Kentucky Derby Sponsorship

A Kentucky Derby Day promotion facilitated by NetJets, Inc., the Jockeys' Guild, Churchill Downs and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders' Association (TOBA) has raised $500,000 to benefit NTRA Charities - Permanently Disabled Jockeys' Fund.  Jockey John Velazquez will present the gift to representatives of the fund on Friday morning at Pimlico Race Course.

 

NetJets, the worldwide leader in private aviation, contributed $200,000 to the donation on behalf of the 20 jockeys participating in Kentucky Derby 134 and made an additional contribution of $100,000.  Richard T. Santulli, chairman and CEO of NetJets, made a personal donation of $100,000, as did Bill Casner, owner of WinStar Farm and chairman of TOBA.  NetJets will also sponsor the riders competing in Saturday's 133rd running of the Preakness Stakes.

 

"NetJets is truly honored to join with the Derby jockeys and Bill Casner to make this donation to the NTRA Charities - Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund," said Richard T. Santulli.  "Through our sponsorship of the Kentucky Derby and now the Preakness, we hope to build awareness of the many worthy causes within the Thoroughbred industry, and help raise additional money to benefit these great causes.  The fund is a lifesaver to riders injured during the course of their careers, and we are privileged to join with these partners to support them through this gift."

 

"This is the single largest donation in the history of the fund, and we greatly appreciate the contributions of NetJets, the Kentucky Derby jockeys and the personal gifts of Richard Santulli and Bill Casner" said Alex Waldrop, president and CEO of the NTRA.  "Their generosity and dedication is making a difference in the lives of disabled riders."

 

"I would like to thank NetJets, Richard Santulli, Bill Casner and the jockeys who participated in Kentucky Derby 134 for their generous contribution to the NTRA Charities - Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, as well as Churchill Downs and the owners of Kentucky Derby 134 starters for their assistance in making this donation a reality," said Velazquez, who also serves as chairman of the board of directors of the Jockeys' Guild.  "The industry worked together for the benefit of the industry and a worthy cause.  My fellow riders and I look forward to continuing to work with all segments of the industry to help racing and its charitable efforts, and we hope that everyone who cares about racing will contribute to these deserving causes."

 

Preakness jockeys will donate their NetJets sponsorship money to the Jockey Club Foundation, a charitable trust that provides financial assistance to needy members of the Thoroughbred industry and their families, and the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, which is committed to the advancement of research to enhance the health and soundness of horses of all breeds.

 

For more information or to make a contribution to the NTRA Charities - Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation or The Jockey Club Foundation please visit www.ntracharities.org.

 

The $500,000 check will be presented to disabled jockey and NTRA Charities - Permantly Disabled Jockeys Fund representative Jackie Fires as well as NTRA President and CEO Alex Waldrop.  Maryann Aarseth/NetJets and Peggy Hendershot/NTRA