A Kentucky Derby (G1) day promotion facilitated by NetJets, the Jockeys’ Guild, Churchill Downs, and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association raised $500,000 to benefit the NTRA Charities-Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.

NetJets contributed $200,000 on behalf of the 20 jockeys participating in Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands and made an additional contribution of $100,000. Richard Santulli, chairman and CEO of NetJets, made a personal donation of $100,000, as did WinStar owner Bill Casner, the chairman of TOBA.

“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,” National Thoroughbred Racing Association President Alex Waldrop said. “Their generosity and dedication is making a difference in the lives of disabled riders.”

NetJets also will sponsor the riders competing in the Preakness Stakes (G1) on Saturday afternoon. 

“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,” Santulli said in a statement. “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.” 

Jockey John Velazquez will present the gift to representatives of the fund on Friday morning at Pimlico Race Course.

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.