Jockeys and Jeans Have added three new team members to its organization.

© Jockeys and Jeans

JUNO BEACH, FL–APRIL 11, 2024–Jockeys and Jeans is adding three new team members that include a Hall of Fame Jockey, an attorney, and a noted Central Kentucky sales consigner.

Hall of Fame Jockey, Edgar Prado, was named the committee's Hall of Fame Jockey Coordinator. He replaces fellow Hall of Fame member, Sandy Hawley, who stepped down but remains an Ambassador. Danny Teinowitz, a Chicago attorney, breeder, and long-time supporter, becomes Special Consultant to Interim President, Dr. Eddie Donnally.

Graig Bandoroff, a highly successful Central Kentucky farm owner, consigner, and former jockey becomes the group's latest Ambassador.   

Donnally, who is 80, is a former jockey and founding member, succeeded long-time President, Barry Pearl, in August of 2023,

"My sole goal is to see that the work goes on and to do that we need fresh talent and leadership," he said. "We can be no better than the experience and expertise of our committee members and Ambassadors. On one hand, I hope that one day our efforts are not needed, but on the other hand our annual fundraising event brings over a dozen Hall of Fame jockeys together to honor women and men who are their fallen brothers and sisters. I think that is a point of pride for the entire racing industry."

Jockeys and Jeans, founded in late 2014 by five former jockeys, has raised over $3.2 Million for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, which provides a monthly stipend of $1,000 to some 60 former jockeys who suffered career-ending injuries, with some 40 quadra or paraplegic.

Prado, 56, retired in June of 2023 as the eighth all-time leading jockey in wins with 7,119. His mounts earned over $272 Million, and he won 11 riding titles at NYRA-affiliated tracks. He was the nation's leading rider in wins for three years, and he won the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey in 2006.

The winner of two Belmont Stakes and five Breeders' Cup races, he was elected to racing's Hall of Fame in 2008. Prado is best known for easily winning the 2006 Kentucky Derby aboard Barbaro, who broke down during the Preakness Stakes. He lives in Hollywood, FL with his wife, Lilana, and their three children.

Prado joins Quarter Horse Hall of Fame jockey, G.R. Carter, as a committee member.

"No jockey is ever safe and for me to walk away intact after so many years is a gift because when you race, every day you know you can end up in a wheelchair," Prado said. "I'm happy to be a part of Jockeys and Jeans and help those injured riders. Their lives can be tough, and I always believe it is better to give than to receive."

Teinowitz won a Sovereign Award as the breeder of Fantasy Lake, Champion 2-Year-Old Filly of Canada in 1998, and has attended seven of the 10 Jockeys and Jeans annual events. His late father, Philip Teinowitz, campaigned the multiple Grade One winner and successful stallion, Cryptoclearance.

"I love horse racing, and I have always had great admiration and respect for all the courageous and dedicated jockeys who are involved in the sport," said Teinowitz. "Supporting Jockeys and Jeans and the PDJF is very important to me, as so many fallen riders need our financial assistance."

As an Ambassador Graig Bandoroff joins a talented group of industry leaders who provide advocacy and advice to the Jockeys and Jeans committee. He recently retired as president of the 800-acre Denali Stud, which has consigned over 500 stakes horses. At 19, in December 1974, he lost the use of his right arm when his mount at the former Garden State Park bolted into the inside rail after the start. He has aided the group's fundraising efforts and is a vocal advocate.

"No one has to remind me how dangerous it is being a jockey," said Bandoroff. "I have always felt fortunate and grateful that I recovered with my legs and brain intact. We all know a jockey's life is one instant away from a perilous event and result. I've always felt it was my obligation and responsibility to help these brave athletes who were less fortunate than I. I hope that everyone who benefits from being in our industry will help those jockeys who have been seriously injured. They deserve our support."