NEWS
Jockeys to support injured rider Douglas
Posted: Wednesday, June 03, 2009 4:32 PM
Riders at Belmont Park and at racetracks across the nation will participate on Saturday in a show of support for seriously injured jockey Rene Douglas and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.
Jockeys will hold a moment of tribute for Douglas and fellow injured riders at approximately 4:15 p.m. EDT. All active riders are being asked to consider contributing one losing mount fee from their Saturday earnings to Douglas.
New York Racing Association President Charles Hayward will make a $5,000 contribution to Triple Crown-winning jockey Ron Turcotte and other riders on behalf of the fund during a special winner's circle ceremony at Belmont Park.
Also, the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and the Backstretch Employee Service Team will be the two designated charities to benefit from the NetJets sponsorship of the riders in the $1-million Belmont Stakes (G1).
Douglas, 42, was injured on May 23 when his mount in the Arlington Matron Stakes (G3), Born to Be, was bumped entering the stretch, clipped heels with an opponent, and tumbled straight down, leaving Douglas no chance to react as he fell headfirst to the main track.
Douglas spent about seven hours in surgery on May 24 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago as doctors operated to decompress the fifth and sixth vertebrae of his spinal cord. He does not have feeling in his legs.
Douglas won the 1996 Belmont Stakes aboard Editor's Note.
"We appreciate the generosity of NYRA, all the jockeys, racetracks, horse owners, and the racing fans whose compassion and support make such a difference in the lives of disabled riders," said Nancy LaSala, executive director of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.
