Jockeys to honour rider who was killed in accident

Horse racing. Joe Mahoney/AP

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Jockeys nationwide will honour the 17-year-old apprentice who was killed in a riding accident recently.

The Jockeys’ Guild says jockeys will wear a patch during Breeders’ Cup weekend with the initials of Juan Saez on their pants or boots as well as a black band to recognize him and other riders who have been killed during a race or as a result of race-related injuries.

All jockeys will be asked to donate at least one losing mount fee on Oct. 31 or Nov. 1 to a fund established to help Saez’s family.

The Lexington, Kentucky-based guild said Monday that it is partnering with Race Track Chaplaincy of America to set up the fund.

Saez was killed last week when he fell from his mount during a race at Indiana Grand in Shelbyville, Indiana.

The Panama native is survived by his parents Carlos and Laurentina Ramos Saez, and five brothers and sisters, including nationally known jockey Luis Saez.

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