by Tom Dawson for SureBet

Jacky’s Words

On Saturday, October 8, the Jockeys Guild will hold a nationwide fundraiser for Jacky Martin. The occasion has caused me to take a different view of some video I acquired during Labor Day weekend.

In preparing for Surebet’s All American video coverage, I did the logical thing. I interviewed Jacky. My plan was to do a piece in which he discussed all four of his finalists. I also intended to use appropriate sound bites in a feature on fastest qualifier Ochoa, who would surely be favored to extend Martin’s record All American victory total to eight.

The interview took place at the Ruidoso Horse Sale facility on the morning of Friday, September 2.

We all know what happened shortly after 2:00 that afternoon.

After listening to the recording several times that day and the next, I decided not to use any of it in our All American coverage. The interview assumed Jacky would be aboard Ochoa and given the ensuing circumstances, using his words in an upbeat pre-race feature seemed inappropriate.

During Jacky’s stay at the University Medical Center in El Paso, I was able to visit several times and gave a
copy of the interview to Jacky’s wife Tracey. She told me Jacky would have wanted me to use it, but she understood why I didn’t.

But now, five weeks removed from the accident, and in light of this weekend’s activities, I’m taking a different view.

I’m convinced there are many Jacky Martin friends and fans who might like to hear him talk Quarter Horse racing once again. My questions are barely audible, as they were never intended for air. But his answers are definitive.

Click on the link to see a snapshot of a man on a mission, bringing all the skill and confidence which
you would expect from the best. http://www.youtube.com/user/horseartst?feature=mhsn#p/u/0/KrRgcw4KTzs

The national fundraiser for seriously injured jockey Jacky Martin will be held at racetracks across the country on Saturday, October 8th

Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse jockeys are being asked to contribute a losing mount fee to help with costs associated with the long-term care for the champion quarter horse jockey who was paralyzed after a spill at Ruidoso Downs.

To bring awareness to Martin, and in his honor, jockeys will be riding with a boot decal with Jacky’s name.

“It is critically important that the funds raise enough money to help with the long-term care for Jacky,” said Terry Meyocks, national manager of the Jockeys’ Guild. “Insurance only covers so much of the needed costs. We are asking jockeys and individuals to help Jacky carryon his life after this catastrophic event. All donations are appreciated.”

Funds for Martin’s long-term care will be partially served by the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack Chaplaincy benevolence fund, which has a longstanding mission of helping people in need, such as Martin.

Contributions to the benevolence fund can be made by writing a check to the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack Chaplaincy and indicate on the memo line it should be for the benevolence fund. Checks then should be sent to Ruidoso Downs Racetrack Chaplaincy, Ruidoso Downs, P.O. Box 449, Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico 88346.

Any contribution to the benevolence fund is tax deductible and distributions are tax free for the recipients.

Tom Dawson – Owner of Mirage Media Inc. Free Lance sports Television producer for horse racing and other sports airing on ESPN, ABC & other networks. Over 500 live remotes produced. Joined SureBet in 2010.