Etc. . . .

A silent auction held Sunday at River Downs to help offset medical expenses incurred by paralyzed jockey Gary Birzer raised about $15,000, according to track officials. The highest bid was submitted by Ron Bibb Jr., a Danville, Ky., physician, who paid $5,000 for a Kentucky Derby saddle towel autographed by the connections of 2005 winner Giacomo. . . . Canterbury Park canceled its Sunday card because of unsafe track conditions caused by more than five inches of rain Saturday night. Fan Appreciation Day was switched to Labor Day, the final program of the meet. . . . Don Everett has been re-elected to a 3-year-term as president of the Nebraska Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. Also elected to the association's board were owners Jerry Fudge, Gene McCloud, June O'Neill, Kerwyn Parkening, and Bill Vannoy, as well as owner-trainers David Anderson, Dale Burns, Larry Donlin Sr., Steve Hall, and Larry Staroscik.