The New York Race Track Chaplaincy and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund are organizing the 17th annual jockeys‑versus‑horsemen charity basketball game, scheduled for August 5 at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center. The event brings together professional jockeys and horsemen in a friendly basketball competition designed to raise money for chaplaincy programs and the Disabled Jockeys Fund.
The recreation center will host the game in its main gymnasium, providing a public venue for fans of the racing community to watch the participants trade the track for the court. Both groups will field teams composed of members who normally ride or work with thoroughbreds, offering a novel setting for camaraderie and fundraising.
Proceeds from ticket sales, concessions, and any additional donations will be directed to the chaplaincy programs that support individuals working in the racing industry, as well as to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, which assists jockeys who have suffered career‑ending injuries. The collaboration between the two organizations reflects a continued commitment to address the physical and emotional needs of those involved in horse racing.
The 17th edition of the game builds on a tradition that began over a decade ago, when the first charity matchup was organized to bring attention to the challenges faced by disabled riders. Since then, the event has grown in size and visibility, attracting participants and supporters from the broader Saratoga Springs community.
Organizers anticipate that the August 5 contest will draw a sizable crowd, given the popularity of both the sport of horse racing and community basketball events in the region. The game will be played under standard basketball rules, with a halftime break for announcements about the charitable causes and opportunities for further contributions.
The event underscores the racing industry's ongoing efforts to support its members beyond the track, using sport and community involvement to generate resources for essential services. Fans and local residents are encouraged to attend and help sustain the programs that benefit jockeys, horsemen, and their families.