Tuesday, February 21, 2012
A fundraiser for injured jockey Jacky Martin is being held at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino through Sunday, February 26.
Track and casino patrons can place a wager or any type of donation for Martin in barrels located throughout the facility. Wagers placed for the fundraiser can be made in any denomination at Sunland Park or any of the track's imported simulcast tracks.
Also, the fourth race at Sunland on February 26 – appropriately a Quarter Horse race – will be named in Martin's honor.
Martin was seriously injured in a spill at Ruidoso Downs last August. He returned to riding in 2010 after a four-year absence and was that year voted AQHA champion jockey, an honor he also earned 10 years earlier.
Martin has won the Grade 1 All American Futurity – Quarter Horse racing's richest and most prestigious race – a record seven times, most recently with champion Eyesa Special in 2000. Prior to his accident last summer, he rode 2011 fastest qualifier and eventual All American winner Ochoa in the gelding's trial heat.
Monetary donations for Martin's rehabilitation can also be sent to the following address – Jacky Martin-Tracy Martin Special Accoutn, Ft. Gibson State Bank, P.O. Box 130, Ft. Gibson, OK 74434.