DELTA JOCKEYS RACE TO RAISE MONEY

July 27, 2010 - For the second consecutive year, Delta Downs hosted a foot race for local American Quarter Horse jockeys. The event was held during a live racing program on Friday, July 9, and all funds raised were donated to the Don McBeth Memorial Jockey Fund, which assists injured and disabled riders.

Young rider Josh Dearman won the race for the second year in a row, defeating 11 rivals in the 40-yard showdown. Dearman won this year’s race from post 3 after a victorious effort from post 9 last year.

Each participant in the Don McBeth Memorial Jockey Fund Dash was sponsored by local horsemen, who put up a combined total of $1,150 for the cause. Delta Downs added another $1,750 to bring this year’s total donation to $2,900. That amount marked a 7.4 percent increase from last year when total donations equaled $2,700.

The complete field for the 2010 Don McBeth Memorial Jockey Fund Dash, from the rail out, included Donald Watson (sponsored by Kevin Broussard Racing), John Hamilton (Winner’s Circle Church, La. Downs), Josh Dearman (Vinton Feed Store), Bobby Ransom (Vann Haywood Racing), Manuel Noyola (JLS Speedhorse Ranch), Leroy McClurg (Joe & Carly Manucy Racing), Trevino Clark (Van Bebber Racing), Jeff Jerman (Wind Dancer Ranch), Ray Mayo (Ray Mayo Racing), Rafael Fernandez (Winner’s Circle Edge Tack Shop), Lucas Constantin (Kenneth Weeks Racing), and Gilbert Ortiz (Go Racing).