Fair Grounds to have fundraiser for Perrodin

Fair Grounds has scheduled a fundraiser to benefit former jockey E.J. Perrodin, who was found with brain cancer just days after announcing his retirement from the saddle.

Central Louisiana native Perrodin, 55, retired from riding in early February after winning more than 3,000 races. At the time, he said that he had “a weird feeling,” and days later, Perrodin was found with stage 4 cancer in his brain.

The Fair Grounds benefit for Perrodin and his family, a Crawfish boil with silent and live auctions, will be held on March 20. Those wishing to attend can purchase tickets for $25, and Fair Grounds is accepting donations to be auctioned off during the event. Interested parties can contact Sandra Salmen, Fair Grounds director of horsemen’s relations.