UPCOMING EVENTS
PDJF Night at SMALL Off-Broadway Play
ALICE GRIFFIN JEWEL BOX THEATRE AT THE PERSHING SQUARE SIGNATURE CENTER 480 West 42nd St, Jim Houghton Way, New York, NY
Jockeys On Tap at Saratoga
West Side Sports Bar & Grill 112 Congress Street, Saratoga Springs, NY
Pocket Aces Racing Benefit
October 15 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
at the Trifecta Glass Art Lounge, 243 Walton Ave, Lexington, KY 40502
WHO WE ARE
The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) is a 501(c)(3) charity that provides financial assistance to approximately 50 former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries resulting in permanent disability. Since its inception, the fund has dispersed over $15 million.
Created in 2006, Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse industry leaders representing race tracks, jockeys, horsemen’s groups, and others formed this collaborative organization. In 2009, the PDJF became a freestanding 501(c)(3) public charity governed by a board of directors from a broad cross-section of the horse racing industry.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to provide financial assistance and raise awareness for permanently disabled jockeys to help them live with dignity after catastrophic injury.
Permanently disabled jockeys often need assistance when their injuries directly end their careers and eliminate their primary source of income.
WHAT WE DO
PDJF’s work is tangible and life-changing. The PDJF provides monthly stipends to riders living with paralysis, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other life-altering permanent disabilities which ended their careers and their ability to earn a living.
Since its inception, PDJF has disbursed nearly $15 million in financial aid to disabled jockeys. This ongoing support continues throughout the lives of these permanently disabled jockeys.
OUR RECIPIENTS' STORIES
Ron’s riding career ended abruptly on July 13, 1978, after a devastating fall at Belmont Park that left him paralyzed. He dedicated his life to advocacy for disabled jockeys.
Stacy suffered such severe brain injuries that doctors gave her little chance to survive. They removed a portion of her skull to allow swelling to subside. She requires constant care.
Thrown to the ground after pulling up his mount, Tad sustained a broken neck and other serious injuries. He was placed on a ventilator and underwent a nine-hour surgery to insert screws and plates into his neck and spine.
At age 27, his riding days suddenly ended in a horrific accident. Gary was thrown to the ground and another horse and rider fell over him.
Events Calendar
Jockeys Supporting Jockeys
PDJF events do more than bring people together—they directly power our mission to support permanently disabled jockeys.
Every event raises critical funds that go toward monthly financial assistance for daily living needs for injured riders. The money raised through ticket sales, sponsorships, auctions, raffles, and donations goes straight to helping jockeys who can no longer earn a living in the saddle.
Community Feedback
SUPPORT OUR MISSION
GET INVOLVED
