The 17th annual jockey‑versus‑horsemen charity basketball game will take place on August 5, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the gym of the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center. The event is being co‑hosted by the recreation center, the New York Race Track Chaplaincy, and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, and is intended to generate financial support for chaplaincy programs and for jockeys with permanent disabilities.
Participants will include active jockeys from the Saratoga racing circuit and the horsemen who work behind the scenes in the industry. The matchup pits the riders against the stable staff in a friendly competition that has become a staple of the local racing community. Spectators from the surrounding area are expected to attend, turning the basketball court into a gathering point for families and fans who follow the Saratoga racing season.
Funds raised during the evening will be directed to two primary beneficiaries. The New York Race Track Chaplaincy uses contributions to provide spiritual counseling, crisis intervention, and emotional support to racing personnel and their families. The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund allocates resources to assist jockeys who have suffered career‑ending injuries, covering medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and long‑term care needs.
The game marks the seventeenth year that the local racing community has organized a sports‑oriented fundraiser, reinforcing a tradition of mutual aid among those who work at the track. By combining a popular team sport with a charitable cause, the event seeks to deepen community ties while delivering essential assistance to those who support Saratoga’s racing heritage.