FanDuel TV, The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), Keeneland and Santa Anita will team up with Hall of Fame jockeys along with some of the top active riders in the country and other prominent racing personalities on Saturday, April 18th for the eighth annual telethon to raise money for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF). The telethon will be presented by Lane's End.
"This event is one that we look forward to every year," said FanDuel TV's General Manager of Racing Andrew Moore. "This is a truly collaborative effort across the industry and the immense success of this event would not be possible without the efforts of our friends at Santa Anita, Keeneland, NYRA and FOX Sports. Last year was the most impactful yet and we are excited to build off of that and continue to raise awareness and funds to support these men and women on and off of the racetrack."
This year's telethon will mark a meaningful milestone as the PDJF celebrates the organization's 20th anniversary.
"As we enter our 20th year, PDJF's commitment to fallen riders has only strengthened. This telethon is more than just our most important and lucrative annual fundraiser; it's a reminder that our racing community takes care of its own," said Joe Clabes, PDJF President. "The support we receive ensures that injured jockeys can live with dignity, stability and hope. We are deeply grateful to our partners, jockeys, and individual donors at every level who help us continue providing a lifeline to these athletes who have given so much."
The event will be broadcast on both FanDuel TV and America's Day at the Races on the FOX Sports family of networks as well as streamed on tvg.com. Fans can participate in the telethon by calling 1-844-884-7353 on Saturday, April 18th, between 12:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. ET or can donate directly at https://pdjf.org/donate/.
"The Jockeys' Guild appreciates the support of FanDuel, Keeneland, Santa Anita, NYRA, and the racing fans throughout the country in helping to raise critical funds for the PDJF. This telethon raises awareness of the charity and helps the racing public understand the mission of the PDJF, which provides monthly financial assistance to approximately 50 riders who have sustained life-altering on-track injuries including permanent paralysis, brain injuries or both. As there is no guaranteed funding from the racing industry, this telethon is the organization's major fundraiser for the year," said Terry Meyocks, Jockeys' Guild President and CEO and PDJF Board Member.
Since the inaugural event in 2018, the telethon has raised in excess of $2.5 million in support of the PDJF and, in 2025, shattered the record with over $560,000 in donations. Fan favorite jockeys of today and years past will be on hand live at call centers in California from Santa Anita and at Keeneland in Kentucky from 12:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET as their schedule permits. Throughout the day, FanDuel TV and America's Day at the Races will be connecting with personalities and horsemen who have been involved with the PDJF's work.
"NYRA and FOX Sports are honored to support the PDJF by broadcasting the annual telethon to a national audience on America's Day at the Races," said Eric Donovan, NYRA Senior Director of TV Broadcast Operations. "We encourage racing fans to tune in on April 18 to celebrate the lasting impact of the PDJF on the lives of so many retired jockeys."
"As the PDJF marks its 20th anniversary, Keeneland is honored to stand alongside this important industry resource to support our jockeys - amazing athletes who are clearly at the very center of the sport along with our equine athletes," said Shannon Arvin, President and CEO of Keeneland. "The telethon is a powerful reminder of the community that surrounds this sport and the responsibility we share to care for those who have dedicated their lives to it."
"The PDJF telethon has become a special day on Santa Anita Park's calendar, and it is an honor to host it once again," said Nate Newby, Santa Anita Park General Manager. "Throughout our 90 years, the Santa Anita jockey colony has remained among the finest in the world. We are pleased to be able to support those riders who call Santa Anita home and, through the PDJF, continue to assist those who have dedicated their lives to the sport."
The PDJF is a registered 501(c)3 charity that provides financial assistance to former Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse jockeys who have suffered catastrophic injuries while on the track resulting in permanent disabilities. 100% reliant on charitable donations, PDJF has dispersed over $15 million since its inception in 2006.
When: Saturday, April 18th 12:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET
Where: FanDuel TV, TVG.com, FS2
