Sixth Annual PDJF Telethon Raises Record $430,000 For Disabled Jockeys

The Thoroughbred racing industry joined forces on Sunday, April 21 for the sixth annual PDJF Telethon to raise over $430,000 for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF). 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.

“We are proud to support such an important event that brings so many people across every part of the industry together for such a good cause,” said Lane’s End. “With record high donations this year, we are so appreciative of all of the individual donors who help make this such a success.”

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 nearly $2 million raised.

“This event is one that I look forward to every year,” said Michael Joyce, a board member of the PDJF and on-air host at FanDuel TV. “And each year, I am blown away by the generosity and support from the industry and the fans. No matter how large or small, each donation is critically important and I am so grateful to everyone who contributed to this worthwhile cause.”

“This is a true collaboration throughout the industry,” said Kevin Grigsby, FanDuel TV executive producer. “We are grateful to our industry partners at Keeneland, Santa Anita and NYRA for their efforts to make this such a success. This event is one of the highlights of the year for us and we are proud to get to give back to the sport.”

“The PDJF is very appreciative for all the support from the over 1000 donations received during the broadcast of the Telethon,” said Nancy LaSala, PDJF President. “Without this support and the hard work of all involved this would not be possible. A special thanks to FanDuel and Lane's End for your continued support of the PDJF mission. “

There were donations from supporters across the country including major donations from Heider Family Stables, John Stewart, Kentucky Downs, Patricia's Hope, Bobby Flay, Debbie Finley and Janie Buss. In addition, FanDuel and Lane’s End each donated $100,000.

“The Jockeys’ Guild sincerely appreciates FanDuel and America’s Day at the Races, in collaboration with FOX and NYRA, who have been so supportive of the PDJF Telethon and made this year’s event the most successful yet,” said Terry Meyocks, President and CEO of the Guild. “Our thanks, too, to Keeneland and Santa Anita for hosting the event which allowed racing fans to connect with their favorite active, retired as well as permanently disabled jockeys while making a donation to this important cause. Thank you as well to the jockeys at Keeneland and Santa Anita who took time from a busy racing day to take the phone calls. And, most importantly, we are grateful to all who made a donation.”

“Congratulations to the PDJF on setting a new telethon record as the racing industry and fans continue to support this worthy cause," said Nate Newby, SVP & General Manager, Santa Anita Park. "It was fantastic to see so many members of the Santa Anita jockey colony working the phones throughout the afternoon.”

“This year’s record results speak to the big-heartedness of our sport and our fans, and their tremendous respect for our jockeys,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said.

This year was the third consecutive year that the event was simulcast on both FanDuel TV and America’s Day at the Races in collaboration with NYRA and FOX Sports.

“Thanks to our partners at FOX Sports, and all the entities involved, this year’s telethon was a resounding success,” said Eric Donovan, NYRA Senior Director of TV Broadcast Operations. “NYRA would like to thank the fans and sponsors for raising funds and awareness for the important work being done by the PDJF.”

The PDJF is a registered 501(c)3 charity that provides financial assistance to former jockeys who have suffered on-track injuries. Since its foundation in 2006, PDJF has disbursed over $14 million to support disabled jockeys, the organization is 100% reliant on charitable donations.