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Douglas, PDJF to be recognized on Belmont Stakes Day On Saturday, riders at racetracks across the United States and Canada will take part in a unified show of support for recently injured jockey Rene Douglas and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF). Riders at Belmont Park and other racetracks will participate in a moment of tribute and support for Douglas and his fellow injured riders at approximately 4:15 p.m. (EDT). All active riders are being asked to consider contributing, as a sign of unity, one losing mount fee from their Saturday earnings to Douglas. New York Racing Association (NYRA) President and CEO Charles Hayward will make a $5,000 contribution to Triple Crown winning jockey Ron Turcotte and other riders on behalf of the PDJF during the special winner's circle ceremony at Belmont. Also, the PDJF and B.E.S.T. (Backstretch Employee Service Team) will be the two designated charities to benefit from the NetJets sponsorship of the riders in the Belmont S. (G1). Douglas was seriously injured on May 23 during a race at Arlington Park. In 1996, he won the Belmont aboard Editor's Note and during last year's Belmont Stakes program, he guided Dancing Forever (Rahy) to victory in the Manhattan H. (G1) "We appreciate the generosity of NYRA, all the jockeys, racetracks, horse owners and the racing fans whose compassion and support make such a difference in the lives of disabled riders," said Nancy LaSala, executive director of the PDJF. The PDJF's mission is to assist jockeys who are permanently disabled from an on-track accident and to build awareness for their needs. The PDJF strives to reach out to everyone within the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse industry, their business partners and the fans of horse racing for their support. The PDJF has disbursed more than $2 million to assist with the living expenses of permanently disabled riders. For more information on the PDJF visit their web site www.pdjf.org. Donations may be made to P.O. Box 803, Elmhurst, IL, 60126. Family and friends of Douglas have also established a bank account to receive donations specific for the injured rider and his family. Those wishing to donate should send checks made payable to Rene Douglas in care of Citibank, 539 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611. Douglas remains hospitalized at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago. Fans and friends wishing to send get well cards may do so at: Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 251 E Huron St., Chicago, IL, 60611. Please put in care of Rene Douglas room 953. Northwest Memorial Hospital also offers an online way for fans and friends to send a card to Douglas by visiting http://www.nmh.org/nmh/greetingcards/index.htm. In addition, friends of Douglas have set up a "Rene Douglas Get Well Card" page on the social networking site Facebook where fans can send get well wishes.
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