This is the only Stallion Season Auction that brings together Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Stallions in one sale, and one in which all proceeds go to help former jockeys who suffered catastrophic, career-ending injuries.
The auction of non-guaranteed Thoroughbred seasons on Starquine.com previews Monday, January 9. The bidding starts at 9:00 a.m. January 10 and ends Wednesday January 12 at 9:00 p.m. The Quarter Horse Seasons previews on Monday January 23rd and the bidding starts on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. and ends Thursday January 26th, at 10:00 a.m. The sales features stallions from Kentucky, Florida, New York, California, Texas, and other states.
Since the all-volunteer Jockeys and Jeans was founded by a group of former jockeys in late 2014, it has raised $2.6 million for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund including over half a million through the sales of donated stallion seasons.
This is the third year in which Quarter Horse seasons are being sold solely through the efforts of the retired legendary Quarter Horse Jockey, G.R. Carter. Proceeds from Thoroughbred season sales slightly topped Quarter Horse seasons the first year, but last year Quarter Horse seasons took a slight lead.
"Sadly, career-ending injuries happen to jockeys in both industries, and this is a great example of the two coming together in a meaningful way to provide funding for those whose lives changed forever while participating in horse racing, a sport we all know and love." said Jockeys and Jeans President Barry Pearl.
The PDJF pays a monthly stipend of $1,000 to 60 riders from both industries who suffered catastrophic career-ending injuries. Two-thirds of them are now quadra or paraplegics. "They gave a big part of their lives to a sport that made me and many others very successful," said Carter. "And all of us owe it to them to give something back."
Pearl noted today's increased cost of living has hit hard many on a fixed income, which includes nearly all PDJF beneficiaries. "It is no exaggeration to say that for many disabled former jockeys, $1,000 each month helps keep a roof over their heads and puts food on their tables. But we are thankful so many generous people in both segments of horse racing have stepped up to prove that this is a single community and one that genuinely cares."
