Owner Fipke donates $100,000 to Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund

Charles Fipke, a prominent Thoroughbred owner and breeder, has donated $100,000 to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund while calling on the racing industry to provide more support for riders.

Fipke, who has been involved in Thoroughbred racing since 1981, said in a release distributed by the PDJF that riders “have a raw deal in the racing industry,” and that injured riders should not have to rely on donations to support themselves.

“Sure, we can continue to rely on owners and others to donate, but this is just not working,” Fipke said. “Racing provides entertainment for spectators as well as potential profits to bettors. The tracks that put on the show should address this issue and make every effort to find a solution to this unfortunate dilemma.”

The PDJF is a nonprofit that distributes monthly stipends to riders who have suffered catastrophic injuries. The stipend is currently $1,000 a month, according to the PDJF.

Most racetracks hold insurance policies covering riders for up to $1 million in medical bills in the case of injuries sustained during riding.