Travers Celebration raises $120,000 for non-profits

The 2013 Travers Celebration committee on Wednesday announced that

the 13th edition of the event matched an all-time record high in generating

$120,000 for its beneficiaries: the Backstretch Employee Service Team (B.E.S.T.), the

Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) and the Times Union Hope Fund.

This year's event was held at Saratoga on August 22, two days before the 144th running of the $1 million Travers

Stakes. All net proceeds will benefit the three community organizations, each of

which will receive $40,000.

Founded in 1989, the Backstretch Employee Service Team is a

nonprofit organization which provides free health and social services to the

backstretch communities at Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga.

The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund is a 501(c)(3)

public charity that provides financial assistance to some 60 former jockeys who

have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries. Since its founding in 2006, the

fund has disbursed more than $5 million to permanently disabled jockeys, most of whom

have sustained paralysis or brain injuries. To continue its mission the PDJF

relies on donations and support from the horse racing industry.

The Times Union Hope Fund, a component fund of The

Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, raises money and awards

grants to after school and summer programs serving at risk children in Albany,

Schenectady, Rensselaer and Saratoga counties.

The 2013 Travers Celebration honored three-time Eclipse

Award winning jockey Ramon Dominguez, who announced his retirement earlier this

year following injuries sustained in an accident at Aqueduct last

January. During his career, Dominguez won 4,985 races and earned nearly $200

million in purses.

"The New York Racing Association is delighted by our

patrons' support of these wonderful organizations that do so much for so many,"

New York Racing Association (NYRA) CEO and President Chris Kay said. "It was

a privilege to recognize Ramon for his outstanding career and continued service

as an ambassador for the racing industry."

"We would like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude

to the evening's guests, whose attendance will make a meaningful impact in the

lives of thousands of individuals, including the many children throughout our

community who benefit from the services provided by the Times Union's Hope

Fund," said 2013 Travers Celebration Co-Chair George R. Hearst III, publisher

and CEO of the Times Union. "The success of the evening, reflected in the

record-matching amount of revenue generated, was undoubtedly a reflection of the

community's excitement surrounding the 150th anniversary season at Saratoga Race

Course."

"The work performed by our three beneficiaries is

tremendously important to livelihoods both on and off the track. We could not be

more pleased with the results of the evening and look forward to seeing the

impact of our contribution in the community," said 2013 Travers Celebration

Co-Chair Sharon Dominguez, wife of Ramon Dominguez.

The 2013 Travers Celebration was sponsored by NYRA, Ketel One Vodka, Metropolitan Jets, Northeastern Fine

Jewelry, Ball Watch, NewsCenter 10, Fly 92.3 and the Times Union.

The Travers Celebration has raised more than $1 million for

non-profit organizations in the Thoroughbred industry and throughout the greater

Capital Region since its inception over a decade ago.

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