JUNO BEACH, FL—MARCH 3, 2021—For the first time the annual Jockeys and Jeans auction to raise funds for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund included Quarter Horse Industry stallions, with former ten-time Champion Jockey G.R. Carter spearheading the effort to enlist Quarter Horse breeders, who spent $31,500 for breeding seasons. Thoroughbred stallion season buyers spent $36,100. 

“I think it should be noted that despite the sale taking place in the middle of the Pandemic, it was a success,” said Jockeys and Jeans President Barry Pearl. “I think that is a testament to the resiliency of those in the world of racing and their passion to care for those jockeys in both facets of racing who suffered career ending injuries.” 

The all-volunteer Jockeys and Jeans, founded by five former riders in late 2014, has raised $1.6 million for the some 60 disabled former jockeys who receive a monthly $1,000 stipend from the PDJ F. The annual Jockeys and Jeans fundraising event at a separate track each year has become the single most successful fund raising venue in Thoroughbred racing. 

Their planned event at Churchill Downs last fall had to be canceled due to the pandemic, but the group is planning an event this summer and possibly a virtual event later this spring. Both will be announced. 

“We thank stallion season donors and buyers alike,” said Pearl. “We believe the old horse racing saying, ‘what goes around comes around,’ is true, and we believe the matings this sale produces will one day produce a champion.” 

Four of Jockeys and Jeans nine committee members solicited stallion seasons: Barry Pearl, VP Eddie Donnally, Maureen and Darrell Brown and new member Leah Whitsell. 

If you have questions contact Barry Pearl at jockeysandjeans@gmail.com or call (717) 503-0182 or Eddie Donnally djockeysandjeans@gmail.com or call (818) 653-3711.