Annual jockeys-Holy Angels basketball game slated for Feb. 23

ARCADIA, Calif. – For the 50th year, the Santa Anita jockeys and a team of seventh and eighth graders from nearby Holy Angels School will meet in a charity basketball game at LaSalle High School in Pasadena, Calif., on Feb. 23.

The event benefits the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, the Holy Angels athletic program, and the Eye on Jacob Foundation.

This year, individual jockeys are being sponsored by racing entities such as owners and trainers. On Sunday, a friendly bidding war broke out regarding advertising privileges for Hall of Famer Mike Smith. The West Point Thoroughbreds syndicate had purchased a sponsorship for Smith for $250, but trainer Bob Baffert offered $750 to sponsor Smith. West Point Thoroughbreds will now sponsor Victor Espinoza, the rider of retired Horse of the Year California Chrome.

Tickets for the game are $5, and the event is expected to attract a large crowd. Hall of Fame jockeys Kent Desormeaux, Laffit Pincay Jr., Alex Solis, Gary Stevens, and Smith will conduct an autograph session at 6:30 p.m. Tipoff is 7:30 p.m.