Jockeys and Jeans announced the cancellation of the fundraiser for Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund scheduled for Nov. 14 at Churchill Downs.
“It's sad because the needs of former jockeys who suffered career ending injuries go on, but given the need to battle this deadly disease, it is necessary,” said Jockeys and Jeans President, Barry Pearl.
Added Churchill's Executive Director of Racing Mike Ziegler, “Due to the nature of Jockey and Jeans and the way it brings people together from all over the country, we want to ensure that it can be held at Churchill Downs when it can be the biggest and best! We are saddened to postpone the 2020 event, but in full agreement with PDJF and Jockey and Jeans' choice.”
The event typically attracts 15 or more jockey Hall of Fame members who gather to honor the six permanently disabled former jockeys who attend. Jockeys and Jeans was founded in late 2014 by a group of former jockeys, which has raised over $1.5 million for the PDJF through six annual events and several stallion season sales.
The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund pays a $1,000 monthly stipend to some 60 former jockeys who suffered catastrophic racing injures. Some 40 are either pari or quadriplegics, while some of the others suffered severe brain injuries.
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