Jockeys and Jeans Stallion Season Sale Sets Record

The recently concluded Jockeys and Jeans All American Thoroughbred Stallion Season Sale generated a record $95,550 for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. The amount raised is more than double the $40,000 in revenues generated through the 2023 sale and broke the previous record of $91,000 in sales set in 2017. This sale also set a record for number of seasons sold with 48 in its eighth season.

Some 32 farms and individuals in seven states, including most of the high-profile Central Kentucky breeding farms, donated 73 no-guarantee seasons, which were sold to 25 separate breeders.

“It was truly a community effort and one whose response proves racing is indeed a community; one that cares,” said Jockeys and Jeans interim president Eddie Donnally, who originated the season sale. “I believe that those blue-collar breeders in our industry represent racing’s heartland. You’re not likely to find them selling their yearlings in the Keeneland Select Sale, but like all breeders and stallion owners, they are holding on to hope; hope that their next foal will be a champion.

“I believe I speak for the men and women who gave a big part of their lives beneath the horses we all know and love and directly benefit from this sale when I say we hope and pray every mating produces a genuine runner. Those severely injured jockeys and I, and every member of our committee, profusely thank each donor and buyer. They made a lot of difference in a lot of lives.”

Jockeys and Jeans is an all-volunteer group founded in late 2014 by five former jockeys, including Donnally, and have raised $3.2 million for Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, with the season sales providing some $750,000 of those revenues. The PDJF provides a $1,000 monthly stipend to some 60 jockeys who suffered career-ending injuries, with some 40 quadriplegics or paraplegics.

Aiding Donnally in the sale was Jockeys and Jeans committee member Leah Whitsell. Donnally said Nancy LaSala, PDJF director, played a vital role in helping the sale go smoothly by providing vital administrative support.

“On behalf of the men and women the PDJF serves, we are most grateful to the breeders who have supported this auction and the time and effort of the Jockeys and Jeans Committee to make this a successful fundraiser, ” said LaSala.

 

This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.