The New York Racing Association, Inc. to Donate Net Proceeds from Admission on Labor Day to Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund
Donation to be made in honor of retired jockey Ramon Dominguez
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The New York Racing Association, Inc. will donate all net proceeds from clubhouse and grandstand admission on Monday, September 2, the final day of the 150th anniversary meet at Saratoga Race Course, to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF), announced The New York Racing Association CEO and President Chris Kay.
The donation will be made in honor of three-time Eclipse Award Outstanding Jockey winner Ramon Dominguez, who announced his retirement in June following injuries sustained in an accident at Aqueduct Racetrack in January 2013. During his career, Dominguez won 4,985 races and earned nearly $200 million in purses.
Gates open at 11 a.m. on the meet’s final day with a special first post time of 12:30 p.m.
“Ramon is one of the best ambassadors for thoroughbred racing that the industry has known. We are proud to make this donation to the PDJF in Ramon’s name,” said Kay. “I invite all our fans to join us on our final day of racing while supporting a great cause as we conclude the 150th anniversary season at Saratoga Race Course.”
On Monday, leading riders from the Saratoga jockey colony will host an autograph signing for fans with a suggested donation to PDJF in front of the jockey silks room from noon to 12:30 p.m. Additional jockeys will greet fans and sign autographs between races throughout the day.
The money generated from admissions and customer donations on Labor Day will add to a $15,000 contribution that The New York Racing Association made to the PDJF on behalf of Dominguez during a recent tribute at Saratoga Race Course.
Additionally on Labor Day, fans will be invited to enter-to-win for the opportunity to take home memorabilia from the sesquicentennial that has been displayed on-track throughout the meet. Entry forms will be available at the admission gates and must be turned in at the Guest Services Information Booths no later than 2 p.m. Winners will be announced at 4 p.m. and must claim their prize at Guest Services by the end of the day.
The first 10,000 fans in attendance will also receive a magnet featuring the fall 2013 racing schedule at Belmont Park.
The final Grade 1 of the meet will be the 109th running of The Hopeful for 2-year-olds, offering racing fans a look at some of the possible stars of the 2014 Triple Crown campaign and Travers.
Families can enjoy the second day of the Family Fun Fest from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with children’s activities returning to the backyard, including carnival games, magicians, caricatures and pony rides.
For additional information about events at Saratoga Race Course, visit www.nyra.com/saratoga/information/events.