05-08-2025
Riders Up! Jockey Karaoke Contest In Saratoga Raises Over $100,000 For PDJF
Riders Up! Jockey Karaoke Contest In Saratoga Raises Over $100,000 For PDJF originally appeared on Paulick Report.
The 13th edition of Riders Up! East vs. West jockey karaoke contest in Saratoga did not disappoint, raising over $100,000 during one of the most popular events on the Saratoga race meet competition between the Jockeys on stage rivaled anything on the track that weekend. Michael and Matthew Straight and their performance of 'Lean on Me' by Bill Withers had the crowd on their feet and singing along. The brothers left others in the dust, scoring the double by winning both the Judges' Choice Award and the People's Choice Award.
The Jockeys were as entertaining as ever, impressing the capacity crowd at the Vapor Night Club with surprising vocal talents and eye-popping costumes. But at times, it was the judges themselves that grabbed the spotlight with LSU Racing's Randy Sarf, co-owner of Hildebrandt Ice Cream, trainers Cherie DeVaux and Graham Motion, and Hall of Fame jockey Angel Codero as they critiqued each performance. Legendary track announcer Tom Durkin once again served as emcee piloting the evening's program and conducting the live auction, which included a baseball bat signed by Yankees superstar Aaron Judge which brought the evening's top bid of $9, would like to extend special thanks to our sponsors, 1st Bet, Susan Naylor, Donegal Racing, New York Racing Association, Centennial Farms, Imperio Stable, Flying Zee Racing, Sackatoga Stables and Jockeys' Guild.
Next up, the Del Mar Jockeys will try their best to top their Saratoga counterparts in the ongoing Battle of East-vs-West on Sunday, August 10th. The Del Mar festivities will be posted throughout the evening on PDJF social media platforms, including Twitter (@PDJFund), Facebook ( and Instagram. After the judges name their favorite performance, the public will vote online for their favorite via Facebook and Twitter. Fans will also be able to vote on the winners of both events to make the final decision of the Coast with the admission tickets (including one drink coupon) for each person are $75 with 7:45 p.m. entry to Belly Up. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $175, which includes early entry 6:00 PM local time, open reserved seats, two drink coupons, and a buffet dinner with the jockeys. Performances are scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM local time and will feature live and silent auctions and a cash bar. Patrons must be 21 years of age or older to enter the premises. Tickets are now on sale at sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact the PDJF by email (events@ or call (630) 595-7660.
This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Aug 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
