Craig Bandoroff, noted Kentucky horseman, will receive the 2024 Jockeys and Jeans Uphill Push Award.
Bandoroff will receive the award and speak at the 10th annual Jockeys and Jeans fundraising event for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund at Gulfstream Park on January 11th. This annual award is given to the person who provides the most meaningful help to the 60 jockeys who suffered career-ending injuries. Tickets are $100.00; include a buffet luncheon and can be purchased here.
At the age of 19 in December 1974, Bandoroff was the leading apprentice jockey at Monmouth Park and Garden State Park. At the latter, his mount bolted into the inside rail shortly after the start. His right arm, his use arm, was paralyzed and useless. But Bandoroff's passion for Thoroughbreds and racing remained intact.
His parents financed his education, first at the University of Virginia and then at the University of Kentucky, where he graduated with a degree in Animal Science and Agricultural Economics. He and his wife, Holly, founded the Central Kentucky Denali Stud in 1990 on leased land and with a handful of mares. Today, they own the farm which spans 800 acres. It is also one of the nation's leading consigners, selling bloodstock totaling well over $500 million, and he is a leading bloodstock agent. In 2023, he turned over the day-to-day operations to his son, Conrad.
"As a young man all I wanted to be was a jockey," Bandoroff said. "But as the saying goes, 'God had a different plan.' Any success I have had is a result of many people believing in me. My ability to overcome my accident is because my parents were on my side during a very difficult time. I share this award with Holly and with them.
He has been a consistent donor to PDJF, helped Jockeys and Jeans raise funds and personally advocates for the cause to aid disabled former jockeys. Past Uphill Push Award winners include Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day and Quarter Horse Hall of Fame jockey G.R. Carter. At least 21 Hall of Fame and legendary jockeys are scheduled to attend the event to honor the overcoming spirits of 11 former jockeys who also suffered catastrophic career-ending injuries.
"It's obvious Bandoroff shares their same overcoming spirits," said Dr. Eddie Donnally, Interim Jockeys and Jeans President. "His story has been an inspiration to many, and I know it will touch the hearts and souls of all who attend, especially our sports fallen riders. All of us at Jockeys and Jeans are pleased to provide him with a platform to share his life's adventure. He looked adversity in the eye and conquered it; something those former jockeys in wheelchairs do every day of their lives."
Bandoroff said, "I guess we don't stop to think that what we did inspires other people. It's gratifying to know that perhaps I have. I am honored and gratified to receive this award."
