Jockeys Invitational raises more than $25,000 for hurricane
victims
A total of $25,168 was raised Thursday evening at the Meadowlands when
jockeys from the track joined with Louisiana riders to help victims of Hurricane
Katrina. The Katrina Invitational Jockey Challenge drew Louisiana natives Kent
Desormeaux, Mark Guidry, Eddie Martin Jr., Craig Perret and Gary Stevens, who
teamed with the local jockey colony to sign autographs.
The riding fees from the 3RD, 4TH, 6TH and 7TH races, a total of $12,378,
were also contributed to the fund-raiser, as was $10,000 donated by the
Meadowlands. Racing fans and horsemen gave $2,790.
“I just want to thank the Meadowlands fans for digging in your pockets and
reaching deep and having some heart and helping these people to have a little
bit of comfort,” Desormeaux said. “Families lives weren’t just
interrupted, they were altered. Their houses are gone. They’re living in someone
else’s home.
“These people aren’t going to have to wonder where they’re going to
buy their next bottle of milk for their babies. And they’re going to know that
for at least a little while that their child can be fed.”
The money raised will be turned over the Race Track Chaplaincy program to
benefit Louisiana horsemen.
“Jockeys as a whole, we’re the kind of guys, unlike basketball players, we’re
all on different teams really,” Desormeaux said. “We all go back to the same
room. It gets ugly sometimes. But when the races are over, it’s like ‘good job,
buddy, see you tomorrow.’ I’m proud of the guys for showing up. That’s the kind
of rapport that jockeys have.”