Signed jockey goggles offered at Preakness

Jockey Javier Castellano signs goggles to be raffled during Black Eyed Susan and Preakness stakes to raise funds for Thoroughbreds and permanently disabled jockeys.

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) have come together to offer signed jockey goggles as a part of a joint fund-raising effort.

The goggles, signed by top-class jockeys, will be available as a souvenir in exchange for a donation to be shared between the two organizations.

The TAA and PDJF will be offering the goggles on site at Pimlico Race Course on Black-Eyed Susan Day (May 20) and Preakness Stakes Day (May 21). The goggles have been signed by jockeys such as Victor Espinoza, last year’s Triple Crown-winning jockey, and Hall of Fame jockeys Gary Stevens and John Velazquez.

“This is a great thing for both the riders and the horses,” stated Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez. “We make a living with these horses, so it’s a very worthy cause.”

“The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund is looking forward to partnering with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance on this fund-raising initiative,” stated Nancy LaSala, PDJF president. “It is a great opportunity for our two organizations to work together to bring awareness and raise funds for both the equine and human athletes in our sport.”

“It is great to be collaborating with the PDJF to shine the light on our athletes on some of our sport’s best days of racing,” stated Jimmy Bell, TAA and Darley America president.

Based in Lexington, Kentucky, the non-profit Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredits, inspects and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retire, retrain and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Funded initially by seed money from Breeders’ Cup Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, Inc., the TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals and other industry groups. To date, 56 aftercare organizations supporting more than 180 facilities across the U.S. and Canada have been granted accreditation and received funding from the TAA. To learn more about the TAA, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org.

The PDJF is a 501(c)(3) charity that provides financial assistance to former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries. Founded in 2006, PDJF has dispersed more than $7 million to permanently disabled jockeys, most of whom have sustained paralysis or traumatic brain injuries. The Fund is a cooperative effort among race tracks, jockeys, horsemen and enthusiasts. Visit www.pdjf.org for further information.