Jockey Relief Alliance, Inc. (JRA), a new and completely independent nonprofit organization, has been formed to provide timely assistance to active jockeys facing short-term injury or unexpected hardship.
JRA's mission is to stand beside active jockeys during times of short-term injury or unexpected hardship by providing timely financial relief, compassionate support and a helping hand when it is needed most. For most jockeys, riding is their livelihood. When an injury temporarily takes a rider out of the saddle, income can stop quickly while everyday expenses—housing, groceries, utilities and the costs of supporting a family—continue. JRA was created to help address that gap.
"Sometimes the need is not complicated," said JRA President Kenny Katz. "A jockey gets hurt, can't ride for a period of time, and suddenly the family still needs groceries, diapers or help keeping up with everyday bills. We want Jockey Relief Alliance to be an organization that can respond when an active jockey is going through that kind of unexpected hardship."
Jockey Relief Alliance is separate from and is not affiliated with, operated by, or a continuation of Jockeys and Jeans. Several individuals involved with JRA previously supported fundraising efforts benefiting the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund through Jockeys and Jeans, but JRA has its own Board of Directors, mission and leadership.
JRA also has tremendous respect for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and the important role it plays in supporting permanently disabled riders. JRA's mission is different: its initial focus is on active jockeys whose ability to ride and earn an income has been interrupted by a short-term racing-related injury or other qualifying hardship.
"There is a real need between the moment a jockey is injured and the time he or she is able to return to riding," said JRA Vice President Theresa Byrnes-Cordas. "These athletes give so much to the sport, and our goal is to stand beside them with compassion, dignity and practical assistance when life takes an unexpected turn."
Jockey Relief Alliance is led by President Kenny Katz, Vice President Theresa Byrnes-Cordas, Treasurer Tana Slifko and Secretary Maureen Brown. They serve on the JRA Board of Directors alongside Kelly Dorman, Roger Blanco and Terry Wells.
The organization is currently completing the policies and processes that will guide its assistance program. JRA is not yet accepting applications and expects to begin accepting applications for assistance by Thanksgiving 2026. Eligibility requirements and application information will be announced as the program is finalized.
JRA is also developing fundraising events, special appearances and other initiatives that will bring together members of the racing community in support of its mission. Future fundraising efforts are expected to include unique collectibles, special packages and rare racing items offered through auctions and other opportunities.
Additional announcements will be made in the coming weeks. Racing fans, industry participants and others interested in supporting JRA can learn more and follow the organization at JockeyRelief.org and through the official Jockey Relief Alliance social media pages.
This press release has not been edited by BloodHorse. If there are any questions please contact the organization that produced the release.
