Lone Star softball tourney to benefit disabled jockeys

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - The Lone Star Park jockey colony will take on the track’s management team in a Wednesday night softball tournament benefiting the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. The three-game series at the Quick Trip Park adjacent to Lone Star will begin at 6 p.m. For admission, a suggested donation is $5 per person.

This is the sixth year Lone Star’s riders and staff members are teaming up to raise money for the PDJF. The organization was founded in 2006 and tends to the financial needs of some 60 former jockeys. According to the PDJF website, the organization has provided more than $3 million in assistance to disabled riders, most of them paralyzed or having sustained career-ending brain injuries.

Lone Star’s riding colony will donate admissions from the game to the fund, and also auction off an autographed jersey following the tournament. In addition, there will be a chance to meet the riders at the conclusion of the three games. Most of the jockeys based at Lone Star are expected to participate, according to a spokesperson for the track. The action on the field will be called by Lone Star announcer John Lies.

Lone Star is racing every Thursday through Saturday night through July 12.