Why Donate ?
Our disabled jockeys live bravely with paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. Please help them!
“EACH TIME WE RIDE, WE
FOCUS ON WINNING AND THE
SAFETY OF OUR HORSES AND
FELLOW JOCKEYS. WE HAVE
TO BLOCK OUT THAT THIS
COULD BE OUR LAST MOUNT.”
– RON TURCOTTE
OUR MISSION
When paddock judges call for “riders up!” they are not just calling for jockeys to mount their horses. They are calling for the racing community to get behind their athletes.
Since 2006, that has been the critical role of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Our mission is to raise much-needed funding for permanently disabled jockeys who have sustained life-altering injuries (such as paralysis or brain injury), and raise awareness about the new challenges they face.
The PDJF is an organization where racetracks, horsemen’s groups, jockeys, and fans all come together to make sure injured riders get the leg up they deserve.
JOCKEYS ARE THE HUMAN SPIRIT
OF HORSE RACING
Jockeys are the human spirit of horse racing. They make our sport possible–all while being followed by an ambulance every race. While beautiful, our sport also comes with inherent dangers.
Most catastrophic on-track injuries occur to jockeys before they have been able to build any kind of financial stability. So, when faced with lifelong disabilities, many become destitute.
For these injured athletes, the real challenges of life as a professional jockey have just begun.
HOW DO YOU GIVE BACK TO THE ATHLETES WHO HAVE GIVEN OUR SPORT SO MUCH?
Currently, we are able to provide the disabled jockeys we assist with an annual stipend that is only about half of the federal poverty level, as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Our goal is to get these disabled jockeys above the poverty level. And, if the winning owner of each race donates an average of $90 from their winning purse, we will be able to meet this goal.
For some, this stipend helps to pay their rent or mortgage. Others use the funds to cover expensive medical care, rehabilitation, and therapy. Ultimately, by creating a permanent, self-funding endowment, we can ensure that none of those in need will ever be in financial jeopardy.
The jockey is the human heart and soul of this sport. Help us show them what they mean to its legacy.
EVERY PERMANENTLY DISABLED JOCKEY DESERVES TO HAVE A COMEBACK STORY. YOU CAN HELP THEM WRITE IT.
Support from owners of winning horses is much appreciated by the PDJF. Since this is a voluntary program, any owner may opt out if they choose. The PDJF will work with the track horsemen’s bookkeepers to exclude any owner who elects to opt out. If you would like to opt out, please contact us at ridersup@pdjf.org or the local horsemen bookkeeper.
The owner’s contribution would be 1/2 of 1% (0.005) of winning purse, capped at $200.