WHO WE ARE

The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) is a 501(c)(3) public charity that provides financial assistance to approximately 60 former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries, predominantly paralysis and/or brain injuries. Since its 2006 inception, the fund has dispersed nearly $14 million.

OUR WHY

Many of the jockeys we assist were injured in their 20s and 30s, leaving them to face the majority of their lives with a permanent disability. With their careers cut short, they have lost both their income and the opportunity to build a financial safety net, making it difficult to support themselves and their families.

Their medical needs are significant and often require daily assistance. Rising health care costs add another layer of challenge for these courageous individuals who once rode every day.

OUR MISSION

The PDJF is committed to reaching out to the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse industries, their business partners, and the passionate racing fans for support. We are actively building an endowment to ensure the fund becomes self-sustaining. While the endowment grows, we rely on your generosity to continue providing essential support to permanently disabled jockeys, helping them meet their day-to-day needs with dignity and care.

NEWS: PDJF has been awarded a grant from the TCA (August 2025)

TCA provides grants to approved nonprofit organizations that work to support Thoroughbreds and the people who care for them. TCA rigorously vets all grant applicants to ensure their finances, business management and equine care practices meet our standard for funding.

RECIPIENT'S STORIES

OUR TESTIMONIALS

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Peek into a day in the lives of former jockeys Anne von Rosen, Jack Fires, Michael Straight, and Stacy Burton: inspirational ambassadors for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund (PDJF).

PDJF — which celebrated the 10th anniversary of its founding in 2016 — is grateful for and blessed to have many supporters and friends. But did you know that the PDJF does not yet have a guaranteed, permanent funding mechanism? The jockeys we support rely entirely on YOUR donations. In the 10 years PDJF has been in existence it has not been able to increase the monthly stipend each of its beneficiaries receives.

Please help us continue to provide help and hope to all the permanently disabled jockeys we assist. Learn more about the PDJF and donate.  WE THANK YOU!

GET INVOLVED

How you can get involved and support our mission.
ARCADIA, CA - FEB 5  Mr  Monkey Jones  Victor Espinoza up  icompetes in a claiming race at Santa Anita Park on Feb 5, 2011 in Arcadia, CA
Donate
Our disabled jockeys live bravely with paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. Please help them! Contributions to PDJF are tax deductible.
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Attend our Events
A significant portion of our event ticket sales and proceeds directly supports disabled jockeys by helping cover their medical and living expenses.
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Promote our Stories
Promoting the stories of our disabled jockeys not only raises awareness but also increases the likelihood of gaining the community support and assistance these riders urgently need.