DURING SEPTEMBER, JOCKEYS TO JOIN EFFORT TO BRING AWARENESS TO CHILDHOOD CANCER LEXINGTON, KY (August 27, 2014) Jockey colonies across the country, in conjunction with racetrack management, are planning to make visits to their local children’s hospitals in September, which is designated as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. A number of racetracks including CDI properties (Arlington Park, Churchill Downs and Fair Grounds), The Stronach Group (Golden Gate, Gulfstream Park, Laurel and Santa Anita), NYRA (Belmont), The Downs at Albuquerque, Delaware Park, Emerald Downs, Belterra, San Joaquin County Fair at Stockton, Fairmount Park, Indiana Grand Casino and Racetrack, Lone Star Park, Los Alamitos, Louisiana Downs, Kentucky Downs, Remington Park, Prairie Meadows and Suffolk Downs have scheduled visits. The jockeys will bring a variety of gifts for the children including autographed goggles, provided by Perfect Trip, and horseracing-related coloring books among other items. “We are happy to make these visits to children who suffer from this insidious disease and hopefully we make their day a little brighter,” said Jockeys’ Guild Chairman John Velazquez. “I know the jockeys enjoy visiting with the children,” he added. “We wanted to get involved to make a difference in the lives of these children and their families,” said Jockeys’ Guild National Manager Terry Meyocks. He added, “we want to recognize the racetracks for their support and cooperation in helping to facilitate these visits. We will continue to work with other racetracks that are running in September to heighten awareness of childhood cancer.” Jockeys’ Guild Vice Chairman G.R. Carter said, “the jockeys always look forward to visiting children in the hospital. We realize it means a great deal to them and it gives us a new perspective.” In addition, the Jockeys’ Guild will supply jockeys at all tracks with live meets during September patches with the official Childhood Cancer Awareness gold insignia to wear on their pants during the month. Scott Wells, President of the TRA and President of Lone Star Park and Remington Park said, “we appreciate the assistance the Jockeys’ Guild has given in rallying the jockey colonies in support of this important cause and we hope to make this an annual event.” Contact: Jockeys’ Guild 859-523-5625 About the Guild Jockeys’ Guild, Inc., the organization representing professional jockeys in Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing in the United States, was founded in May 1940 and has approximately 1150 members, including active, retired and disabled jockeys. The purpose is to protect jockeys, strive to achieve a safer racing environment, to obtain improved insurance and other benefits for members and to monitor developments in local, state and federal laws affecting the racing industry, and in particular, the jockeys. More information at jockeysguild and facebook/jockeysguild.
Posted on: Fri, 29 Aug 2014 01:55:28 +0000