PDJF Raises More Than $575K, Shatters Telethon Record

The Thoroughbred racing industry joined forces on Saturday, April 18th for the eighth annual PDJF Telethon to raise over $575,000 for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF), over $100,000 more than the previous year. The event was presented by Lane's End Farm and broadcast on both FanDuel TV and America's Day at the Races on the FOX Sports family of networks.

"This event is a testament of what can be accomplished when so many people, especially the fans, come together for a good cause," said Andrew Moore, FanDuel TV's General Manager of Racing. "Every donation makes a difference. We are grateful to all of our friends in the industry that came together to make this event a success and we are proud to support the PDJF with a $100,000 donation from FanDuel."

The event, which brings Hall of Fame jockeys, FanDuel TV's on-air talent and other prominent racing personalities together to man the phone lines, has grown each year since the inception in 2018. The popular event has broken records each year to support jockeys who have suffered serious on-track injuries. Since the inaugural telethon, there has been over $3 million raised.

"The support for the 8th Annual FanDuel Telethon was overwhelming. Setting yet another record this year speaks to the broad support our fallen riders enjoy from across the industry," said Joe Clabes, PDJF President. "We cannot thank our sponsors, retired and active jockeys, volunteers, and supporters enough. So many people across the country assisted in helping us make this year's telethon the most successful yet. These funds will go a long way in helping us continue to increase financial benefits to our recipients."

"The Jockeys' Guild sincerely appreciates FanDuel, Keeneland, Santa Anita and NYRA who have been so supportive of the PDJF Telethon," said Terry Meyocks, President and CEO of the Jockey's Guild. "This year's event, which was the most successful yet, invited racing fans to connect with their favorite active and retired, as well as permanently disabled, jockeys while making a donation to this vitally important cause. Our thanks as well to the jockeys at Keeneland and Santa Anita who took the time from a busy racing day to answer the phone calls. And, most importantly, we are grateful to all who made a donation."

"The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund is one of those causes that really resonates with everyone in racing," said Gatewood Bell, the Vice President of Racing at Keeneland. "The work they do for riders who've given so much to this sport is incredibly important. Keeneland is very proud to host the telethon and help keep that momentum going to bring people together."

There were donations from supporters across the country including major donations and contributions from FanDuel, the William Stamps Farish Fund, Kentucky Downs, the Kentucky HBPA, Churchill Downs, the Ohio HBPA, the Heider Family Foundation, Oak Tree Racing, Repole Stables, Ken Freirich's Random Act of Kindness, Purple Rein Racing, West Point Thoroughbreds, WinStar Farm as well as significant, anonymous contributions.

"On behalf of everyone at Santa Anita Park, congratulations to the PDJF for their record telethon," said Nate Newby, General Manager of Santa Anita.  "We are proud to support the PDJF throughout the year, and are so pleased that the public and racing industry contributed in supporting the men and women who are assisted by the PDJF."

"The success of this year's telethon is a reflection of the importance of the PDJF and the generosity of the racing community," said Eric Donovan, NYRA Senior Director of TV Broadcast Operations. "FOX Sports and NYRA are pleased to play a role in the telethon each year, and we thank all those who make this an annual tradition."