GOOD NEWS FRIDAY sponsored by Liberation Farm: DRIVING FOR JOCKEYS
By Bradford Cummings
Just four and a half years ago I was working as a barista at a Starbucks in Louisville, Ky., trying to get a break after an acting career cut short and yet just a few days ago I had the pleasure of finishing a 13-day, 7-“city” tour with who I believe is one of the preeminent thinkers in the Thoroughbred industry. As they say, only in America.
And it was our beautiful and remarkable country that served as an appropriate backdrop to a trip that so easily could have gone wrong. The idea for a fundraising “drive” across country to the Breeders’ Cup was hatched two weeks prior to our visit with Keeneland, the first stop on the tour to raise money through Breeders’ Cup Charities to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and The V Foundation for Cancer Research. In that time, five of six racetracks, TVG and the Breeders’ Cup all quickly rallied around the cause and captured our vision. Tens of sponsors were called and agreed to shell out $2,000 each. And two guys who have a general liking for each other but have opposite views on the world (what type of person continues to root for a team that hasn’t won the World Series since Teddy Roosevelt was President?) successfully completed 13 days in a car together and are still on speaking terms and managing a growing business.
Each day was an adventure. Spending part of our day with Tom Leach, while not a big deal for this Louisville Cardinals fan, served as great fodder for my many poorly misguided University of Kentucky friends. Getting to meet the father/son duo of Randy and Brandon Meier at Hawthorne made it clear that when this sport is in the family, it stays in the family.
The pain in my thighs two days after the bouncy ball race at Remington Park did not last as long as the emails I still receive laughing about the YouTube video featuring that giant man racing people half his size. The drive to Hobbs, N.M., was a long and arduous one (on a side note, don’t stay at the Motel 6 in Amarillo) but led us to a perfectly small racetrack not pretending to be anything more than it is.
Going from the outhouse to the penthouse, we finished the stretch run of our trip through Phoenix and to Las Vegas where the truly spectacular Wynn Hotel accommodated us. We were unsuccessful in our betting there, but our nights of rest there were much needed.
And of course, the Breeders’ Cup was topnotch. I’ve been to several major sporting events yet this event was by far the best. The racing was dramatic, the corned beef sandwich was delicious and I got to meet Bo Derek. 
Oh, and as one of our Facebook followers said, the mare that won the feature at Santa Anita on Saturday gave quite a performance, too.
But the real magic was in meeting the jockeys at each stop and hearing their stories. They ranged from the tragic to the inspiring, often depending on where they were on their journey back from the brink.
I can’t remember a more heart-heavy day than when we visited Michael Straight’s hospital room in Chicago. To see a young man who was on his way to accomplishing his vision for his life get it all stripped away, crushed the dreamer in me. He was understandably emotional about what had happened to him with even the idea of moving hospital rooms setting off his ire. And yet through my tears and heartache, I left his room knowing things would be okay for Michael because he is blessed to have such an amazing set of parents by his side. And though I didn’t meet his twin brother Matthew, I know that relationship will never be strained. Whether he walk again, whether he ever rides a horse, Michael Straight will come out of this tragedy with a strong purpose for his life.
In Oklahoma City, we met Jo Hays, who will most likely be in her wheelchair for the rest of her life. She was paralyzed in an accident at Remington Park so for her to revisit the scene of the accident must cause her to go through emotions you and I will never understand. And yet she too is blessed with a supportive family network including a strong, quiet husband and several beautiful children. You could see the spirit in her eyes and just how grateful she was for what she had. And yet there was the pain of knowing she could never get back on a horse, at least not a fast one (her words). But pain is not entirely a bad thing for I imagined it is pain that keeps her going on some level, keeps her motivated to enjoy the life she has been given.
Dennis Keehan, who we had the pleasure of meeting at Hawthorne in Chicago, may not have had the support system of others on our journey but his spirit and love for humanity was clear. (Of course, your opinion of someone you share fried green beans and cheese balls with will always be slanted to the positive.) A 64 year-old man, Dennis had already gone through the struggles of accepting the cards dealt to him in his life and had come out the other side a person our industry can be proud of. It is my sincere hope that he has a chance to talk with jockeys like Michael Straight and Julia Brimo, recently injured at Keeneland, as they work their long road back in recovery.
And of course, who could forget Stacy Burton and Jan Hortyk in Phoenix. Turf Paradise management was less than supportive for the fundraising cause, though they did buy us lunch. We decided to reimburse them for the cost; perhaps they can use that money to improve the backside we heard nightmares about.
But any story about the PDJF should begin and end with a tribute to Nancy LaSala. Few organizations are fortunate enough to have her brand of talent and energy leading their cause. Whenever we needed something to make our trip easier, Nancy was on the spot. Every disabled jockey we spoke with sang her praises without hesitation. Dennis Keehan put it best when he referred to her as ‘lightning’. Having someone like Nancy in charge should reassure all who want to give to this cause that their money will be used as effectively as possible.
The stories of these disabled jockeys along with the 60 or so others we did not get the pleasure of meeting need to be told. We as an industry must shine a light on these permanently disabled athletes who willingly participated in a dangerous sport—because they loved it, and still do. Sadly, one consistent theme we noticed throughout our trip was how the jockeys felt like second-class citizens in horse racing. When discussing synthetic tracks, several stated that while people thought about the well being of the horse, no one considered what it would be like for a jockey to land on what some of them said was a hard and unforgiving surface.
Ultimately, this is why we chose the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund as one of our charities. We believe the horses need to be taken care of and found homes after their careers in racing are over. We hold horse welfare issues close to our hearts. But things have gotten a little backwards in our thinking as of late with over 50 horse related charities and only a handful of groups concentrating on the jockeys that risk their lives every day. We have forgotten about the people on the back of the horse and what happens to them if tragedy strikes. In an ideal world, there is enough support to go around but if given the choice to only help animals or concentrate solely on people, I will pick a human being every single day of the week.
They are our brothers and sisters.
They deserve our support.
They received it over those thirteen days.
And that, my friends, is very good news.
Copyright © 2009, The Paulick Report
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Tags: bo derek, bradford cummings, Breeders' Cup, Breeders' Cup Charities, Chicago, Dennis Keehan, Good News Friday, hawthorne, Hobbs, Jan Hortyk, Jo Hays, Julia Brimo, liberation farm, Louisville Cardinals, Matthew Straight, michael straight, Motel 6, nancy lasala, Oklahoma City, Paulick Report, permanently disabled jockeys fund, Phoenix, remington park, santa anita, Stacy Burton, The V Foundation for Cancer Research, tom leach, turf paradise, tvg, university of kentucky, Wynn Hotel
November 13th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Great read.
November 13th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Brad:
Good recap and I think you and Ray did a great job (did you get a chance to visit HP?).
You said:
“Ultimately, this is why we chose the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund as one of our charities. We believe the horses need to be taken care of and found homes after their careers in racing are over. We hold horse welfare issues close to our hearts. But things have gotten a little backwards in our thinking as of late with over 50 horse related charities and only a handful of groups concentrating on the jockeys that risk their lives every day. We have forgotten about the people on the back of the horse and what happens to them if tragedy strikes.”
Sorry, but I don’t think quality of life issues should be about one is more important than the other….although humans always are and rightly so. I always supported your charity choices, regardless. The numbers don’t seem to balance for me and that is not my argument. Anytime we can focus on those injured, most especially human in this game, all the better.
In conclusion, you said “backwards” to describe charity efforts for the horses. That seems a bit odd to me, What are these “50 horse related charities”? I think if you look, a human can at least apply for disabilty or workman’s comp (not that this is any bonanza and brings the health care debate to the forefront). Disability is certainly not something a horse can apply for. There are several charities and programs for disabled, paralyzed, etc persons. But I don’t think it should be about committing to either or; the industry should just do a better job of insurance, retirement, subsistence for all of it’s ahtlete’s/employee’s based on the dollars generated in whatever aspect of the biz….I’d start demanding more daily tag contributions from the gaming enterprises for starters (none of this annual stuff).
You left out the link for the “V” Foundation and the PDJF. Maybe some readers might just decide to give something after reading your post.
Thanks for the effort and memories.
November 13th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
D. maybe I came off a little too anti-horse charity. I’m anything but. My only point is that when I choose to support a cause, it’s probably going to be one that supports people first. I know others will feel differently and I’m glad that’s the case. Balance is what the world needs!
Good suggestion on the links. I have posted them.
November 13th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Brad:
Thanks for the thoughful and good reply…seriously. My only thoughts to same would be:
“You’d be surprised how much caring for all living things in a balanced manner, human or otherwise benefits the humans everyday.” It might be something the KY Republicans could even learn.
Thanks for the links.
p.s. I never thought the BC or Bust was choosing humans over horses…just a temporary focus because we all need kindness and care everyday from each and everyone of us, to include the lower life forms. It’s a win, win for us in the long run.
November 13th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
You could have supported horses and jockeys 50/50 and not greedy cancer researchers. Horse rescues are mostly small and local and there need to be a lot of them. Cancer research has nothing to do with horse racing. Cancer has been studied to death. $100K per year per researcher is not an effective way to use money. If one wanted to save human lives one would donate to much worthier causes that feed,provide clean water,vaccines,microloans,etc. to people in need.
November 13th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
I agree that cancer research has a ton of money tunnels. Maybe Brad or Ray could explain why the V Foundation wound up in the mix (I think they explained that once and regardless, I think I know the answer).
p.s. Ask Lost In the Fog if cancer (acknowledge that 99.9% of funds for cancer don’t do squat about animal with same) isn’t an issue.
You made some good points. I still think BC or Bust was a good and noble effort.
November 13th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
All I can say is “wow” about your article. It is absolutely beautiful Brad. You have touched on so many emotions in my heart, and made me smile at the same time. I know that Ray & you have done a tremendous service in a short period of time to help draw awareness to the support of these wonderful people in the Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund. Obviously, I am a bit biased since I take care of Stacy Burton, but having met several of the jockeys (at the “Dining with the Dynasty” benefit at Arlington Race Track this past August) , I feel a real commitment to all of them.
Mentioning Michael Straight & Julia Brimo, I hope that they feel a bit of compassion coming from the PDJF because this was not around when Stacy got hurt 9 years ago. I hope they know that there are many of us out there that are praying for their strength & healing. They each have their own special story to tell, but they each share the misery and frustration of the physical and mental limitations that their injuries have imposed on their life. I pray for their continued healing and strength. One day, I would love to meet them, too.
Again, none of the awareness, money and support would be present without the relentless help of Nancy LaSala. She is an amazing woman that does not quit; take “no” for an answer; or every forget her mission. She is the driving force behind the PDJF, and I know every jockey is a little better off because of her divine spirit and commitment.
Thank you once again to you, Brad & Ray. You picked a very special group of people to fight for in your endeavors. They may be small in stature, but they all have a very big heart!
Sincerely,
Jan Hortyk
November 13th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
2016: Republican presidential nominee Ray Paulick & rival Democratic nominee Brad Cummings debated each other in Kansas City, a week before the general election held to select the country’s next commander-in-chief.
Otherwise articulate, surprisingly, neither had a coherent explanation as to why they had both abandoned their original parties (it is thought that the effect each had on the other in 2009 - during which time they had co-piloted a cross-country, 1,500 mile journey - might have had something to do with it).
On Election Day itself, yesterday, the 3rd party candidate scored an upset victory over the two main candidates.
Elmo Goofratz, former Tundra Para-Mutuel CEO, attributed his unanticipated victory to being able to parlay a $56 check sent to him by Paulick & Cummings into the unlimited millions necessary to run for America’s highest office.
President-elect Goofratz couldn’t resist quipping, “Ain’t it amazing how placing a higher value upon ethical behavior can backfire on ya?”
Paulick & Cummings will return to their co-editorship of the Paulick Report at the onset of the 2017 winter meet at Hialeah Racetrack, Florida’s only surviving thoroughbred race track.
They plan to once again support the Disabled Jockey Fund with a “BC or Bust II” marathon, driving from Miami to Canada to attend the 2017 Breeders’ Cup at Woodbine, the only surviving racetrack north of Hialeah.
November 13th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Brad said:
“…as of late with over 50 horse related charities and only a handful of groups concentrating on the jockeys that risk their lives every day.”
The number of equine charities doesn’t matter, it is the amount of financial support it receives from the industry and if it even begins to match the need created by the careless discarding of unprofitable horses. All equine rescues struggle to feed and repair others’ horses.
I agree that cancer research is an extremely well marketed and capitalized industry.
How much money is donated by the industry and its insiders to help:
- jockeys
Including insurance, while jockeys refuse to take responsibility for their own lives by demanding accident prevention reforms.
- causes which have nothing to do with horse racing and are already extremely well funded
Including tsunami victims in Indonesia, a country which hates Americans yet for which millions were raised overnight by racing insiders.
- repair, rehab, retrain, retire with dignity and/or humanely euthanize spent, wounded, unwanted racing and breeding horses
Rescuers of racing and breeding horses receive inadequate financial support from the industry. Many horses cannot be saved from a barbaric trip and death and it is not due to lack of will but to lack of funds.
Racing powerbrokers’ pet charities are selected most the time and they include horse charities nearly often enough and horses deserve far more compassion and protection, at least so the industry can earn some respect.
November 14th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
You spent all that time with Ray and you still sound sane. Congratulations — it was a great thing that you guys pulled off.
November 14th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
I agree with you Joe. Horses need lots more help and deserve help. Horses earn the money. They are not inanimate objects like cars. Jockeys know the risks and the horses do not. Horses usually die if it would cost a lot to save them but no expense is spared in saving the jockeys. Jockeys have done things that caused injuries to other jockeys and horses. Maybe they could train horses to run without them just like the greyhounds. When was the last time a jockey got euthanized because he broke one or more bones? More money for the horses. They earn it and they deserve it. Artemisinin like Novartis Coartem might have saved Lost In The Fog if they had tried it. Researchers have said it kills cancer cells and not just malaria. It has already been used in people for years and it is inexpensive. It is also quick and does not make people sick. Many cancer researchers in the US do not want their gravy train to stop. Greedy hospitals ditto. One needs no expensive prolonged treatment if it is as effective against cancer as it is against malaria and it is according to some people. There are many self serving people against an inexpensive safe cure. There would be no more huge grants of $100K per year. Did it occur to some people that drug companies have been doing cancer research for years with the hope of increasing their profits and that these so called charities with their inferior people who were not good enough to get jobs with those well heeled companies are highly unlikely to ever produce anything that could save lives?
November 14th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Dear Thehorses….
I’m sorry that something has happened in your life to make you so jaded and angry toward scientists and researchers. I have had more friends and family die from this disease than I care to remember.
At Keeneland this fall, when the track hosted nine families via the Make A Wish Foundation, there was a husband and wife from Louisville with two beautiful teenagers–a boy and girl. The two children had different forms of cancer, and it was heartbreaking to see what the entire family was going through. Yet none of them was crying “why me?” They were dealing with it courageously and with a perspective from which we could all learn.
When Breeders’ Cup agreed to partner with us on the Breeders’ Cup or Bust, they asked if would consider the V Foundation as a co-beneficiary with the PDJF. I thought of that family and of the friends and loved ones I’ve lost to cancer and agreed immediately. We shouldn’t be insular in our charitable giving.
Thehorses, whoever you are, I assume you are a big supporter of equine charities, and I applaud you for that. But please don’t denigrate those who don’t necessarily see the world in black and white like you seem to do. I have supported and will continue to support equine charities and currently sit on the board of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, so I understand the needs of horse rescue and rehabilitation organizations.
Again, I’m sorry for whatever has happened to you in your life to make you so angry. Perhaps if you direct that anger in a positve way through volunteer work you’ll be able to deal with whatever personal issues you have.
November 15th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
One of those independent researchers used my mother for a guinea pig in her radiation experiment and her bladder tissue started dying off causing her so much pain she wanted to die. She had an operation but she wound up dying within days being almost brain dead. Someone I used to work in the same place with complained to me about how her father who had one cancer cell had his insides cooked by an overdose of radiation and died in agony. A journalist I read about was killed by an overdose of chemotherapy drugs. Why are you so in favor of wasting money on research that will most likely never ever save a single life? The people who touted you on this charity maybe be friends or relatives of one or more of those getting these huge grants. Why do keep ignoring the fact that their research and the money spent on it may be a total waste. What do you have against Novartis and their artemisinin drug Coartem. They are a respectable drug company. Don’t you think an inexpensive cure that has already been used in many thousands of people is something to celebrate or do you prefer people being tortured and made ill and sometimes killed by poisonous drugs and radiation. I think you have a serious problem if you think we should ignore a cure to make researchers rich. Several people in my family died because of cancer before researchers discovered that artemesinin kills cancer cells. I do not want poeople to keep dying because other people do not want to see their big fat grants disappearing and the money spent actual saving lives. I am angry because people are dying while other people are wasting money that could have saved them or their fellow creatures.
November 15th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
I think someone missed the point of this beautiful story. It was about people. life, and working together to help each other. After all, we are all put on this earth for just a short time. Make the best of it!
November 17th, 2009 at 1:13 am
Ray and Brad - Don’t let anyone take you away from the positive focus you put on your trip. It was a great buzz to those I know in the racing industry. Your heartfelt meetings with some of the jocks that may benefit from the PDJF goes a long way and puts a face on a tragic reality that sometimes happens in this exciting sport we all love.
The concept and completion of your efforts are appreciated by so many. Job well done!
November 17th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
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November 18th, 2009 at 2:54 am
I definitely agree.. Synergistic View… The whole is better than the sum of its parts….
November 18th, 2009 at 8:03 am
I agree… We are entitled to our own opinion. Just focus on your trip. Don’t mind other people