Summer’s here and the time is right for dancing, singing, acting, and general good-natured mayhem as the Saratoga jockey colony and guests will take to the stage in support of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund (PDJF).

This popular event on the Spa’s social calendar will be held Monday, August 3, 2015 at Vapor Night Club inside Saratoga Casino and Raceway (342 Jefferson Street, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.). The legendary Tom Durkin, former NYRA track announcer, returns as emcee.

Junior Alvarado, Kendrick Carmouche, Javier Castellano, Rafael Hernandez, Julien Leparoux, Jose Lezcano, Mike Luzzi, Irad and Jose Ortiz, Taylor Rice, Joel Rosario and Hall of Famers Chris McCarron and John Velazquez are among the many jockeys who will be performing. There will be a few surprise performances as well. Confirmed judges this year are trainers Leah Gyarmati, H. Graham Motion, and Todd Pletcher.

“While the karaoke contest gets sillier and more fun each year, the reason we participate is very serious,” said PDJF Board Member and Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez. “Those served by the PDJF rely on their monthly check to lead active and independent lives despite their disabilities. Since the PDJF has no permanent funding mechanism, fundraising events like jockey karaoke become that much more important.”

Advance tickets are available online. V.I.P. tickets ($150) include early (5:30 p.m.) admission to the venue, a private buffet dinner with the jockeys, and preferred seating close to the stage. General admission tickets are $75 (7:00 p.m. entry). The show starts at 7:45 p.m. There will be silent and live auctions of racing memorabilia, dancing and a cash bar. Patrons must be 21 years of age or older to enter the premises. Event sponsors are also being sought; click here.

(MEDIA ADVISORY: A clip from last year’s contest is available on YouTube. Download the event ad from Photobucket.)

The PDJF is an independent 501(c)(3) public charity providing financial assistance to former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries. Created in 2006 by leaders in the horse racing industry, PDJF has disbursed over $6 million dollars and currently supports 61 permanently disabled jockeys, most of whom have paralysis or traumatic brain injuries. The Fund is grateful for the support of our many industry partners who are committed to the welfare of these men and women.

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