Turf Paradise: Track coordinates fundraisers to help injured rider Von Rosen

Turf Paradise will hold an auction, both silent and live, as well as a bake sale and dinner following the races on Wednesday, April 16, to raise funds to assist injured rider Anne Von Rosen.

The 43-year-old rider was injured March 11 when after pulling up following a Quarter Horse race at the Phoenix track her mount, Panchita Bonita, who had finished second, stumbled and flipped, landing on her. She suffered serious spinal cord injuries and has already gone through a number of surgeries.

Volunteers are seeking donations of items for the auction. Anyone wishing to contribute is asked to contact Bucky Huff, the horsemen's bookkeeper at Turf Paradise, at bhuff@turfparadise.net. Anyone wishing to donate directly can send a check made out to the Turf Paradise Foundation (memo line: Anne Von Rosen) to the track at 1501 West Bell Road, Phoenix, Ariz. 85023.

On Fan Appreciation Day, April 12, a “Walk for Annie” fundraiser will be held where fans can purchase a bracelet or T-shirt and walk on the Turf Paradise grass course with the jockey colony. All proceeds will go to Von Rosen.

“Turf Paradise and the horse racing industry are like a large family, and Anne Von Rosen's accident impacts us all,” Turf Paradise general manager Vince Francia said in a release. "Anne's family and her extended family in the horse racing industry continue to hope and pray for the best possible outcome. We hope as many people come together to help make that happen."