Jockeys Invitational raises more than $25,000 for hurricane victims

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."