Jockeys to sign autographs at National Museum of Racing to benefit PDJF

 

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will present four jockey autograph signings in August with the proceeds to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF). Jockeys scheduled to appear and sign autographs are 2012 Hall of Fame inductee John Velazquez, Hall of Fame members Edgar Prado and Kent Desormeaux, as well as standouts Javier Castellano, Ramon Dominguez, Rosie Napravnik, Julien Leparoux, Joel Rosario, Jose Lezcano, Mike Luzzi, and Irad Ortiz, Jr. The jockeys will sign color photographs provided by the Museum for $10 each.

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

Here is the signing schedule:

• Monday, Aug. 6, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. — John Velazquez, Edgar Prado, and Irad Ortiz, Jr.
• Thursday, Aug. 9, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. — John Velazquez, Edgar Prado, Joel Rosario, and Ramon Dominguez
• Monday, Aug. 13, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. — Javier Castellano, Rosie Napravnik, and Jose Lezcano
• Thursday, Aug. 16, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. — Kent Desormeaux, Julien Leparoux, and Mike Luzzi

 

Jockey Javier Castellano wins five in a row at Saratoga

Javier Castellano/NYRA photo

Jockey Javier Castellano won five races in a row at Saratoga Race Course on Sunday. Although records are incomplete, it is believed Castellano is the first jockey to ever win five in a row on a single card at the Spa.

Johnny Velazquez owns the Saratoga record with six wins on a single card, while Hall of Famers Jerry Bailey, Ron Turcotte, Julie Krone, Angel Cordero, Jr., and Mike Smith each won five races on a single Spa card.

For the 32-year-old Castellano, this was the third time he had a five-win day at Saratoga.