Riders Warming Up Vocal Cords for PDJF
Saratoga's jockeys are once again warming up their vocal cords and rummaging through the costume closet in preparation for this year's "Riders Up!" karaoke contest to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys' Fund (PDJF).
Always a popular event on the Spa's social calendar, this year's festivities will be held Monday, August 11, 2014 at Vapor Night Club inside Saratoga Casino and Raceway (342 Jefferson Street, Saratoga Springs, N.Y). Members of the Saratoga jockey colony will belt out crowd favorites and NYRA track announcer Tom Durkin will emcee.
"Despite what others may say, our singing and acting actually get better each year," said PDJF board member John Velazquez. "This is a fun evening for the jockeys and the crowd and, of course, it benefits a good cause, the PDJF. We always look forward to this contest and give it our all."
Jockeys scheduled to appear are: Robby Albarado, Junior Alvarado, Joe Bravo, Shaun Bridgmohan, Javier Castellano, Dylan Davis, Chris DeCarlo, Manuel Franco, Brian Hernandez, Jr., Corey Lanerie, Julien Leparoux, Abel Lezcano, Jose Lezcano, Mike Luzzi, Rajiv Maragh, Rosie Napravnik, Joel Rosario and John Velazquez. There will be a few surprise performances as well.
At the judges' table will be Thoroughbred owner/breeder and former "Partridge Family" star David Cassidy, trainer Graham Motion, Hall of Fame jockey Angel Cordero, Jr., and YNN (NY Capital Region) Sports Director Marisa Jacques.
"I'm proud to be part of this event," said Cassidy. "The jockeys who have sustained serious injuries and who are now reliant on PDJF support have made the ultimate sacrifice for the sport we all love."
Advance tickets are available at http://pdjf.org. Tickets ($150) include early (5:30 p.m.) admission to the venue, a private buffet dinner with jockeys, and reserved seating close to the stage. General admission tickets are $75 (7:00 p.m. entry). The show starts at 7:45 p.m. Everyone is invited to enjoy a silent auction of racing memorabilia, open microphone, dancing and a cash bar. Patrons must be 21 years of age or older to enter the premises. Event sponsors are also being sought; click here.