Horseshoe Indianapolis raises funds and awareness for PDJF

It was a busy night at Horseshoe Indianapolis Saturday supporting several activities, including the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF).

It was a busy night at Horseshoe Indianapolis Saturday supporting several activities, including the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF).

The evening was linked to the 10^th annual World Jockey Challenge featuring more than 30 jockeys vying for points for their home countries. Each year, Horseshoe Indianapolis supports the national movement to raise funding and awareness for PDJF, and various organizations associated with Indiana racing stepped up for the cause.

The national event, PDJF Day Across America, will be held later in July.

“We are honored and proud to support the jockeys who ride our horses,” said Jeri Harmon, Vice President of the Indiana Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. “These jockeys are part of our business, so being able to assist with such a worthy cause is important to all the owners and breeders in our organization.”

ITOBA provided a $2,500 donation to PDJF along with Horseshoe Indianapolis, who also presented a check for $2,500 (photo). The Quarter Horse Racing Association of Indiana (QHRAI) also provided a donation of $1,500 during the evening’s activities.

PDJF was founded in 2006 and currently assists 60 former jockeys who experienced career ending injuries, many of which include paralysis and brain injuries. Since its inception, PDJF has disbursed nearly $14 million to assist these riders.

The Indiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) was the title sponsor for the entire evening. It has been an avid supporter of PDJF for several years and presented a check for $10,000 (photo).

“We represent the horsemen on the backstretch, and this is an important cause for our organization annually,” said Tim Glyshaw, Executive Director of the Indiana HBPA. “Jockeys are very important to our industry, so we are glad to provide this donation.”

The team of jockeys from Puerto Rico secured their fourth straight win in the World Jockey Challenge (main photo). Five different jockeys from Puerto Rico won races to support their country, including Jaime Torres, Evin Roman, Orlando Mojica, Alberto Burgos, and Joshua Morales. Other members of Team Puerto Rico included Sammy Bermudez and Cristian Torres, who also added points to the final tally for the victory over Panama, represented by Marcelino Pedroza Jr., Santo Sanjur, and Yarmarie Correa, who won three races on the program. Other countries represented during the evening included, Mexico, England, Ireland, Guatemala, Peru, France, El Salvador, Chile, and the United States.

“We are all just blessed to be here,” said Orlando Mojica, who spoke on behalf of the Puerto Rican jockey team. “We all try very hard for our countries, but beyond the competition, it’s all about being together and having fun. In the end, we are all friends and family.”

The 22^nd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing extends through Nov. 14. Racing is held Monday through Thursday at 2:10 p.m. For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing or find the track on Social Media @HSIndyRacing.

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