Most years, the Monday after Preakness I turn my attention immediately to the Belmont Stakes. Not this year. That’s because on June 3 – the Saturday before the final jewel in the Triple Crown – I will be the emcee of the fourth annual Jockeys & Jeans Charity Event at Parx Racing near Philadelphia. More than a dozen Hall of Fame jockeys will be in attendance to meet and greet fans, as well as raise a lot of money for fallen riders and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. 

The public is encouraged to join us beginning at noon on June 3 on the third-floor of the Parx clubhouse for a luncheon, autograph session, meet-and-greet and silent auction with incredible racing memorabilia. General admission to the track is free and just a $40 donation for admission to the Jockeys & Jeans event puts you tableside with some of the sport’s all-time greats. 

Among those Hall of Fame jockeys scheduled to appear – ladies first, of course – include the great Julie Krone, as well as Laffit Pincay, Jr., Ramon Dominguez, Pat Day, Chris McCarron, Jorge Velasquez, Jacinto Vasquez, Edgar Prado, Earlie Fires, Don Pierce, Sandy Hawley, Manny Ycaza, Bobby Ussery, Bill Boland, John Rotz, Tom Walsh, Jerry Fishback and more. It’s such a neat cross-section of contemporary and legendary riders all coming together to be with the fans. 

I’m in the process of working on my scripts to keep the day flowing and weaving the stories of these Hall of Fame riders. Horses, jockeys and the history they make – no matter how big or small – have become a timestamp in my lifetime. That’s part of my focus on June 3, to share those experiences with the riders and fans in attendance. Do you remember where you were when Laffit Pincay, Jr. guided Swale to the Derby win in 1984? If you’re a racing fan, chances are, you do. Feel free to share your experiences with me by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your memories of the Hall of Fame riders listed. Maybe they’ll make their way into my script at Jockeys & Jeans! 

For tickets to the event you can call 717-503-0182 from 9-5 pm ET Mondays through Saturdays. Visit www.jockeysandjeans.com for a link to online ticket purchasing as well as a browse at the silent auction items. 

I hope to see you in my home state of Pennsylvania on June 3 to support a great cause. More than quarter-million dollars are in our cross-hairs to be raised in a single day to help riders who need it. We’d love for you to help as you can!