Jockeys visit sick children

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Six riders from Gulfstream Park, including Hall of Famer Edgar Prado, gave up some of their time on Monday, a dark day, to visit children at the nearby Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital as part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Prado was accompanied by fellow riders Juan Leyva, Jose Valdivia Jr., Jocy Gomez, Fernando and Alexandria Jara as well as Gulfstream Park’s clerk of scales Victor Sanchez.

“These kids and parents, they’re going through a lot,” said Prado while handing out jockey silks, goggles, stuffed horses and shirts to children and parents with his fellow riders. “If you can bring a smile to a child, it’s priceless. You just want to give something back.”

“The work being done here by the staff at Joe DiMaggio and the progress being made by these children is incredible,” said Gomez. “Being here is moving, and it’s rewarding to share a smile with the children and the parents. It’s a privilege to come here today.”