Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale is slated to speak at the ninth annual Jockeys and Jeans fundraiser for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund on Saturday, June 24. Mack's speech is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. PT/11:30 p.m. ET and will be live streamed on the Jockeys and Jeans Facebook page. It will later be posted on JockeysandJeans.com.
McIngvale owned the 2015 Breeders Cup Champion Sprinter, Runhappy, who raced drug free before retiring to stud at Claiborne Farm. As an avid fan, Mack insisted his horses be grazed on whatever grass was available for several hours each afternoon. He has long been an advocate of safety for jockeys and horses and is widely known for his philanthropy and million-dollar bets.
"Mattress Mack has always advocated for the safety of riders and horses and is one of very few who understands horse racing from the perspective of an owner, breeder and bettor," said Jockeys and Jeans President, Barry Pearl. "We believe he will be frank and also helpful in his assessment of the current state of Thoroughbred racing."
Known for his flashy TV commercials and greeting every customer in person, Mattress Mack uses a truly unique promotion; attracting customers by reimbursing them for their furniture purchases if he wins various bets. According to several sources, his net worth today tops $300 million, and he is a six-figure donor to the PDJF. In recent years, he opened the doors of his main 110,000 sq. ft. furniture store to feed and house thousands of storm victims.
"I've long said 'living is giving' and I believe giving is an essential part of life," he said. "And I love horse racing. It's an industry founded on hope, hope for a better today and hope for a better tomorrow. But I think it has to change, and I believe it will."
Over 320 tickets have been sold thus far and several celebrities will attend along with a dozen Hall of Fame jockeys. All be there to honor the courage and resilience of nine former jockeys who suffered career ending injuries. All proceeds go to the PDJF.
A limited number of tickets are still available for purchase by calling 855-234-7469 or online at ticketmaster.com. Single tickets are $125 and VIP tickets are available for $250. Nine person tables are $1,800 and include being seated with a Hall of Fame Jockey.
