Jockeys to Visit the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island

On Thursday, June 7, more than a half-dozen jockeys from Belmont Park will ride into the hearts of families at the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island as part of the annual Jockey Day event.

Two days before the 144th running of the $1 million Belmont Stakes, Jockeys will travel to the Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park at 10:00 a.m. to mingle with children at the House. Clad in their colorful silks, the riders will pose for photographs and distribute gifts of personally autographed riding goggles and hats.

“This is a great event for our children and their families,” said Ronald McDonald House of Long Island Executive Director Matthew Campo. “Meeting the jockeys is always a wonderful time for everyone. We wish them the best of luck on Saturday.”

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Many of the visiting Jockeys will have mounts in this year’s Belmont Stakes which is the third leg of the Triple Crown.

“NYRA is proud to partner with the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island for their annual Jockey visit,” said NYRA Director of Community Relations, Joanne K. Adams. “We’re committed to providing support to organizations that have a positive impact on our local communities.”

The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. It is a ‘home-away-from home’ for families who are caring for seriously ill children undergoing medical treatment in area hospitals. Located on the campus of the Cohen Children’s Medical Center, the House accommodates families in a warm and supportive environment. Since opening in 1986, approximately 17,000 families from the United States and more than 80 countries around the world have been served. Many of the families are from Queens, Suffolk and Nassau Counties, as well as the surrounding metropolitan area.

For more information about RMH-LI, go to http://www.rmhlongisland.org/