Bill Boland flexed his right hand a couple of times between autograph-seekers during today's Jockeys & Jeans "Once in a Lifetime" Meet and Greet event at Tampa Bay Downs to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF).
At 92, Boland—who won the 1950 Kentucky Derby as a 16-year-old apprentice aboard Middleground—remains the picture of good health. The Palm Coast resident, who traveled to the event with his wife of 75 years, Sandy, is surprisingly spry for his age, at least to an observer 24 years younger.
In fact, Boland would have been happy to sign all day to help those jockeys less fortunate than he who are permanently disabled from a riding accident, whether during a race or in morning workouts. "We (his fellow Hall of Famers and racing legends) are lucky. We're lucky," Boland said.
"They (the disabled riders) are great. If you asked any of them, they would do it (ride races) again tomorrow. They are a lot stronger than I am. I couldn't do it."
Fans turned out by the scores during today's racing card to get autographs and interact with their heroes. The roster of attendees included Boland, Steve Cauthen, Mike Manganello, Ramon Dominguez, Alex Solis, Earlie Fires, Edgar Prado, Sandy Hawley, Chris McCarron, Angel Cordero, Jr., Jose Santos, Jean Cruguet, Laffit Pincay, Jr., Jorge Velasquez, Jacinto Vasquez, Jon Court and at least 10 members of the PDJF who brightened the day further with their cheerfulness and approachability.
The event was held as part of the track's centennial celebration.
"The PDJF has held a number of events here at Tampa Bay Downs, and to be able to be here with all these Hall of Fame riders and Triple Crown race winners is pretty special," said Joe Clabes, the President of the PDJF. "They still stick around the sport to help us take care of the injured riders.
"Everybody here at the track has been fantastic in helping support not only Jockeys & Jeans, but the PDJF. There is always going to be a need," Clabes added.
Clabes said there currently are 51 former jockeys receiving benefits from the PDJF, with other applicants being processed. The organization benefits those with permanent disabilities, including brain injuries and spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis.
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