Saturday is Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund (PDJF) Day across America, as well as National Disability Independence Day, which marks the 33rd anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Del Mar is stepping up to do its share to aid the PDJF and salute its riders with a special ceremony between races and a fund raising effort that will allow all fans and horsemen on site Saturday to be part of this most worthy cause.
There will be receptacles positioned at both the Stretch Run and Clubhouse entrances and exits where donations can be deposited. Those receptacles will ring a bell with racing fans – they are the black boots that all riders wear when they’re getting up on racehorses.
Del Mar has been a backer of the PDJF for decades and has staged events and fundraisers in other seasons. Just last weekend it was a sponsor of the fund when they held their popular annual jockey karaoke event at the nearby Belly Up Tavern.
Del Mar’s jockeys will be wearing special white armbands tomorrow to call out their PDJF brothers. Del Mar staff will be wearing special blue ribbons in solidarity.
Since its founding in 2006, the PDJF has raised more than $10 million to help support its injured riders.
