Jockeys' Guild sets up fund for Saez's family

The Jockeys’ Guild has established an account for the family of Juan Saez, the 17-year-old apprentice jockey who died as the result of a riding accident last Tuesday at Indiana Grand racetrack.

Contributions to the fund can be made by sending a check made out to the Race Track Chaplaincy of America, 2365 Harrodsburg Road, Suite A-120, Lexington, Kentucky, 40504, with the notation Juan Saez in the memo line, the Guild said in a release on Monday. The Race Track Chaplaincy of America is a charity that provides ministry services on racetrack backstretches.

A native of Panama, Saez is survived by his parents Carlos and Laurentina Ramos, as well as five siblings. His older brother Luis is also jockey.

The Guild also said on Monday that all jockeys who ride in the Breeders’ Cup on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at Santa Anita will wear a patch with Saez’s initials and a black band to recognize other riders who have died. The riders will be asked to donate at least one losing mount fee to the fund.