Jockey, Horsemen Charity Basketball Game Set for Aug. 6

The 16th annual jockeys-versus-horsemen charity basketball game, which benefits the programs of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy, as well as the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, will be played Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center at 7 p.m., it was announced July 16. The game, one of the most popular events on the Saratoga social calendar, routinely attracts more than 300 fans. Admission is free. The jockey team will once again be coached by Hall of Fame jockey Ángel Cordero Jr. Assisting him on the sidelines this year will be Taaj Ridley, the head of player development and assistant coach for the Maine Celtics of the NBA G League. The horsemen team will be coached for the first time by trainer Kenny McPeek and retired New York-based trainer Rick Schosberg. They will succeed Todd Pletcher and Kiaran McLaughlin, who coached the team over the past 15 years. "Todd and Kiaran did a great job and brought tremendous enthusiasm and many fans to the game each year," said Humberto Chávez, the New York Race Track Chaplaincy lead chaplain and executive director. "We are most grateful to both of them for their support." This year's special guest player will be former Syracuse University star Ryan Blackwell, who is now the assistant men's basketball coach for Siena College. Mitch Levites of the NYRA TV department will once again serve as the announcer and provide lively commentary in his inimitable style. "In addition to all the fun we have, this game helps support the Chaplaincy's wide-ranging backstretch programs as well as those of the PDJF, and we are once again immensely grateful to the players, sponsors, and fans who make it so special each year," Chávez said. The Saratoga Springs Recreation Center is located at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue in Saratoga Springs, NY. The New York Race Track Chaplaincy serves the New York backstretch and farming community with children's enrichment, teen mentoring, women's programming, social service, recreational, and educational programming as well as non-denominational religious services. The PDJF provides financial assistance to approximately 60 former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries. Horsemen, individuals, or organizations who would like to sponsor the game may do so via the NY Chaplaincy website at www.rtcany.org.