Jockeys and Jeans raises more than $250K for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund

The fourth annual Jockeys and Jeans fundraiser for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund last Saturday at Parx Racing "smashed the record" for fundraising that was set a year ago at Gulfstream Park, according to Barry Pearl, the organization's president.

Pearl said the Parx fundraiser had so far raised $254,000 and that donations were still coming in. Of that amount, $136,000 came from a stallion season auction held in January. Another $85,000 came from industry sponsorships, including Parx Racing, who paid to host the event.

Other donation sources include ticket sales and a silent auction.

In 2016, the fundraiser, which was held at Gulfstream Park, raised $235,000. Since 2014, Jockeys and Jeans has raised in excess of $900,000.

"Parx was the best partner we have ever had," Pearl said. "They were absolutely fantastic."

Jockey and Jeans is the largest annual individual fundraiser of the year for the PDJF, which provides financial assistance for approximately 60 former jockeys who suffered catastrophic career-ending injuries.

This year's fundraiser at Parx was attended by 17 Hall of Fame jockeys, up from the 14 who turned out in 2016. New to the gathering this year was Julie Krone.

The host track for Jockeys and Jeans in 2018 will be Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minn. The event will be held June 23.

A stallion season auction that will be part of the 2018 fundraiser, is scheduled for Dec. 1, 2017 at Fasig-Tipton, in Lexington, Ky.

Jockeys and Jeans is run by a group of volunteer former jockeys. In addition to Pearl, its executive committee includes Eddie Donnally, Barbara Jo Rubin, and Darrell Brown.