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Jockeys Raise Awareness, Funding For PDJF At Indiana Grand Racing & Casino
A patron at Indiana Grand filled up a boot for PDJF during a special event to raise money for the cause. QH Jockey Natasha Fritz and TB Jockey Cheyanna Patrick roamed the apron to collect funds for PDJF.

© Linscott Photography
Jockeys Raise Awareness, Funding For PDJF At Indiana Grand Racing & Casino

SHELBYVILLE, IN—JULY 29, 2018—Indiana Grand’s Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse jockeys participated in the annual “PDJF Racing Across America” Saturday, July 28 to help raise awareness and funding for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF).

The entire night was dedicated to jockeys and the work that PDJF does to assist disabled jockeys who have experienced catastrophic injuries as a result of horse racing.

The organization currently assists more than 60 jockeys, most of whom have paralysis or brain injuries. Since its inception in 2006, PDJF has disbursed more than $9 million to these jockeys through donations, fundraisers and special events geared directly to the organization.

Indiana Grand was one of more than 25 tracks across North America participating in the event. Jockeys circulated through the crowd to accept donations for PDJF and also climbed into a dunk tank to raise funding.

Ronald Hisby spent time in the dunk tank, and the water, to raise funds for PDJF. © Linscott Photography
The jockeys also participated in several events on track, including a tug of war between the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse jockeys and a foot race from the starting gate. More than $270 was raised through the dunk tank and donations from the crowd for PDJF. Those jockeys getting into the tank included Natasha Fritz, Cheyanna Patrick, Ronald Hisby, Gerardo Garrido and Rogelio Romero-Diaz.

The Thoroughbred jockeys (left) competed against the Quarter Horse jockeys (right) during the annual Tug of War contest during PDJF Racing Across America Night at Indiana Grand. © Linscott Photography
The Thoroughbred jockeys were victorious during the tug of war. Sammy Bermudez also reclaimed his title in the foot race from the starting gate, winning by open lengths during the 100-yard dash.

The evening was accompanied by the popular “Back to School Night” featuring numerous activities for younger racing fans. Silly Safari brought in 10 different animals, ranging from a snake to an owl to an armadillo. Kids were able to touch and interact with the animals during the event. They also enjoyed a strolling minion, face painting, a juggler and specialty treats from area high school groups, including cotton candy from the Morristown High School Choral Department and sno cones from the Shelbyville High School FFA. All proceeds from sales of the products went directly to their organizations.

The 16th season of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing continues through Wednesday, Nov. 7. Racing is conducted Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 2:05 p.m. EST with Saturday racing beginning at 6:05 p.m. EST. Two special Thursday racing dates will be held July 19 and Sept. 6 with a 2:05 p.m. EST post time.

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About Indiana Grand Racing & Casino: Indiana Grand Racing & Casino holds multiple awards from industry publications for customer service, entertainment, gaming and dining. Located in Shelbyville, Ind., Indiana Grand features 2,200 of the latest slots and electronic table games in addition to a one-mile dirt race course and a seven-eighths mile turf course offering live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing each year. Simulcast wagering is also offered year-round at Winner's Circle Brewpub & OTB located on the casino floor as well as an off-track betting facility located in Clarksville, Ind. For more information, please visit www.IndianaGrand.com.