In 2014, Minnesota’s quarter horse and thoroughbred racing contingents along with racetrack officials and members of the jockey colony formed the Leg Up Fund. Their intent was to create a permanent fund to provide emergency financial assistance to jockeys injured in the performance of their profession at Canterbury Park. The assistance is provided to riders that need help during the recovery process, hence the name “Leg Up,” which is a phrase used in racing referring to a jockey being assisted or ‘legged up’ onto his mount for an upcoming race.
During Sunday’s 10-race card, various activities are planned to involve race fans in the effort to raise awareness and money for the fund. Thus far, the fund has assisted two riders.
“Ideally we would grow the Leg Up Fund and never need to use it,” jockey Dean Butler said. “But we know that is not the reality. Jockeys get injured occasionally and insurance is often unaffordable in this line of work. Leg Up Fund helps those injured riders take care of day-to-day expenses while they recover and return to the saddle.”
Jockeys themselves contribute to the fund each day on a voluntary per-mount basis and horse owners match that contribution. There are multiple opportunities on Sunday for race fans to show their support, including:
· Sponsoring a jockey
· Jockey autograph and photo session
· Stick horse race for children and a dunk tank
· A silent auction that will include items from local businesses as well as art prints and the opportunity to dine with jockeys
Donations can also be made by texting ‘Jockey’ to 41444
Former Canterbury jockey Anne Von Rosen, paralyzed in a riding accident in March of 2014 at Turf Paradise in Phoenix, Ariz., will make her first visit to the track since the accident to show her support and assist with fundraising. She received assistance from the Leg Up Fund last year.
The first post on Sunday is 12:45 p.m. General admission is $6 for adults. Children 17 and younger are admitted free.
