Capital District Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation (Capital OTB) President John Signor announced Sunday that Capital OTB in Albany, New York will be holding its 2nd annual PDJF (Permanently Disable Jockey Fund) fundraiser on July 19th at the Clubhouse Race Book. The event will raise money for the PDJF and will include some of the top jockeys, owners, trainers and NYRA track announcer from Saratoga with all donations going to support the jockey fund.

The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) is a 501 (c) (3) public charity that provides financial assistance to some 60 former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries. Since its founding in 2006, the fund has disbursed over $5 million to permanently disabled jockeys, most of whom have sustained paralysis or brain injuries.

John Signor, President of Capital OTB, said, “Capital OTB is proud to support the PDJF and the great work that they do. This is our 2nd annual PDJF event and we are so thankful that some of the best jockeys, trainers and owners in the game will be in attendance. Horse racing brings excitement and enjoyment to many race fans year-round, but along with the glamour and excitement is the danger that these great jockeys face each and every race. We in the industry have to do everything we can to support those jockeys that need help through the PDJF. We are also happy that our loyal fans and players will be able to meet and greet some of the best in the business.”

Marcel Webb, Chairman of the Capital OTB Board of Directors, said, “On behalf of the Capital OTB Board of Directors, we understand that the Corporation has a responsibility not only to the taxpayers in the counties we represent, but also to horseracing industry and the jockeys who make this such a great sport. We are happy to host this event for the 2nd time and look forward to many more event supporting the brave jockeys that make horseracing such a great sport.”

Capital OTB announced that the following racing industry participants will be live at the Clubhouse Racebook for the PDJF event: Todd Pletcher (Hall of Fame Trainer); Larry Collmus (NYRA and Breeders Cup track announcer); Roddy Valente (local owner); Abigail Adsit (NYRA Trainer); Terry Finley and Tom Bellhouse (owners from West Point Thoroughbred, and part-owner of Kentucky Derby winner, Always Dreaming); and jockeys: John Velazquez; Javier Castellano; Manny Franco; Eric Cancel; Rajiv Maragh; and “The King of Saratoga” Angel Cordero.

Capital OTB said the event will run from 5:30 – 8:30pm and for a donation of $10, patrons will be provided a photo that will be signed by all the jockeys at the event. Also, any personal items brought in will be allowed, but will require a $10 donation. Moreover, trainers, owners and announcer will serve as celebrity bartenders with all tips received going to the PDJF. The event will include a silent auction of racing items and other items with all proceeds going to PDJF.

Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez said, “As a board member of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, I sincerely appreciate Capital OTB for hosting the PDJF fund raiser. The event will benefit jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track accidents. I am looking forward to Wednesday’s event to raise awareness for our industry and the PDJF.

Roddy Valente, local thoroughbred owner and breeder, said, “I’m proud to be a part of such a great event benefiting the jockeys and the PDJF. It is crucial that they have the care and support from the horse racing industry and fans as they have a very dangerous job every day at the race track. We are hoping for a nice crowd to kick off the Saratoga race season and want to thank Capital OTB for hosting this exciting event and their strong support of the racing industry.”

Capital OTB would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of the PDJF fundraiser: Roddy Valente (RJ Valente Companies); Dave Harmon (West Side Bar & Grill – Stadium Sports LTD); Greg Montgomery (Photographer); Frank Panucci (Photographer); Crafters Gallery (Saratoga Spring); Legend’s Field, Terry Finley & Tom Bellhouse (West Point Thoroughbreds), Abigail Adsit (NYRA Trainer); Larry Collmus (NYRA & Triple Crown Announcer); Stuart DeVoe (Diamond Club Grill) and Tri-City Valley Cats.

Capital OTB is a public benefit corporation representing 16 upstate counties and the City of Schenectady. OTB has more than 60 locations throughout upstate NY, including the Clubhouse Race book, its flagship location, which is 25,000 sq. ft. housing a simulcast area and sports bar. Capital OTB provides revenues to the racing industry, local governments and New York State. For more information, visit www.capitalotb.com.

The following is the agenda for the July 19, 2017 PDJF fundraiser at Capital OTB’s Clubhouse Race Book:

The event will run from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at the Clubhouse Race Book at 711 Central Avenue, Albany, New York.
1.Jockeys to sign photos from 5:30-8:30pm ($10 donation gets a photo signed by all the jockeys)

– Hall of Fame Jockey John Velazquez;

– Angel Cordero, The King of Saratoga, Hall of Fame jockey

– Future Hall of Famer Javier Castellano

– Comeback Jockey Rajiv Maragh

– Upcoming riders Eric Cancel & Manny Franco
2.Celebrity Bartenders will be NYRA trainers, NYRA track announcer and Owners and Local Owner

– All tips will be going to the PDJF –

– 5:30-6:30 Owners Roddy Valente and Terry Finley

– 6:30-7:30 Trainers Todd Pletcher and Abigail Adsit

– 7:30-8:30 NYRA Track Announcer Larry Collmus and Owner Tom Bellhouse

3.Racing Programs for Opening Day (Friday, July 21st) of Saratoga will be available to attendees

Press release