Jockeys and Jeans, an all-volunteer group that has raised $3.4 million for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, has named Mike Joyce its 2024 Person of Year. He will accept the award and speak about the need to aid disabled former jockeys during Jockeys and Jeans 10th annual event, at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, Jan. 11.
“I was reluctant to accept the award because as a board member of the PDJF, I feel like the work we do is our responsibility to the riders that risk their life every day for our entertainment,” said Joyce, a popular FanDuel Racing Analyst. “It's incumbent upon all of us to give back where we can. I look forward to being at the event and I am really honored to be the Jockeys and Jeans Person of the Year.”
Joyce added, “I think jockeys are the only group of people risking their lives to bring racing fans enjoyment. I think everyone loves to show emotion toward the horse, but not the jockeys. When there is an accident on the track, people ask about the horse. I understand that, but it still bothers me a bit because the jockeys are human.”
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