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 NetJets® Sponsorship of Jockeys to Continue in Preakness Stakes
WOODBRIDGE, N.J. (May 15, 2008) – A Kentucky Derby Day promotion facilitated by NetJets Inc., the Jockeys’ Guild, Churchill Downs and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (“TOBA”) has raised $500,000 to benefit the NTRA Charities - Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Jockey John Velazquez will present the gift to representatives of the fund on Friday morning at Pimlico Race Course.
NetJets, the worldwide leader in private aviation, contributed $200,000 to the donation on behalf of the 20 jockeys participating in Kentucky Derby 134 and made an additional contribution of $100,000. Richard T. Santulli, chairman and CEO of NetJets, made a personal donation of $100,000, as did Bill Casner, owner of WinStar Farm and chairman of TOBA. NetJets will also sponsor the riders competing in Saturday’s 133rd running of the Preakness Stakes. “NetJets is truly honored to join with the Derby jockeys and Bill Casner to make this donation to the NTRA Charities - Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund,” said Richard T. Santulli. “Through our sponsorship of the Kentucky Derby and now the Preakness, we hope to build awareness of the many worthy charities within the Thoroughbred industry, and help raise additional money to benefit these great causes. The fund is a lifesaver to riders injured during the course of their careers, and we are privileged to join with these partners to support them through this gift.” “This is the single largest donation in the history of the fund, and we greatly appreciate the contributions of NetJets, the Kentucky Derby jockeys and the personal gifts of Richard Santulli and Bill Casner” said Alex Waldrop, president and CEO of the NTRA. “Their generosity and dedication is making a difference in the lives of disabled riders.” “I would like to thank NetJets, Richard Santulli, Bill Casner and the jockeys who participated in Kentucky Derby 134 for their generous contribution to the NTRA Charities - Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, as well as Churchill Downs and the owners of Kentucky Derby 134 starters for their assistance in making this donation a reality,” said Velazquez, who also serves as chairman of the board of directors of the Jockeys’ Guild. “The industry worked together for the benefit of the industry and a worthy cause. My fellow riders and I, along with the Jockeys’ Guild, look forward to continuing to work with all segments of the industry to help racing and its charitable efforts, and we hope that everyone who cares about racing will contribute to these deserving causes.” Preakness jockeys will donate their NetJets sponsorship money to The Jockey Club Foundation, a charitable trust that provides financial assistance to needy members of the Thoroughbred industry and their families, and the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, which is committed to the advancement of research to enhance the health and soundness of horses of all breeds. For more information or to make a contribution to the NTRA Charities – Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation or The Jockey Club Foundation please visit www.ntracharities.org. The $500,000 check will be presented to disabled jockey and NTRA Charities – Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund representative Jackie Fires as well as NTRA President and CEO Alex Waldrop. About NetJets Inc. NetJets Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company, is the worldwide leader in private aviation and provides the safest and most secure private aviation solutions. NetJets fractional aircraft ownership allows individuals and companies to buy a share of a private business jet at a fraction of the cost of whole aircraft ownership, and guarantees availability 365 days a year with just a few hours' notice. The NetJets programs worldwide offer the largest and most diversified fleet in private aviation, which includes 15 of the most popular business jets in the world. Access to the NetJets fleet is also available in the form of a short-term lease, sold on an all-inclusive, pre-paid basis in 25-hour increments, through an exclusive alliance with Marquis Jet Partners. NetJets Inc. also offers aircraft management, charter management, and on-demand charter services through its subsidiary, Executive Jet Management. More information on NetJets, the Marquis Jet Program, and Executive Jet Management is available at www.netjets.com. About The Jockeys’ Guild The Jockeys' Guild is an organization that was formed and is governed by Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse jockeys who ride throughout the United States. The organization represents jockeys on a national and local basis to address issues concerning the riders. The Jockeys' Guild also assists injured and disabled riders and their families. The Guild has served as an advocate for the jockeys since it was incorporated in 1940. For more information visit www.jockeysguild.com. About NTRA Charities – Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund Formed in 1999 as a subsidiary of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), NTRA Charities is a nonprofit, 501 (c) (3) public charity. NTRA Charities works to improve the communities that are home to Thoroughbred racing and to ensure the health and safety of the sport’s human and equine athletes. For more information visit www.ntracharities.org. About Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation is the nation’s leading source of private funding for equine medical research aimed at enhancing the health, safety and soundness of all horses. In 2008, the foundation is underwriting 24 projects for $1,226,457, including projects devoted to laminitis and equine herpesvirus, two of the most visible maladies horses face. During the last 25 years, the foundation has underwritten 239 projects at 35 universities for more than $15.5 million. Contributions in support of the foundation may be mailed to Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, at either 821 Corporate Drive, Lexington KY 40503-2794 or at 40 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022. For more information visit www.grayson-jockeyclub.org. About The Jockey Club Foundation The Jockey Club Foundation is a charitable trust that provides financial relief to needy members of the Thoroughbred industry and their families. Financial aid is extended either through a monthly assistance program or on a lump-sum basis to cover such expenses as medical bills not covered by insurance, motorized wheelchairs, and physical therapy and equipment for in-home rehabilitation. Grants from the foundation in 2007 totaled $556,349. Since 1985, the foundation has been able to help more than 1,000 individuals and their families with more than $12 million in support. Contributions in support of the foundation may be mailed to The Jockey Club Foundation, 40 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022. For more information visit www.tjcfoundation.org. Original Release
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