The seventeenth annual jockey‑versus‑horsemen charity basketball game is scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center. The event, organized by the New York Race Track Chaplaincy and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, will pit local jockeys against horsemen in a friendly competition aimed at raising money for chaplaincy programs and support services for permanently disabled jockeys.
Both groups of participants will take the court under the guidance of Hall of Fame members who have agreed to coach the jockeys. The involvement of these celebrated figures adds a professional edge to the training and underscores the close ties between the racing community and its supporters. While the game is primarily a fundraiser, it also serves as a public showcase of the camaraderie that exists between jockeys and horsemen, two groups that share the same tracks but rarely meet in a sports setting.
Proceeds from ticket sales, donations, and any ancillary fundraising activities will be directed to the chaplaincy programs that provide spiritual and emotional assistance to racing personnel, as well as to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, which offers financial aid and resources to riders who have suffered career‑ending injuries. Organizers hope that the continued success of this annual event will sustain and expand these essential services.
The Saratoga Springs Recreation Center, a venue familiar to local residents for community events, will host the game, offering ample seating for spectators and space for post‑game celebrations. Attendees can expect a lively atmosphere, with the competitive spirit of the sport blended with the charitable purpose that has defined the event for nearly two decades. The game marks another milestone in a tradition that highlights the racing industry's commitment to giving back to its members.