Fundraiser set for injured jockey

Jockeys across the nation are being asked to donate a losing mount fee to assist rider Tad Leggett with his medical costs as he fights back from a broken neck sustained in a June 30 spill at Fair Meadows in Tulsa, Okla. The fund-raiser is set for Labor Day, Monday.

Leggett, 45, was injured when he was thrown from his mount after the wire in the third race, and the horse subsequently fell on him. He has had two operations for spinal injuries and is undergoing rehabilitation at Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colo. Leggett’s medical care is reaching the insurance limits of the $500,000 ontrack accident policy provided by Fair Meadows, according to a release issued by the National Jockeys’ Guild.

“We need the help of anybody and everybody to assist with Tad’s medical expenses,” said Terry Meyocks, national manager of the guild. “Tad deserves a real chance to make a full recovery. It is necessary to raise this money to give Tad an opportunity to recover from his catastrophic injury.”

Leggett has regained feeling and some movement in his extremities, according to the release.

Riders will be wearing a boot decal in his honor, while some tracks have additional fund-raising events planned. Leggett has ridden for 25 years, and is the career leader in Quarter Horse victories at Prairie Meadows, with over 400. Back in May he won the Grade 1, $250,000 Remington Park Invitational Championship with Jess You and I, and the win earned the horse a berth to the Grade 1, $750,000 Champion of Champions at Los Alamitos in December.