Saratoga Springs will host its annual Jockeys vs. Horsemen charity basketball game on August 5, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center. The event brings together two groups from the racing community to compete on the court while raising money for the New York Race Track Chaplaincy and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.
The game marks the 17th edition of the fundraiser, a tradition that pairs professional jockeys against horsemen in a friendly yet competitive setting. Hall of Fame jockeys have taken on coaching duties for the teams, lending their experience and name recognition to the cause. Their involvement underscores the racing community’s ongoing commitment to supporting its members, particularly those facing physical challenges.
Proceeds from ticket sales, concessions, and donations during the evening will be directed to two key programs. The New York Race Track Chaplaincy provides spiritual and emotional support to workers on the tracks, while the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund assists riders who have sustained permanent injuries in the line of duty. Both organizations rely on community events such as this to sustain their outreach and assistance efforts.
The Saratoga Springs Recreation Center, a central venue for local sports and gatherings, will host the game on its hardwood courts. Attendees can expect the usual excitement of a basketball matchup, with the added dimension of seeing familiar faces from the racetrack trade in their silks for sneakers. The event also offers an opportunity for fans, families, and supporters of the racing industry to connect in a relaxed atmosphere while contributing to charitable causes.
Organizers from the recreation center, the chaplaincy, and the disabled jockeys fund have collaborated to ensure the night runs smoothly, from scheduling to post‑game acknowledgments. As the 17th installment approaches, the community looks forward to another successful evening of sport, camaraderie, and fundraising for vital support services within the racing world.
The game promises to combine the competitive spirit of basketball with the philanthropic goals of the racing community, reinforcing long‑standing bonds among jockeys, horsemen, and their supporters.