Keeneland jockey colony will participate alongside popular retired jockeys including Steve Cauthen, Sandy Hawley, Karou Tsuchiya-Hawley, Chris McCarron, Donna Barton Brothers, Mike Manganello, Alex Solis and Shane Sellers.

“The Jockeys’ Guild is most appreciative of the on-going support of FanDuel, Keeneland, Santa Anita, NYRA and racing fans in helping to raise vital funds for the PDJF. This telethon not only raises awareness of the charity but helps the general racing public understand its mission of providing much-needed monthly financial assistance to the approximately 60 riders who have sustained catastrophic on-track injuries such as paralysis, brain injuries or both. With no guaranteed funding from the racing industry, this telethon is the major yearly fundraiser for the organization,” Jockeys’ Guild president and CEO Terry Meyocks said.

“On behalf of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Funds Board and the men and women we serve, we are very appreciative for the support of FanDuel to provide their platform and resources of their staff along with site hosts Keeneland and Santa Anita to produce the telethon,” PDJF president Nancy LaSala said. “The annual telethon is a major fundraiser for the PDJF to help meet our financial goals. On this afternoon, it also touches the hearts of our recipients with great pride of the profession they chose, when they watch jockeys from the past and present take phone calls from the greatest sports fans any sport could have.”

"NYRA and FOX Sports are honored to support the PDJF by broadcasting the annual telethon to a national audience on America's Day at the Races," said Eric Donovan, NYRA senior director of TV broadcast operations. "The PDJF exists to improve the lives of jockeys who have dedicated so much to the sport, and we encourage racing fans to tune in on April 21 and consider a donation to the PDJF."

“The PDJF telethon has become a special day on our calendar and, on behalf of everyone at Santa Anita Park, it is a privilege to host it once again," said Nate Newby, Santa Anita senior vice president and general manager. "We remain honored for the many talented riders who have chosen to call Santa Anita home over our 90-year history and we are pleased to support the PDJF through this worthwhile event raising money for those in need.”

“Keeneland is pleased to once again join our partners, horsemen and fans in showing our appreciation for these skilled athletes and their commitment to racing,” Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “Our sport owes its thanks to the jockeys and the PDJF, and we are honored to assist with their important fundraising efforts via the telethon.”

The PDJF is a registered charity that provides financial assistance to former jockeys who have suffered on-track injuries. Since its foundation in 2006, PDJF has spent about $14 million to support disabled jockeys. The organization is 100 percent reliant on charitable donations.