For the third consecutive year, Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel hosted a foot race for local American Quarter Horse jockeys. The event was held during a live racing program on Friday, July 1st and all funds raised were donated to the Don McBeth Memorial Jockey Fund, which assists injured and disabled riders and their families.

 

This year’s race resulted in the closest finish ever, as Ray Mayo rallied from behind to catch two-time defending champion Josh Dearman  right before the finish line in the about 40-yard showdown. Mayo broke from outside post position 12 while Dearman started in stall number 8.

 

Each participant in the Don McBeth Memorial Jockey Dash was sponsored by local horsemen, who put up a combined total of $1,200 for the cause. Delta Downs matched that amount to bring this year’s total donation to $2,400.

 

The complete field for the 2011 Don McBeth Memorial Jockey Fund Dash from the rail out included Eddie Cox (sponsored by Darrel Soileau Racing), Gilbert Ortiz (Larry Kopycinski), Donell Blake (Kenneth Roberts Racing Stables), J. R. Ramirez (Heath Taylor), Raul Ramirez, Jr. (Frank Cavazos), Jeff Jerman (Randy Hebert), Lucas Constantin (Michael & Shelly Zingelmann of Wind Dancer Racing), Josh Dearman (Alvin Smith), Floriberto Maldonado (Elroy Potts, Sr.), Alfonso Lujan (Vinton Feed Store), Rafael Fernandez (Miguel Rodriguez), and Ray Mayo (Dale Beaty & Tiffani Hebert).

 

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Delta Downs is located in Vinton, Louisiana, on Delta Downs Drive. From Lake Charles, take Exit 7 and from Texas, take Exit 4.

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