Romero benefit at Coyote's

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Most of the jockeys in town for the Kentucky Derby, and hundreds of fans and supporters of ailing ex-jockey Randy Romero are expected to turn out Thursday night for a benefit concert and auction at Coyote's nightclub in downtown Louisville.

Romero, 44, recently was informed by his doctors that he needs not only a kidney transplant but also a liver transplant. More than $100,000 was raised at an April 21 dinner and auction in Lexington, but his medical costs, for which he has only minimal insurance coverage, are expected to be far more than that.

Jockey Shane Sellers is organizing the Coyote's event, for which tickets are $25. Sellers has secured such auction items as autographed guitars and gold records. Other items such as passes for Kentucky Derby Day will be sold.

Romero, who on some recent mornings has been visiting with friends on the Churchill backstretch, said "a lot of great people are behind me."